Brescia contains a hidden treasure trove, which after a long period of restoration has become today's City Museum: the Monastery of Santa Giulia.

Santa Giulia is one of the most impressive High Medieval complexes in Northern Italy. The monastery was founded in 753 A.D., by order of the Lombard King Desiderio, on the remains of a Roman-era residence. It sustained numerous alterations in the centuries that followed, which enlarged and enriched the original structure. Tradition holds that in the church of Santa Giulia, Ermengarda, daughter of King Desiderio, was tragically repudiated by her husband, Charlemagne.

Visiting the complex, you will be bewitched by the Basilica of San Salvatore of Lombardy origins, the church of Santa Giulia, the Church of Santa Maria in Solario, which houses the Treasure of Santa Giulia, and three renaissance cloisters. Under the main cloister, two Roman villas were discovered: the Domus dell'Ortaglia.

The City Museum: to visit its rooms is to journey through centuries of art and history, from the Bronze Age up to the Renaissance.

The Roman Age section hosts a notable collection of earthenware, funeral trousseaus and magnificent sculptures. You will then see the exceptional Croce di Desiderio, a rare masterpiece by the Lombardy goldsmith. From the 15th century, they remain impressive testimonials: it was then that the complex of Santa Giulia underwent major transformations, until it finally assumed its current appearance.

Museum of Santa Giulia
Via Musei 81/b, Brescia
Schedule: 9.30 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed Mondays)
Information and reservations: Phone: 030.2977834

In addition to its regular collection, the museum regularly hosts large art exhibits. Schedule of Exhibits: - Turner and the Impressionists. (October 28, 2006 -- March 25, 2007)
- Mondrian (October 28, 2006 - March 25, 2007)
- Licini (October 28, 2006 - January 19, 2007)
- Pirandello (January 20, 2007 - March 25, 2007)
- The Colors of Rebellion. The Fauves and the Expressionists, from Matisse to Kandinsky. (November 2007 - April 2008)

To discover the marvels of the complex of Santa Giulia, we recommend the Hotel Continental, located in tranquil Roncadelle, and an ideal starting point from which to reach many points of interest.