Brescia’s Duomo Nuovo and Duomo Vecchio – Jubilee Church

On the occasion of the Holy Year 2025 (“Pilgrims of Hope”), the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta becomes a Jubilee Church!

One of Brescia’s most beloved places of devotion and pilgrimage is designated by the diocese for the Jubilee of Hope 2025 as a church at which indulgences can be obtained.

Come and learn more about its artistic-religious value, and immerse yourself in the natural and tradition-rich beauty of the area!

For all information about Jubilee 2025 check the official website.

Duomo Nuovo and Duomo Vecchio, Brescia’s two cathedrals

In addition to several artistic, architectural, and cultural gems, Brescia is also famous for a rather unique phenomenon in Italy: a square with two cathedrals.

Let’s start this intriguing journey from Romanesque to Late-Baroque with the discovery of the treasures of Duomo Vecchio and Duomo Nuovo in Piazza Paolo VI.

Piazza Paolo VI in Brescia: Duomo Nuovo

Designed by architect Giovanbattista Lantana and built on the remains of the old basilica of San Pietro de Dom starting from 1604, the Duomo Nuovo (“New Cathedral”) majestically stands in the middle of the square.

It has a splendid Baroque facade in Botticino marble and a rather complicated history: due to financial difficulties, construction was delayed, and the Cathedral was completed only in 1825 with the dome, the third tallest in Italy.

The interior, a one-nave Greek cross design, is very monumental and contains several noteworthy works of art, such as the 15^th-century wooden crucifix on the first altar on the right; Isaac’s Sacrifice painted by Moretto in the lunette of the same altar; and St. Apollonius’s sarcophagus in the third altar (he was Bishop of Brescia in the 3^rd century), made in 1510 and decorated with high-reliefs attributed to Maffeo Olivieri.

In the Trinity Chapel, the altarpiece by Giuseppe Nuvolone is noteworthy; it’s a grandiose ex voto to celebrate the end of the plague in 1630.

A devotional site stands out along the left of the nave: it’s the monument dedicated to Giovanbattista Montini, Brescia’s Pope Paul VI, created in 1984 by sculptor Raffaele Scorzelli.  Above it, the imposing organ paintings by Romanino depicting The Marriage of the Virgin, The Birth of the Virgin, and Visitation.

The altarpiece at the end of the presbytery depicting the Assumption of the Virgin is by Iacopo Zoboli (1773), whereas the altar on the left of the presbytery has a noteworthy painting by Palma the Younger depicting Mary venerated by Saints Carlo and Francesco and Bishop Marino Giorgi.

The New Cathedral is accessible to people with disabilities.

A Romanesque triumph: Brescia’s Duomo Vecchio

A true gem of the city, it is the most prominent Romanesque circular church still in existence. The Duomo Vecchio (“Old Cathedral”) was built starting from 1100 by a very old Corporation of specialized masons. Also called “La Rotonda” for its circular shape, it is the official co-cathedral of Brescia together with the Duomo Nuovo.

There are countless artistic treasures inside the church. The first thing you see when you enter is the sarcophagus of Berardo Maggi, nominated Bishop of the city in 1275. It’s a typical example of Romanesque sculpture and is made of red marble.

Other noteworthy pieces are the sarcophagus of Bishop Balduino Lambertini of Bologna, made in 1349 by Bonino da Campione; the 14^th-century main altar; and the choir and organ by Giangiacomo Antegnati, built in mid-16^th century.

In the Duomo Vecchio, different styles from different ages coexist. In the transept under the floor, you can see fragments of the prior basilica (6^th century) and a Roman SPA; in the central part of the church there are mid-13^th-century frescoes, whereas the right side displays a large canvas by Francesco Maffei depicting the bell tower (which collapsed).

Those who love figurative art will be happy to admire works by Romanino, Moretto, Palma the Younger, Grazio Cossali, and Antonio Gandino in the chapels, and the large altarpiece by Pietro Marone.

The Duomo Vecchio is also famous for hosting the Treasure of the Holy Crosses in the namesake chapel, namely precious relics including fragments of the True Cross. Kept into a safe are the shrine for the Holy Thorns, the Staurotheke case (11^th century), the Croce di Campo (or Orifiamma, 12^th century, i.e., the cross that used to be mounted on the processional cart), and finally the Shrine and Reliquary for the Holy Cross. They can be admired only on the last Friday of March and on September 14.

The crypt of San Filastrio under Duomo Vecchio is open to visitors. It was part of the prior 8^th century church.

Every Sunday morning at 11 a.m., a Mass in Latin is celebrated in the Duomo Vecchio.

Getting there & practical information

The two cathedrals are in the historic center. The area is restricted to car traffic.

How to arrive there:

• By bus: lines Nos. 2, 10, 11, 17, 18
• By subway: Vittoria stop
• By car: parking lot in Piazza Vittoria (paid)

For information and opening times visit the dedicated page on the website of the Diocese of Brescia.