Brescia’s Castle: art and history in a multifaceted fortress
Brescia’s Castle stands on Cidneo hill and many Brescians consider it the symbol of the city. Suitable destination for everyone, it can be easily reached on foot from Brescia’s centre following evocative alleys such as Contrada S. Urbano. You can also access the castle by car. Once there, you can choose whether to relax reading a book and breathing in the breeze seeping through the walls or visit one of the castle’s numerous attractions. Indeed, the Castle hosts several events and museums. It is also a popular choice for photo shoots.
Are you ready to discover Brescia’s Castle inside and out? Learn about all the attractions and the best panoramic spots over the city!
New in 2023: the new Museo del Risorgimento Leonessa d’Italia
After years of being closed to the public, a completely renovated Museo del Risorgimento Leonessa d’Italia reopens in Brescia’s Castle!
The more than 100 continuously updated objects on display include paintings, sculptures, relics, weapons, flags, uniforms, medals, memorabilia, and everyday objects. The innovative digital solutions create an engaging and interactive experience. The exhibits are ready to educate visitors about Brescia’s great contribution to the Risorgimento independence wars: its role in the Unification of Italy was fundamental.
Museo del Risorgimento Leonessa d’Italia and the brand new bookshop are located in the Grande Miglio e 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
Pass over the moat and you are already inside the Castle’s ramparts! The arms museum is hosted in Mastio Visconteo tower and is one of the largest European collections of arms and ancient armours. The history of the sword, the luxury armour room, and the Visconti-age frescoes contribute to making the visit exciting and engaging.
The first train monument in Italy
Brescia’s Castle hosts the first example of train monument in Italy, “Numero 1”. It’s a locomotive which was once used on the Brescia-Edolo line. Today, it is placed in the castle’s square, left of the entrance after entering the walls. It is also called “Prisoner of Italy’s Falcon” 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’s tower for eternity. This is why Cidneo hill is nicknamed “Italy’s falcon”; the locomotive is its prisoner.
Cidnea Astronomic Observatory
Just a few residents know that Brescia’s Castle host the first public observatory in Italy! Positioned on San Marco bastion, Cidnea Observatory is a must-do for all astronomy enthusiasts: under its 3-metre dome there are projections while on the terrace there are mobile reflectors. There is also a room underneath for the observation of the sun.
Pusterla vineyard
Located at the foot of the castle and recognised as one of the oldest urban vineyards in Europe, Vigneto Pusterla features centuries-old vines which in the 20th century produced a wine which won the gold medal at the Enologic Contest of Northern Italy.
Still today, the vineyard produces wine and grappa, as well as jams and jelly candies using the fruits of native trees. One of the estimators of Pusterla wine was Winston Churchill. In 2007, the Slow Food Association awarded this vineyard in Brescia the title of “Historic Heritage of Agro-Food and Environmental Culture”.
Excursions along hidden itineraries
Thanks to Associazione Speleologica Bresciana, it is possible to participate in several excursions. These itineraries lead you to the discovery of water reserves, oil storage rooms, and various towers of the fortress. An exciting opportunity for adults and children alike.
Medieval Festival and historic reenactment
For those who love reenactments, every year in October Brescia’s Castle hosts Medieval Festival with the historic reenactment of the siege of Frederick II, a battle in which Brescia resisted with determination and persistence the attack of Barbarossa’s grandson.
The initiative is organised by Confraternita del Leone brotherhood and allows spectators to learn about this important historic event directly in the beloved city castle.
For more information about Brescia’s castle, visit Brescia Musei website.
