The Lioness of Italy: A Brescia Self-Guided Walking Tour

Brescia , Italy

The Lioness of Italy: A Brescia Self-Guided Walking Tour

Active

1h - 1h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This 90-minute sefl-guided walking tour offers a rich journey through Brescia’s 2,000-year history, from its Gallic origins to its Lombard legacy. Begin at Brescia Castle, known as the “Falcon of Italy,” and learn how the city earned the title “Lioness of Italy” during the 1849 rebellion.

Explore Roman ruins at the UNESCO-listed Parco Archeologico di Brixia Romana, the Santa Giulia Museum, and the 10th-century Duomo Vecchio.

Highlights include Piazza Paolo VI with its two cathedrals, the astronomical clock tower, Renaissance-era Piazza della Loggia, and lively Corso Goffredo Mameli.

This immersive tour reveals Brescia’s role in Italian unification and showcases its layered heritage of rebellion, art, and architecture.

Available options

The Lioness of Italy: A Brescia Self-Guided Walking Tour

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

App for Android and iOS

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

Witness history as you pass by the iconic castle that was started by Holy Roman Emperor John of Bohemia in 1330

Pass by this historic memorial dedicated to the victims of terrorism and political violence which plagued Italy.

Sneak a peak at one of the most well preserved archeological sites in Italy and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011.

Witness ancient history as you walk by this site, built during the Flavian dynasty between 69 and 96 CE.

Walk through history past this vast complex that includes the church of Santa Maria del Solario, the basilica of San Salvatore, the monastic choir, a Roman domus, a statue garden and the UNESCO corridor.

Pass by the church dedicated to Saint Clement, the 4th pope of Rome, who died in 101 BCE.

Walk by this museum, containing ethnic instruments from all over the world, including ones made of dead armadillos and a very early version of the saxophone made by Adolph Sax.

Pass by this legendary theatre, built in the 1600s, named in honour of Napoleon Bonaparte, who ruled over parts of Italy during his time in the spotlight.

Pass by the building of civil administration, starting when it was built in the 1100s, at the time when Brescia was an independent commune, and also an administrative building nowadays.

End the tour at this historic tower, housing a clock and fountain, with water believed to come from the pipes of the God Triton, son of Poseidon.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour

Food and drink

Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

This tour starts just above the convenient free parking lot of Castello di Brescia,
on the bridge in front of the main gate. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.
This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
Create an account
Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Brescia

Brescia is a vibrant city in northern Italy, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and strategic location in the Po Valley. With a blend of medieval and Renaissance influences, Brescia offers a unique Italian experience away from the more tourist-heavy spots.

Top Attractions

Brescia Castle

A medieval castle offering panoramic views of the city. It houses museums and hosts cultural events.

Historical 1-2 hours €5

Piazza della Loggia

A historic square in the heart of Brescia, surrounded by elegant buildings and the famous Piazza della Loggia clock tower.

Architecture 30 minutes Free

Santa Giulia Museum

A UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Brescia's rich history and art through various exhibits.

Museum 2-3 hours €10

Duomo Vecchio

A beautiful Romanesque cathedral with stunning architecture and historical significance.

Religious 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Capitolium

An ancient Roman archaeological site with well-preserved ruins and a museum.

Historical 1-2 hours €4

Must-Try Local Dishes

Casoncelli

Stuffed pasta filled with meat, breadcrumbs, and cheese, served with a sage and butter sauce.

Main dish Contains meat and dairy

Polenta e Osei

A traditional dessert made with polenta and small bird-shaped cookies.

Dessert Vegetarian

Spiedo Bresciano

A traditional dish of meat roasted on a spit, often served with polenta.

Main dish Contains meat

Popular Activities

Hiking in the surrounding hills Cycling along the lake Sunbathing at Lake Garda Strolling through the city center Visiting museums and historical sites Attending local festivals Boat tours on Lake Garda Swimming in the lake

Best Time to Visit

May to September

The peak season offers warm weather, outdoor festivals, and vibrant street life. It's the best time for exploring the city's historical sites and enjoying the local cuisine.

20°C to 32°C 68°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, German
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Brescia is generally safe, but like any city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis

Getting there

By air

Milano Bergamo Airport • 70 km (43 miles)
Milano Linate Airport • 100 km (62 miles)

By train

Brescia Railway Station

By bus

Brescia Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary form of public transport in Brescia. The network is efficient and covers most of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Cittadella San Polo

Day trips

Lake Garda

30 km (18 miles) • Full day

Italy's largest lake offers stunning landscapes, water sports, and charming towns.

Verona

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

A romantic city known for its Roman amphitheater, Juliet's balcony, and charming streets.

Bergamo

70 km (43 miles) • Full day

A picturesque city with a well-preserved medieval old town and stunning views.

Festivals

Festa di San Faustino • February 15 Brescia Jazz • October Christmas Markets • December

Pro tips

Visit the Brescia Castle for the best panoramic views of the city.
Try the local specialties like Casoncelli and Spiedo Bresciano.
Explore the underground tunnels of the Brescia Castle for a unique experience.
Take a day trip to Lake Garda for stunning scenery and water activities.
Visit the Santa Giulia Museum for a comprehensive overview of Brescia's history.