Brescia Castle

Brescia Castle
Explore this huge, hilltop castle complex to see a 14th-century keep now housing an arms museum as well as a granary that hosts a museum devoted to Italian unification.

Sitting high on a hill dominating the historic center of the city, Brescia Castle is impossible to miss. Stroll through the grounds admiring views down over the town and visit the two compelling museums that are set within the castle complex.

The castle stands atop Cidneo Hill, which was the site of a Roman temple and later a Christian church before the current castle was built in the Middle Ages. Although much of the castle has been renovated and extended over the years, some original elements have survived to the present day.

Take some time to explore the complex, which covers a vast area of approximately 807,300 square feet (75,000 square meters). Soak up views out over Brescia from various parts of the complex. Because of its elevated position, the castle has been given the nickname the “Falcon of Italy.”

Look for the 13th-century tower built by the Viscontis, a power noble family during medieval times. This tower is occupied by the Museo delle Armi Antiche, which contains a collection of weapons and vintage arms. During recent restoration work here, the remnants of steps from the old Roman temple were discovered and they can still be seen inside the tower.

Among the other towers within the complex is the 14th-century Prisoners’ Tower, which is accessible via a drawbridge. This structure would have been used as a prison and is identifiable by its lack of windows and gun openings.

Also located within the castle walls is theMuseo Civico del Risorgimento. Learn about the movement toward Italian unification in this fascinating museum devoted to the topic.

Don’t leave without strolling through the castle gardens. The gardens are a particularly pretty place to spend a sunny afternoon. Stick around until sunset to watch a golden glow shine over the city.

Find Brescia Castle atop Cidneo Hill in the center of Brescia. The castle is open daily from early morning to evening. Entry to the castle complex is free though admission charges apply at the two museums.

Plan a trip to see Brescia Castle

Grand Visconti Palace
Uptown Palace
Albergo Del Turista
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Brescia Castle

Hotel Oliveto
Hotel Oliveto
4 out of 5
Via Tito Malagutti, 2, Desenzano del Garda, BS
Hotel Oliveto
QC Termegarda Spa & Golf Resort
QC Termegarda Spa & Golf Resort
5 out of 5
Via Arzaga 1, Calvagese della Riviera, Provincia di Brescia
QC Termegarda Spa & Golf Resort
Weekend Glamping Resort
Weekend Glamping Resort
Via Vallone della Selva 2, San Felice del Benaco, Brescia
Weekend Glamping Resort
Hotel Palazzo Del Garda & Spa
Hotel Palazzo Del Garda & Spa
4 out of 5
Via Desenzanino 7, Desenzano del Garda, BS
Hotel Palazzo Del Garda & Spa
Villa Rosa Hotel
Villa Rosa Hotel
4 out of 5
Lungolago Cesare Battisti 89, Desenzano del Garda, BS
Villa Rosa Hotel
Splendido Bay Luxury Spa Resort
Splendido Bay Luxury Spa Resort
5 out of 5
via Guglielmo Marconi, 99, Padenghe sul Garda, BS
Splendido Bay Luxury Spa Resort
Park Hotel
Park Hotel
4 out of 5
Lungolago Cesare Battisti 17, Desenzano del Garda, BS
Park Hotel
Hotel Sirmione e Promessi Sposi
Hotel Sirmione e Promessi Sposi
4 out of 5
Piazza Castello 19, Sirmione, BS
Hotel Sirmione e Promessi Sposi
Grand Hotel Fasano & Villa Principe
Grand Hotel Fasano & Villa Principe
5 out of 5
Corso Giuseppe Zanardelli 190, Gardone Riviera, BS
Grand Hotel Fasano & Villa Principe
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.