Brescia
Brescia is a city in the region of Lombardy, in Italy, situated at the foot of the Alps a few kilometres from the lakes Garda and Iseo. With a population of more than 200,000, it is the second largest city in Lombardy behind Milan and the administrative capital of the Province of Brescia.
At a glance
- Type
- City and comune
- Period
- Ancient origins; modern provincial capital
- Style
- Historic Italian urban centre at the foot of the Alps
- Location
- Lombardy, northern Italy
Overview
Brescia is a city and comune in the region of Lombardy, in Italy. It is situated at the foot of the Alps, a few kilometres from the lakes Garda and Iseo. With a population of 201,342, it is the second largest city in Lombardy behind Milan.
History
Brescia is the administrative capital of the Province of Brescia, one of the largest provinces in Italy with over 1.2 million inhabitants. The city grew into a major centre of northwestern Italy and is the northernmost Italian city among those with over 200,000 inhabitants. Its urban area extends beyond the administrative city limits.
What you see
Brescia lies at the foot of the Alps, close to Lake Garda and Lake Iseo. The urban area has a population of about 672,822, while more than 1.5 million people live in its metropolitan area, reflecting a substantial and densely developed centre in Lombardy.
Cultural significance
As the fourth largest city in northwest Italy and the capital of an extensive province, Brescia is an important regional centre. Its position between the Alps and the northern Italian lakes gives it cultural and geographic significance within Lombardy.
Practical information
Brescia is the capital of the Province of Brescia in Lombardy. For opening hours of specific museums and monuments, check the official website.
Getting there
Brescia is well connected by road and rail within Lombardy, with links to Milan and the lakes Garda and Iseo. Local transport serves the city and its metropolitan area.