Brescia is a medium sized city in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. It boasts beautiful landscapes as it is situated directly at the foothills of the Alps mountain range. After Milan, the capital, it is the second largest city in the Lombardy region. This are has been populated since pre-Roman times, first settled in the 7th century B.C.E., and since then having remained an important regional center. The region is home to many industrial enterprises, concentrating especially on mechanical and automotive industries, as well as mechanical tools. Brescia is also home to the Beretta arms making corporation.
Tourists come to Brescia to take in many natural attractions, such as the popular Lake Garda and Lake Iseo, two glacial lakes with surrounding communities and many luxurious resorts and exclusive hotels. There are many Ancient Roman sites to visit, such as the ancient fortified city of Sirmione, dating from the 5th century B.C.E. In Sirmione is the Grotte di Catullo, the finest example of an Ancient Roman private building in northern Italy. In the region are also the prehistoric pile dwellings, a collection of pile-dwelling (or stilt housing) around the Alps, having appeared in the region around the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. The city was known as Brixia in ancient times.
There are also many historical sights within the city of Brescia as well. The Capitolium ruins are one of the most important Ancient Roman ruins in the region – the Capitolium was part of an ancient temple complex that is exceptionally well preserved. The Piazza della Loggia is an outstanding example of a Renaissance piazza, and the Duomo Vecchio ("Old Cathedral") is a circular church in the Romanesque style. There are many other churches, cathedrals, and monasteries to visit in the city and surrounding areas as well. The Brescia castle, located at the north east corner of the town, offers an excellent view of the city, as well as supporting an Arms Museum, with an impressive collection of Middle Age and onwards weaponry. Also within the castle grounds is an astronomical observatory. Brescia is an especially fountain-rich Italian city, with approximately seventy two public fountains.
The climate in Brescia is like much of that in the general region of northern Italy – mild, warm summers with an average around 85 degrees fahrenheit, and chilly winters with an average around 40 degrees Fahrenheit in January. Brescia is home to many authentic Italian restaurants, and feature much of Northern Italy's famous cuisine, such as pesto Genoa, and many rice (rizo) dishes, such as rizotto.
