
Palazzo Martinengo Cesaresco Novarino
Explore ancient Roman ruins and diverse art exhibitions within an elegant palazzo, offering a journey through Brescia's history.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Special events & exhibitions

Palazzo Martinengo Cesaresco Novarino
Best Time
Special events & exhibitions

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient Roman ruins and diverse art exhibitions within an elegant palazzo, offering a journey through Brescia's history.
"Most awesome underground museum in Brescia. Interesting arts and exhibitions."

Check Exhibition Schedules
Confirm current art shows and events before visiting to make the most of your trip. :calendar:
Explore the Underground
The Roman ruins below are a must-see! A guide can enhance the experience. :earth_americas:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Underground Roman Ruins
Subterranean level
Explore ancient Roman structures and learn about Brescia's history through engaging exhibits and a captivating re-creation video.

Art Exhibitions
Main galleries
Discover diverse art collections, from Renaissance masters to contemporary themes, often featuring temporary exhibitions.

Elegant Palazzo Architecture
Above ground floors
Admire the beautiful architecture of the palazzo, including its frescoes and elegant interiors, a true historical gem.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Underground Wonders
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Exhibition Schedules
Confirm current art shows and events before visiting to make the most of your trip. :calendar:
Explore the Underground
The Roman ruins below are a must-see! A guide can enhance the experience. :earth_americas:
Combine with Nearby Sites
It's conveniently located near other Brescia attractions like the Capitolium. :world_map:
Look for Special Events
The palazzo hosts various events, including musical performances and art fairs. :microphone:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Exhibition Schedules
Confirm current art shows and events before visiting to make the most of your trip. :calendar:
Explore the Underground
The Roman ruins below are a must-see! A guide can enhance the experience. :earth_americas:
Combine with Nearby Sites
It's conveniently located near other Brescia attractions like the Capitolium. :world_map:
Look for Special Events
The palazzo hosts various events, including musical performances and art fairs. :microphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Palazzo Martinengo Cesaresco Novarino for its fascinating underground Roman ruins and well-organized art exhibitions. The historical setting and engaging presentations, especially the re-creation video, are frequently highlighted as major draws. Some visitors noted that the venue was closed during their intended visit, emphasizing the importance of checking opening hours.
"We were very fortunate to enjoy the exhibition of Lotto, Romanino, Moretto & Ceruti followed by the orchestra performance of school Madonna della neve, Adro.
Thanks for a beautiful event."
Nelli Margolit
"Most awesome underground museum in Brescia. Interesting arts and exhibitions."
Francis Darlington
"We visited this place for an exhibition about animals in Italian art. It was a well-organized and nice gallery. There was a very kind guide who voluntarily took us to the underground to show the history of the place and the city and explained a lot of interesting things."
Hamed Khajehmirza
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The palazzo is located in the heart of Brescia at Via dei Musei, 30. It's easily accessible by public transport within the city. Many visitors find it convenient to combine a visit with other nearby historical sites like the Capitolium.
Parking in the city center can be challenging. It's recommended to use public parking garages or consider public transportation to reach the palazzo. Check local parking apps for real-time availability and rates.
While the main floors of the palazzo are generally accessible, the underground archaeological area may have limitations. It's advisable to contact the venue directly for specific accessibility information regarding the underground sections.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, especially for temporary exhibitions. It's best to check the official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information. For example, one exhibition was open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with specific afternoon and morning slots.
Ticket prices depend on the exhibitions or events being held. Some visitors have attended events with orchestra performances included. It's recommended to check the official ticketing platform or inquire directly for current pricing.
For general entry, booking in advance might not always be necessary, but it's highly recommended for special exhibitions or events to guarantee your spot and potentially avoid queues.
Yes, guided tours are often available, especially for the underground archaeological area. Visitors have reported positive experiences with guides who share extensive historical knowledge.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The palazzo features both art exhibitions on its upper floors and a significant underground archaeological area showcasing Roman ruins. Visitors can also admire the palazzo's architecture and frescoes.
Exhibitions can range widely, from Renaissance masters like Lotto and Moretto to themed shows such as 'animals in Italian art' or 'ceramics'.
Absolutely! Visitors rave about the underground museum, calling it 'most awesome' and highlighting its engaging re-creation video of the ancient Capitolium. It provides a unique historical perspective.
Photography policies can vary depending on the exhibition. Generally, personal photography without flash is often permitted in common areas, but it's best to check signage or ask staff for specific rules regarding current exhibitions.
A visit can range from 1-2 hours for a quick look at an exhibition to 3-4 hours if you thoroughly explore the underground and attend a guided tour. It depends on your interest level and the current exhibits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Typically, historical palazzos like this do not have extensive dining facilities within the exhibition spaces. However, there are numerous cafes, restaurants, and trattorias in the surrounding streets of Brescia.
The area around Via dei Musei and the city center offers a wide variety of dining options, from casual cafes to traditional Italian restaurants. Exploring the nearby streets will reveal many choices.
📸 📸 Photography
The underground Roman ruins offer a unique, atmospheric setting. The palazzo's architecture and any art exhibitions also provide excellent photographic subjects.
Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas and around historical sites due to privacy and safety regulations. It's highly unlikely to be permitted without special authorization.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider checking for family-specific events or workshops that might be offered. The palazzo's central location also makes it easy to combine with other family-friendly activities in Brescia, like exploring the nearby castle or parks.
🏛️ History Buffs
Beyond the underground, the palazzo itself is a historical artifact. Appreciating its architecture and any historical art exhibitions will provide a comprehensive understanding of the region's heritage. Combining a visit with nearby Roman sites like the Capitolium is highly recommended.
🎨 Art Lovers
Even outside of special exhibitions, the palazzo's own architectural beauty and any permanent collections or frescoes are worth admiring. The experience of viewing art within such a historic setting adds an extra layer of appreciation.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Underground Archaeological Area
The experience is significantly enhanced by a captivating video re-creation of the Roman Capitolium, which helps bring the ruins to life and provides context for what the area once was. This immersive approach makes the history accessible and engaging, even for those not deeply familiar with Roman architecture.
Many visitors describe this underground section as a highlight, praising its intelligent management and the way it complements the art exhibitions above. It's a journey through time that offers a unique perspective on Brescia's rich heritage.
Art Exhibitions and Collections
The palazzo itself provides an elegant backdrop for these displays, with its historical architecture and frescoes adding to the overall aesthetic experience. The organization of these exhibitions is often commended, with visitors noting them as 'well-organized and nice galleries.'
Attending a special event, like a concert held in conjunction with an exhibition, can further enrich the visit. These events highlight the palazzo's role as a cultural hub, blending visual arts with other performing arts.
Historical Significance and Architecture
Its strategic location in Brescia, near other significant historical sites like the Capitolium, underscores its importance within the city's historical fabric. The palazzo has been a part of Brescia's narrative for centuries, evolving from its original purpose to its current role as a cultural center.
The palazzo's transformation into a cultural hub, managed by organizations like Fondazione Brescia Musei, signifies its ongoing relevance. The creation of an 'hub culturale' aims to revitalize and promote such historical spaces for contemporary enjoyment and education.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit