Brescia, a UNESCO province

A multifaceted land rich in history, traditions, and world-renowned excellencies: welcome to Brescia!

From the precious rock engravings in Valle Camonica to the archaeological area in the heart of old Brescia, up to the most recent recognition awarded to transhumance. Discover with us Brescia’s heritage sites and properties protected by UNESCO.

1. Rock art in Valle Camonica

The first Italian site recognized by UNESCO in 1979 with the title “Rock art in Valle Camonica” (UNESCO site No. 94), Valle Camonica boasts as many as 8 rock engraving parks inscribed on the World Heritage list!

One of the most popular destinations is the Naquane Park in Capo di Ponte, the first Italian archaeological park and first Valle Camonica park, created in 1955.

Stretching for 14 hectares and containing some of the most precious examples of rock art, the Naquane complex is a reference point for the UNESCO site spread over the entire valley and displays an huge variety of engravings made mostly between Upper Paleolithic (about 10,000 years ago) and the end of the first Millenium B.C.

The park contains 104 sandstone rocks smoothed by glaciers, where some of the most iconic images of rock art are visible: farming, hunting, duels, and hut scenes mixed with geometrical shapes and symbols in a fascinating world that tells us a lot about our ancestors.

After visiting the park, you can continue your exploration in the historic centre of Capo di Ponte. Here, you will find the National Museum of Prehistory of Valle Camonica (MUPRE), in which steles, boulders, and everyday objects are displayed to complement the immense collection of rock engravings.

Learn more about UNESCO sites in Valle Camonica.

2. San Salvatore – Santa Giulia Complex and the Archeological Park of Roman Brescia

Let’s now enjoy a stop in the city. You will be mesmerized by the monastery of San Salvatore – Santa Giulia and the Archaeological Park of Roman Brescia, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list on June 25, 2011 as part of the serial site “Lombards in Italy. Places of Power (568-774 A.D.)”.

The monastery complex was modified over the centuries and is a combination of different styles. This valuable monument includes the Santa Giulia Museum with its permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, the Lombard basilica of San Salvatore with the crypt, the Nun’s Choir, and the 16th century church of S. Maria in Solario. Inside the Museum, remains of old Roman villas (“domus” in the singular) are displayed.

In the nearby Archaeological Park of Roman Brescia, located along Via Musei near Piazza del Foro, one of the oldest squares in Brescia, you can admire the Capitolium (73 A.D.) with the new display of the Winged Victory and the Roman Theater.

In addition to Brescia, the UNESCO serial site includes six other Italian locations. Learn more about the UNESCO site in Brescia.

3. Prehistoric Pile-Dwelling Sites around the Alps

This serial site includes 111 dwellings scattered around France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Germany, and Slovenia. The listing promotes the remains of pile-dwelling villages built between 5,000 and 500 B.C.

Since they were built on water-saturated soil (e.g., by a lake shore or along rivers), the structural wooden elements were preserved, alongside food remains, wooden utensils, and even fabric. These artifacts are now used to investigate the oldest agricultural civilizations in Europe.

Of the 19 Italian sites, several are in the Brescia area between the shores of Lake Garda and the surrounding morainic hills: Lavagnone (between Desenzano and Lonato), Lucone di Polpenazze, and the submerged dwelling of San Sivino – Manerba del Garda.

4. Valle Camonica – Alto Sebino Biosphere Reserve

Established on July 26, 2018, the “Valle Camonica – Alto Sebino” Biosphere Reserve protects an environmental system of incomparable value stretching from Lake Iseo to the Tonale Pass and the Adamello glaciers.

It’s a one-of-a-kind system with landscapes, natural highlights, biodiversity, historical and cultural elements, art, craftsmanship, and identifying symbols encompassing 1,360 km² and 45 municipalities along the Oglio river.

5. Brescia is increasingly a UNESCO site: the practice of transhumance

An uncommon event which attracts children and adults alike, transhumance is the ancient practice of seasonal migration of animals to the pasture. During springtime, sheep and cattle move with their shepherds and dogs to reach the high mountain peaks; when the fall comes, they all go back to the valley, passing through alleys of old villages and meadows accompanied by the sound of their bells and the click of cameras taking a souvenir picture.

On December 11, 2019, Transhumance was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, a tribute to this ritual which is still widely practiced in Brescia’s valleys.

Every year in October a big festival is organized in Bagolino to celebrate the passage of sheep, cattle, and goats; other villages in Valle Sabbia– Vobarno, Treviso Bresciano, Pertica Alta, Preseglie, Pertica Bassa, Bione, Agnosine, and Mura – also celebrate this occasion. In upper Lake Garda, in particular Tremosine, and in towns in Valle Camonica like Borno, Edolo, Esine, Monno, and Corteno Golgi, transhumance still retains its charming and evocative character.