Art, history, archeology, sacredness, defensive strategies: Brescia’s plain is a pleasant discovery which ranges from the works of great artists – see the two canvases by Tiepolo in the basilica of Verolanuova – to ancient proofs of how this area was populated time after time. Whether you stop here in contemplation or together with your family, you’ll be amazed by the characteristic sunsets of the lower province and the wonderful outdoor spaces.
To stay up to date on openings, visit the official websites of each location.
1) Castle of Padernello (Borgo San Giacomo)
A historical and cultural landmark of the lower Brescia area, the Castle of Padernello was built in the 15th century and was remodeled several times until in the 1700s it was turned into a mansion. Its conformation is the one still visible today.
Surrounded by a moat and equipped with a drawbridge (still working!), the charming Castle of Padernello is managed and enhanced by the namesake foundation, which takes visitors on interesting guided tours to discover the manor’s secrets. The schedule of events is very rich and ranges from concerts, exhibitions, and night tours to the famous food markets.
- Via Cavour 1, Padernello, Borgo San Giacomo – tel. +39 030 9408766
- castellodipadernello.it
- Paid admission with guided tour
Find out more about the Castle of Padernello.
2) San Vigilio Bridge (Borgo San Giacomo)
Suspended between space and time in the quiet of the village immersed in Brescia’s plain, the San Vigilio Bridge is a work of art by late artist Giuliano Mauri (Lodi Vecchio, 1938 – Lodi, 2009) harmoniously inserted in a natural context that makes the balance between earth, water, and woods its strength. Let the path guide you and treat yourself to an exciting walk on the bridge!
- Via Palazzina, Padernello, Borgo San Giacomo
- Free admission.
Find out more about the San Vigilio Bridge.
3) Martinengo Castle (Villachiara)
A FAI site, the Castle of Villachiara was built starting from 1370 and was later transformed into a cultural center. Located in the central square of this small town, it strikes visitors for its majesty and its ancient cylindrical towers. The original moat is now a meadow. The building opens by reservation or on special days.
- Piazza Santa Chiara, Villachiara – tel. +39 030 9947112
- comune.villachiara.bs.it
- Admission under reservation
Find out more about the Martinengo Castle of Villachiara.
4) Castle of Orzinuovi
Once an ancient military citadel, the Castle of Orzinuovi (commonly known as “Rocca”) is today a collection of different buildings from very different eras. The oldest part is the tower, which used to be the access point to the village and was later incorporated into the complex as a whole.
Now owned by the Municipality, it houses the library and is used for temporary exhibitions, concerts, displays, and conferences. The castle is located at the entrance to the town center, a few steps from the beautiful central square, which makes it very suggestive.
- Piazza Garibaldi, Orzinuovi – tel. +39 030 9942215
- comune.orzinuovi.bs.it
- Visitable only externally
Find out more about the Castle of Orzinuovi.
5) Church and Oratory of the Disciplini (Orzivecchi)
Located in the historic center of Orzivecchi, the ancient Church of the Disciplini is a place of great charm that preserves splendid works of art. Very interesting is the bell casting pit (where the bells used to be cast in the 16th century), the 15th-century frescoes, and the beautiful Madonna del Latte attributed to Paolo Caylina the Younger. In the center of the altar the Madonna della Disciplina stands out, flanked by the canvas “God Almighty with Saints Francesco and Carlo Borromeo” by Grazio Cossali.
- Via Disciplina 4, Orzivecchi – tel. +39 329 0260544
- amicidelladisciplina.it
- Free admission.
Find out more about the Church and Oratory of the Disciplini in Orzivecchi.
6) Pieve di Bigolio (Orzivecchi)
Already mentioned in some documents starting from 1120, the Pieve di Bigolio played a very important role in the Diocese until the end of the 14th century, when the canons were moved to the Church of Orzinuovi, considered a safer and more protected place. Deeply remodeled over time – the building has even been re-oriented: the apse was once where the facade is today – numerous excavations have brought to light the foundations of the ancient baptistery and Roman and medieval burials.
- Via Cesarina, Orzivecchi – tel. +39 329 0260544
- amicidelladisciplina.it
- Free admission.
Find out more about the Pieve di Bigolio.
7) Santa Maria della Formigola (Dello)
Among the most interesting examples of Lombard architecture of the 15th century, the Pieve della Formigola (also known as Santa Maria della Formigola) is characterized by three simple naves, brick columns, and slightly pointed arches – a style that recalls the seclusion typically targeted by medieval rural parish churches.
The Pieve is located in the green Brescian countryside along the course of the Mella river and is easily reachable via the Brescia-Cremona cycle route.
