Brescia
Lake Garda
Valsabbia
Lake Idro
Valtrompia
The brescian plain
Franciacorta
Lake Iseo
Valcamonica
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The Brescian plain extends
to the south of the city.
It remains relatively unknown by most tourists yet it has
its own charm which is discovered as one travels among its castles, villages and
agricultural towns.
The best way to appreciate the plain is by following its rivers, trying the simple, tasty
traditional dishes and visiting the churches and museums to admire their works of art. Montichiari
 Dominated by
the cupola of the local church and the castle, Montichiari is an elegant though ancient
town; in the surrounding area pre-Roman objects, Roman bronzes and mosaics have been
found.
The present Bonoris Castle was built on the ruins of an
ancient medieval fortress and the Parish church was built in the 1700's by Gian Battista
and Antonio Marchetti and designed by Sorattini.
Inside is the "Last Supper" by Romanino. Not far from the town and on a hill
stands the church of S. Pancrazio; built in the 12th century, it is a fine
example of Romanesque architecture.
Leno
Desiderius, king of the Longobards, founded a monastery here in 758 which became one of
the most important in north Italy.
Today, only two lions at the entrance to the Parish church
and some objects (among which are a few gold Longobard crosses) in the local Museum remain
from the original buildings, destroyed for good in the 18th century.
The museum is housed in the town council building and has objects that date from
prehistoric times to the Longobard period.
In Porzano it is possible to visit a church, which houses a painting by Moretto.
Manerbio
This town was called "Vicus Minervae" in Roman times and was an important
fortified post in the 10th century. Today Manerbio is a large agricultural and
commercial centre.
The Civic Museum holds archaeological objects found
on the Brescian plain including some from Celtic tombs (from which come also the silver
medallions of Manerbio now in the Roman Civic Museum in Brescia). The 18th
century parish church of San Lorenzo contains fine works of art including
"Madonna with Child and Saints" by Moretto.
A few kilometres away there is Villa Lechi at Montirone with a beautiful
Italian-style garden.
It was guilt between 1738 and 1746 and is undoubtedly one of the most sumptuous houses n
the province. It is still private property. |
