Brescia Castle: a panoramic view of the city

Brescia Castle stands on Cidneo hill and many Brescians consider it the symbol of the city. A site suitable for all ages and abilities, it can be easily reached on foot from the city centre along the picturesque little streets, such as Contrada S. Urbano, or by car.

At the castle, you can choose either to relax with book and enjoy the breeze whispering through the walls, or visit one of the castle’s numerous attractions. Indeed, the castle is home to several museums and full of interesting things to see. It is also a popular location for photo shoots! Are you ready to discover Brescia Castle inside and out?

Find out all about the attractions and the best spots for panoramic views of the city!

The new Museo del Risorgimento Leonessa d’Italia

After years of being closed to the public, housed in Brescia Castle, the fully renovated Museo del Risorgimento Leonessa d’Italia has been reopened to the public!

The museum holds a continuously updated collection of over 100 exhibits including paintings, sculptures, relics, weapons, flags, uniforms, medals, memorabilia, and everyday objects. Innovative digital solutions create an engaging and interactive experience, educating visitors on the great history of the Risorgimento independence wars, in which Brescia played a fundamental role in the Unification of Italy.

The Museo del Risorgimento Leonessa d’Italia and the brand new bookshop are located in the Grande Miglio and Piccolo Miglio buildings.

For information on opening hours and reservations: +39 030 2977 833 || +39 030 2977 834 || cup@bresciamusei.com

Luigi Marzoli Arms Museum

Cross the moat and you are immediately inside the castle’s ramparts! The Arms Museum is found in Mastio Visconteo tower and is one of the largest European collections of ancient arms and armour. The history of the sword, the luxury armour room, and the Visconti-era frescoes make it an exciting and engaging tour.

The first museum app-game with Geronimo Stilton!

Visiting the civic museums of Brescia is becoming more and more interactive and fun thanks to the new museum app-game starring Geronimo Stilton!

Starting from today, the children’s most beloved mouse is the exceptional companion of the museum’s youngest guests: by taking part in his exciting adventures, they can get closer to the cultural, historical and artistic heritage preserved in Brescia and observe it… in a completely new guide!

From the Santa Giulia Museum with the Archaeological Park and the new home to the Winged Victory in the Capitolium to the Tosio Martinengo Art Gallery and the “Luigi Marzoli” Arms Museum in the Castle: thanks to three digital itineraries accessible via smartphones and tablets, Geronimo Stilton will cross the threshold of a museum for the first time.

The aim of this innovative educational project (of which Fondazione Brescia Musei is proudly the world leader) is to stimulate children’s curiosity through the use of technological tools that are familiar to them. The initiative, entitled “Geronimo Stilton. Brescia Musei Adventures“, addresses visitors aged 6 and up.

For all information, visit the page dedicated to Geronimo Stilton. Brescia Musei Adventures.

The first train monument in Italy

Brescia Castle is home to the first train monument in Italy, the ‘Numero 1’. This locomotive was once used on the Brescia-Edolo line. Today, it stands in the castle square, to the left of the entrance through the walls.

It is also called ‘Prisoner of the Falcon of Italy’ due to an old legend according to which a very greedy man was turned into an hawk and was forced to guard over the castle tower for eternity. This is why Cidneo hill is nicknamed ‘The Falcon of Italy’ and the locomotive is its prisoner.

Cidnea Astronomic Observatory

Few locals know that Brescia Castle is home to the first public observatory in Italy! Positioned on the San Marco bastion, Cidnea Observatory is a must for all astronomy enthusiasts: planetarium projections under the 3-metre wide dome and mobile reflectors on the terrace. There is also a room underneath for the observing the sun.

Vigneto Pusterla

Located on the slopes below Brescia Castle and recognised as one of the oldest urban vineyards in Europe, Vigneto Pusterla features centuries-old vines which in the 1900s produced a wine which won the gold medal at the Northern Italian Wine Competition.

Today, the vineyard continues to produce wine and grappa, as well as jams and jellies made from the fruits of native trees. Admirers of Pusterla wine include Winston Churchill. In 2007, the Slow Food Association awarded this vineyard in Brescia the title of ‘Historic Heritage of Agro-Food and Environmental Culture’.

Medieval Festival and historic reenactment

To the delight of history lovers, every year in October Brescia Castle hosts a Medieval Festival with the historic reenactment of the siege of Frederick II, a battle in which Brescia resisted the attack by the grandson of Barbarossa with courage and determination.

The event is organised by Confraternita del Leone and teaches spectators about this important historic event directly within the city’s castle walls.

Reopening of the Strada del Soccorso

After four years of intense redevelopment work, the legendary Strada del Soccorso is finally accessible again!

An historical route that starts from the Montagnola park in via Pusterla and ends in the square of the San Faustino bastion known as “della Locomotiva”, the Strada del Soccorso is the ancient escape route dating back to the Visconti period of the Castle of Brescia.

The route is now equipped with a completely renovated and scarcely invasive lighting system and is organized in evocative tunnels and open-air sections. This way, visitors have the privilege of immersing themselves in heterogeneous environments and experiencing an important period of the history of the “Falcon of Italy” – as the Castle is commonly known.

Organized excursions among hidden itineraries

Did you know that the Strada del Soccorso and many secret corners of the Castle of Brescia can be visited in the company of expert guides from the Associazione Speleologica Bresciana?

The association offers a rich schedule of organized excursions; the itineraries involve the ancient water reserves and the oil warehouses, as well as the numerous towers that stand out on the fortress. Whether you’re a child or a grown-up, get ready to experience a one-of-a-kind adventure!

For all information, visit the official website of the Associazione Speleologica Bresciana.