- Hamlet of Corticelle Pieve – at Cascina Pieve, Dello
- amicidellapieve.org
- Free admission.
Find out more about the Pieve of Santa Maria della Formigola.
8) Morcelli Library Foundation – Repossi Art Gallery (Chiari)
Established in 1966, the Foundation protects and enhances a very important historical and artistic heritage. The Morcelli library was opened in 1822 and now guards approximately 70,000 volumes including 55 incunabula, whereas the Repossi Art Gallery boasts a prestigious collection of 300 paintings, almost 200 sculptures, 2,500 prints in addition to antique furniture, casts of ancient medals, and historical-military assets. A true excellence for the City of Chiari.
- Via Bernardino Varisco 9, Chiari – tel. +39 030 7000730
- morcellirepossi.it
- Free admission.
Find out more about the Morcelli Library Foundation – Repossi Art Gallery.
9) Castle, Rocchetta and Torre del Popolo (Palazzolo sull’Oglio)
Walking up the alleys of the historic center of Palazzolo sull’Oglio, you’ll reach the suggestive area that includes the Rocchetta, a square tower which was part of the ancient defensive system later transformed into a clock tower, and opposite it the Castle and the Torre del Popolo. Surrounded by a moat, the castle boasts great historical relevance and has four towers joined by walls. The Torre del Popolo is an 85 meter-high tower and is more recent.
- Historic center of Palazzolo sull’Oglio – tel. +39 030 7405522-520
- comune.palazzolosulloglio.bs.it
- Vistable only externally
Find out more about the Castle, Rocchetta and Torre del Popolo.
10) Bonori Castle (Montichiari)
Built on the ruins of the ancient fortress, in a panoramic position, the castle was designed in neo-medieval style as the private residence of Count Gaetano Bonoris. It reproduces the architectural models of the Piedmontese and Aosta Valley castles of the 12th and 13th centuries. The surrounding park is wonderful.
- Piazza S. Maria 36, Montichiari – tel. +39 030 9650455
- montichiarimusei.it
- Paid admission with guided tour
Find out more about Bonoris Castle.
11) Pieve di San Pancrazio and Cathedral (Montichiari)
Montichiari is enriched by its magnificent Romanesque Pieve di San Pancrazio and the dome of its majestic Cathedral. The parish church is one of the oldest in Lombardy and houses works by Romanino, Paolo Caylina, and Callisto Piazza. The Cathedral expresses the 18th-century magnificence of the late Baroque and preserves an altarpiece by Romanino.
- Via Matteotti (Pieve) – Piazza Santa Maria (Cathedral), Montichiari – tel. +39 030 9650439
- montichiarimusei.it– www.visitmontichiari.it
- Free admission.
Find out more about the Pieve di San Pancrazio and the Cathedral of Montichiari.
12) Civic Archaeological Museum (Remedello)
Housed in the former Church of the Disciplini, the museum preserves very important archeological traces from the Neolithic to the Early Middle Ages coming from the surrounding area and fundamental proofs of the population of the community of Remedello. Don’t miss the impressive cycle of frescoes on the life of Jesus by local painter Lamberto Orazio De Rossi.
- Via Cappellazzi 1, former Church of the Disciplini Bianchi, Remedello – tel. +39 030 9953970
- comune.remedello.bs.it
- Paid admission
Find out more about the Civic Archeological Museum of Remedello.
13) Roman Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo (Verolanuova)
An authentic jewel of Brescia’s plain, the basilica is a true concentration of frescoes, paintings, and artistic treasures. Among them, in the chapel of the Santissimo Sacramento, two famous works by Tiepolo stand out: the Fall of manna and the Sacrifice of Melchizedek. The counter-facade houses the huge, wonderful canvas of Golgotha by Ludovico Gallina.
- Piazza Malvestiti, Verolanuova – tel. +39 030 931210
- verolanuova.com
- Free admission.
Find out more about the Minor Roman Basilica of San Lorenzo.
14) Archeological Museum (Manerbio)
Located in the historic Palazzo Luzzago, in the center of the town, the Archeological Museum of Manerbio collects evidence of the population phases of the lower plain from the Neolithic to the post-medieval age. Finds include artifacts of various types, ceramics, daggers, silver drachmas, grave goods, and the only coin of King Aripertus I known in Italy. The Renaissance ceramics are also very interesting.
- Palazzo Luzzago, Manerbio – tel. +39 030 9387292
- comune.manerbio.bs.it
- Free admission.
Find out more about the Archeological Museum of Manerbio.
Click here to download the cultural itineraries – Brescia’s plain
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