Although Brescia lacks the popularity of nearby cities such as Verona and Bergamo , or maybe for that reason ,I found it a very charming place , maybe rough around the edges , maybe it needs some time to be fully appreciate .Who knows ?what I liked the most was the views from the castle,on the hill right in the city centre and the winding narrow streets at its feet . The newly revamped Museo della citta ` ( santa giulia ) is a wonderful place to begin the discovery of Brescia ,Based in a monastery built around three churches the plan of the museum is a bit confusing , but make sure you don't miss Santa Maria in Solario , the nuns choir and the roman ruins of the villas with a film display . In the museum are also hosted international art exhibitions, when we were there it was AMERICA , which toured Brescia after having been in places such as the National gallery in London (next will be Van Gogh drawings ).
If you have time from piazza Paolo VI take the bus that will take you to S Gottardo or even further La Maddalena .Those are the hills that overlook Brescia where you can enjoy great views of the planes and the city , walks in the woods and even a drink or a meal on the balcony of the restaurant nearby the Maddalena's tip. Because we were in Brescia for a week ( visiting relatives : I was born there but have been living in London for over 10 years ) we also took some time to visit the nearby gorgeous lake Iseo , with Montisola and the Valley camonica all only half an hour from Brescia .And of course , lake Garda, Verona ,Bergamo and Milan are not far away ....but I am sure you know about them already