Santa Giulia and the Lombards — Brescia UNESCO

Where Rome Meets the Lombards

The Santa Giulia complex in Brescia has been part of the UNESCO site “The Lombards in Italy: places of power” since 2011. Founded in 753 A.D. by Lombard king Desiderius, the monastery of San Salvatore — Santa Giulia is today the Museum of the City of Brescia, one of the most fascinating museums in Italy for the layering of historical periods it contains.

The Collections

The museum tour spans 3,000 years of history: from prehistoric Brescia to the mosaics of Roman houses, from Lombard treasures (the Cross of Desiderius, a masterpiece of 9th-century goldwork) to medieval and Renaissance frescoes. The Oratory of Santa Maria in Solario, with its Romanesque fresco cycle and the Early Christian Lipsanoteca, is a hidden gem of rare beauty.

Brescia Cultural Capital

Brescia, Italian Cultural Capital 2023, is located 35 km from the western shore of Lake Garda (Desenzano-Salò). In addition to Santa Giulia, the Roman Capitolium, the Castle on Cidneo Hill, and Piazza della Loggia deserve a visit. Half a day is sufficient for the main sites.