Brescia is (half) Italian Capital of Culture

Welcome to the picturesque city of Brescia. This vibrant city boasts a rich history, architectural marvels, and a unique olfactory experience. Join me, Sandra and Dante on a captivating afternoon stroll through the streets of Brescia...

Our first stop takes us to Palazzo Bettoni Cazzago, a magnificent palace renowned for its architectural splendor. Built in the 17th century, this historic residence showcases the grandeur and elegance of Brescia's noble families. Obviously it was closed that day, so only a glimpse from outside.

A short walk from the Palazzo brings us to Olfattorio Bar, a unique establishment that tantalizes your senses with its extensive collection of perfumes and fragrances. Take your time to discover your signature fragrance or indulge in a sensory journey through their curated scent experiences, super nice but prices are not for everybody. But we're here because in the underground level there's a hidden roman ruins. Nothing so fancy, but worth the time to stop.

Heading towards Piazza della Loggia, we stumble upon the Rinoceronte di Piazza Vittoria, a striking bronze sculpture standing proudly in the square. This impressive artwork by Mimmo Paladino serves as a symbol of Brescia's resilience and determination. It's a nice touch of contemporary art in a city full of proud old school mentality.

Our journey continues to Piazza della Loggia, the heart of Brescia's social and political life. This vibrant square is surrounded by beautiful Renaissance buildings, cafes, and shops. We didn't stop here actually because it was lunch time and, you know, we're italians.

In Brescia, you must have Casoncelli alla Bresciana; a traditional pasta dish. The pasta dough is carefully folded into a unique shape, resembling a small dumpling or a wrapped candy. Inside these delightful pockets, you'll discover a tasty filling made with a combination of ground meat, typically beef or pork, mixed with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and aromatic herbs such as parsley or sage. Casoncelli are often served with a luscious butter and sage sauce, which perfectly complements the rich flavors of the filling.
And obviously to complement, a Pirlo cocktail, also known as the Spritz Pirlo is a must. This playful twist on the classic Spritz is named after Giovanni Pirlo, a renowned Brescian bartender.

We also have some beef in oil with polenta just to be sure not get hungry again!

After lunch we headed towards the stunning Palazzo della Loggia, a remarkable civic palace that epitomizes the city's rich architectural heritage. It's not possible to enter here because it's more a political place, but you can enjoy the portico on it's lower level.

A short walk from Piazza della Loggia leads us to the Chiesa dei Santi Faustino e Giovita, a magnificent church steeped in religious history. It's a big church with a nice apse behind the choir.

For our last part we headed back to Palazzo del Broletto and Piazza Paolo VI. The square is a vibrant and picturesque square named in honor of Pope Paul VI, who was born in the city. The square is surrounded by elegant buildings, cafes, and shops. Its centerpiece is the impressive Palazzo Broletto, a historic palace that once served as the seat of Brescia's municipal government.