Trace a timeline of Brescia’s rich heritage from prehistoric times to the 19th century at this museum and former convent complex.
The Brescia City Museum Santa Giulia is a fascinating local history museum within the labyrinthine complex of a former Benedictine convent. Go on a journey through time and uncover prehistoric relics, Roman and Longobard artifacts and medieval treasures in the convent, which dates back to the 8th century. See the religious riches and architectural masterworks that gave the monastery UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status.
Begin your exploration of the City Museum in the convent’s underground storerooms, where you’ll find an exhibit detailing Brescia’s history from the Bronze Age to the Roman period. Highlights include artifacts dating back to 3000 B.C., as well as ancient frescoes, mosaics and exquisite Roman relics created during Vespasian’s rule in the 2nd century. Continue into the medieval period with galleries showcasing frescoes, marble sculptures and fountain statues. Enter the Church of San Salvatore to learn about Brescia’s late Gothic and Renaissance periods.
The monastery was enlarged and modified over the centuries, which has given it a rambling, maze-like design. Make your way into the Church of Santa Giulia to see original 9th-century stuccowork and exquisite medieval frescoes.
Reach the upper floors of the monastery to see the museum’s collection of fine art. Continue exploring to find the 12th-century votive chapel that holds some of the museum’s most important riches. A Roman altar stone is on the lower level, while superb 16th-century frescoes adorn the upper. Experience the riches of the Treasures of Santa Giulia exhibition.Among the pieceslook for the ivory reliquary case and King Desiderius’ original 8th-century wooden cross covered in 9th-century gold and jewels.
The Brescia City Museum Santa Giulia is located on the city’s Via Musei (Museum Row), near the city’s area of ancient Roman ruins. The galleries are spread across the convent complex, but can easily be navigated with a museum map and English-language audio guides. The museum is accessible to visitors using wheelchairs. Admission is discounted for seniors and teenagers. Visitors under the age of 14 can enter for free. The museum is open daily, except for Mondays.
