Begin your adventure in Lombardy in Brescia, the “Lioness of Italy,” a city that will surprise you with its unparalleled mix of history. Stroll through its Roman heart, admiring the Capitolium and the Winged Victory, then jump into the Renaissance at Piazza della Loggia.

Brescia is the gateway to a territory of rare beauty just waiting to be explored. A short distance away, the enchantment of Lake Garda awaits you, where the atmosphere becomes magically Mediterranean.

Here you can indulge in the pleasure of picturesque villages such as Sirmione or Desenzano, sail the crystal-clear waters, and enjoy an aperitif with breathtaking views. From the city's millennial history to the serenity of the lake, this corner of Italy offers unique emotions and fascinating contrasts.

🏛️ What to see in Brescia

Santa Giulia Monumental Complex and Archaeological Park: UNESCO World Heritage Site. Includes the Santa Giulia Museum (a journey from Roman times to the Renaissance), the two basilicas, and the famous Winged Victory, symbol of the city.

Capitolium and Roman Theater: The remains of ancient Roman Brixia, with the well-preserved Capitoline temple.

Piazza della Loggia: One of the most beautiful squares in Italy, a magnificent example of Venetian Renaissance architecture, with the Palazzo della Loggia and the Astronomical Clock.

Piazza Paolo VI (Piazza Duomo): The heart of the city, where the Old Cathedral (a medieval circular church, known as the Rotonda) and the New Cathedral (the more recent co-cathedral) coexist.

Brescia Castle: Nicknamed the “Falcon of Italy,” it offers spectacular views of the city and is an ideal place for a stroll.

🌊 What to see on Lake Garda

Sirmione and the Grotte di Catullo: The pearl of Garda. Visit the Castello Scaligero, an imposing fortress on the water, and the ruins of the Grotte di Catullo, an ancient Roman villa with breathtaking views.

Desenzano del Garda: The largest town on the lake. Famous for its lively historic center, marina, and shopping.

Salò: An elegant town that was the seat of the Italian Social Republic. Stroll along its beautiful lakefront and visit the Duomo.

Limone sul Garda: A village nestled between the rocks and the lake, famous for its lemon groves (visit the historic lemon houses) and the picturesque cycle path overlooking the water.

Gardone Riviera: Don't miss the Vittoriale degli Italiani, the amazing monumental citadel created by the poet Gabriele D'Annunzio.

Must-see free attractions in Brescia and Lake Garda:

💰 IN BRESCIA

Walk on Colle Cidneo (Brescia Castle): Admission to the castle park and the climb up the hill overlooking the city are completely free. You can enjoy panoramic views of Brescia, its rooftops, and the mountains.

Piazza della Loggia: Admiring the Renaissance architecture of the Palazzo della Loggia and the Old and New Cathedrals from the square is free.

Walk in the Archaeological Park (exterior): You can see the remains of the Roman Theater and the Capitolium (Roman temple) from the outside

while walking along Via dei Musei. There is an admission fee to enter the site and museum, but the exteriors are visible.

Piazza Paolo VI (Piazza Duomo): Enter and admire the exterior of the two cathedrals (Old and New) for free
.
Carmine District: Explore the historic streets and picturesque alleys of this recently redeveloped district, rich in bars, restaurants, and street art.

⛵ ON LAKE GARDA

Lakeside Walks: All towns and villages offer beautiful walks free of charge. The most beautiful include:
Salò Lakeside Walk: One of the most elegant and longest walks on Lake Garda.
Sirmione Walk: Walk along the peninsula and admire the Scaligero Castle from the outside and the lake landscapes.
Desenzano Walk: Explore the old port and the lively lakeside promenade.
Limone sul Garda Suspended Cycle Path: A spectacular stretch of cycle path, cantilevered over the lake. Access for pedestrians and cyclists is free and offers unique views.

Historic Villages: Wander aimlessly through the historic centers of Limone sul Garda, Gargnano, or Tremosine, admiring the colorful houses, narrow streets, and small churches.

Beaches and coves: Access to most public beaches (such as Spiaggia Giamaica in Sirmione, if reachable on foot) is free and allows you to enjoy the lake and its sunsets.

Belvedere di Tignale and Tremosine: Reach panoramic viewpoints such as the Terrazza del Brivido (access to the belvedere is free, even if it is often located near a hotel/restaurant) by car or on a beautiful (free) hike to enjoy a breathtaking view of the lake.

🎭 The “Balletti Verdi” Scandal
One of the most famous and dramatic episodes in Brescia's past is the scandal of the “Balletti Verdi” (so called by the press).
In the 1960s, an investigation shook the city and the whole of Italy, bringing to light the frequentation of young homosexuals and the involvement of prominent figures, in a climate of strong repression and criminalization of homosexuality.
This event had a devastating impact, forcing many homosexuals to live in secrecy or leave the city to seek a more tolerant environment abroad, highlighting the strong social prejudice of the time.

📜 Remote Historical Evidence
The presence and repression of homosexuality date back to ancient times. The Brescian Statutes of 1483 already contained severe penalties against sodomy, punishable by burning at the stake.
In 1550, the trial and death sentence of the monk Francesco Calcagno, accused of blasphemy and of expressing ideas in favor of homosexuality, was recorded in Brescia.

🏳️‍🌈 Activism and Associations
The organized movement has grown over time, and the Arcigay “Orlando” committee in Brescia (whose name refers to Virginia Woolf's masterpiece) has been operating since 1994, providing reception services, training in schools, and promoting political battles for rights.
There are also groups such as “Il Mosaico,” a small group of Christian lesbians and gays in Brescia that offers a space for discussion and reconciliation between faith and sexual orientation.

✨ Brescia Pride
A historic turning point and moment of visibility for the community was the first Brescia Pride parade in the city in 2017. Since then, the event has been held regularly, attracting thousands of participants and demanding rights and dignity. The parade often winds its way around the historic center, with the After Pride party concentrated in the historic Carmine district, known for being a more lively and open area.

Let's start with the Brescia area, where the queen of the table is undoubtedly Spiedo Bresciano con Polenta (Brescia-style spit-roasted meat with polenta). Prepared with mixed meats and potatoes cooked slowly for hours on a spit, drizzled with melted butter, it is a rich and solemn dish that is an absolute must-try.

No less important are Casoncelli alla Bresciana, delicious half-moon shaped stuffed pasta, seasoned with simple but sublime melted butter, sage, and lots of cheese. For lovers of tradition, Manzo all'Olio di Rovato is a historic and very tasty main course.

Speaking of excellence, you cannot leave the area without tasting Bagòss cheese, produced in Bagolino, recognizable by its yellow color given by the presence of saffron. And to toast? Choose a glass of Franciacorta DOCG, the renowned local sparkling wine.

Moving towards the shores of Lake Garda, the cuisine becomes lighter, giving way to the flavors of fish and oil. Try the delicate grilled whitefish (Lavarello), seasoned with the excellent Garda DOP extra virgin olive oil, which is light and fruity. Or try the stronger flavor of pike in Gardesana sauce, often served with toasted polenta.

Finally, to end on a sweet note, treat yourself to a piece of Bossolà, a soft, buttery ring cake typical of Brescia's pastry shops, or the historic Persicata, a solid peach jam that has been highly appreciated in the area since ancient times.

In general, Brescia and the tourist resorts of Lake Garda are considered safe areas for visitors, including members of the LGBT+ community, especially when compared to less open contexts.
However, it is important to distinguish between the city and the province:

🏙️ IN BRESCIA
Open Climate and Activism: Brescia is a large city in northern Italy with an established civil culture and an active LGBT+ community, represented by associations such as Arcigay “Orlando.” The annual organization of Brescia Pride (the first in 2017) and the presence of queer-friendly events and venues indicate a generally open environment.
Safety: In central areas, main squares, and tourist areas, personal safety and tolerance are generally high. You can walk around, dine, and visit places of interest without any particular concerns.

🏖️ ON LAKE GARDA
Tourist Environment: The towns on Lake Garda (such as Sirmione, Desenzano, and Salò) are popular international tourist destinations. The atmosphere is usually holiday-like and cosmopolitan, which tends to encourage acceptance and discretion.
Tourist Areas vs. Inland Areas: In areas with higher tourist traffic, openness is high. However, as in many Italian provinces, moving away from larger centers toward the inland areas or small mountain villages, the social climate can become more traditional and discreet.

IN SUMMARY
Visibility: The city of Brescia offers spaces where visibility and activism are well established. In the more touristy areas of Garda, you can enjoy a relaxed and open atmosphere.
Discretion (Recommended everywhere): Although public displays of affection (PDA) are generally accepted in large cities and tourist areas in Italy, the same caution and discretion that you would use in any other tourist destination in Europe is always recommended.