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There are an array of things to do in Italy, with Bra sharing quite a few of those!
Bra beckons with its felicitous fusion of history, culture, and gastronomy, offering visitors a tantalizing taste of Italy’s rich past and present.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Bra:
1. Piazza del Duomo
The central square of Bra, a town in the Piedmont region of Italy.
What to see or do: Take a stroll around the square and admire the beautiful architecture and sculptures, including the Cathedral of Santi Pietro e Paolo, the Bell Tower, and the statue of Camillo Benso di Cavour.
Don’t miss: The weekly outdoor market that takes place in the square on Saturdays, where you can find local produce, clothing, and other goods.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the evening for a more romantic and atmospheric experience, as the square is beautifully illuminated at night.
There are also plenty of bars and restaurants around the square where you can enjoy a drink or a meal while taking in the view.
2. Museo del Novecento
Modern art museum located in Bra, Italy.
What to see or do: Explore a collection of over 500 artworks from the 20th century, including paintings, sculptures, and installations by renowned artists like Giorgio de Chirico, Umberto Boccioni, Alberto Burri, and Emilio Vedova.
Don’t miss: Admire the impressive “Arco della Pace” mural by Arturo Tosi, which portrays the victory of the Italian army in World War I.
Insider travel tip: Visit during the quieter hours in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and get a more intimate viewing experience.
3. Santa Maria delle Grazie
A church located in the city center of Bra, Italy, dating back to the 16th century.
What to see or do: Admire the beautiful baroque architecture of the church, including the impressive dome and ornate altars inside. Attend a mass or religious service to experience the spiritual ambiance of the church.
Don’t miss: The frescoes and paintings that decorate the interior of the church, including notable works by local artists. Keep an eye out for the stunning stained glass windows that illuminate the space with colorful light.
Insider travel tips: If you’re visiting Bra in August, make sure to check out the annual “Palio di Bra”, a traditional horse race and parade that takes place in the city on the second Sunday of the month.
Additionally, plan to visit Santa Maria delle Grazie in the morning, as the church can get crowded during peak tourist hours.
4. Sforza Castle
Historic castle in the heart of Milan.
What to see or do: Explore the many museums and art collections housed inside the castle, including works by Michelangelo and Da Vinci.
Don’t miss: The stunning frescoes in the Sala delle Asse, painted by Leonardo da Vinci himself.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the week to avoid crowds.
Be sure to take a stroll through the castle’s beautiful gardens and stop at one of the cafes for a coffee or gelato.
5. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
A stunning and historic shopping arcade in the heart of Milan.
What to see or do: Admire the ornate architecture and exquisite details of the arcade while window shopping at the luxury boutiques and designer stores. Don’t forget to look up and gaze at the beautiful glass-domed ceiling.
Don’t miss: Taking a moment to spin your heels on the mosaic bull on the floor of the arcade, which is said to bring good luck.
Insider travel tips: For a true Italian experience, stop for an aperitivo at one of the historic cafes, such as the famous Camparino, overlooking the arcade.
It’s also best to visit during the weekdays as it can get crowded with tourists on weekends.
6. Teatro alla Scala
Teatro alla Scala is a world-renowned opera house located in the heart of Milan, Italy.
What to see or do: Experience the beauty of Italian opera by attending a performance at Teatro alla Scala. The opera house is home to some of the world’s most talented musicians, dancers, and opera singers.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the incredible acoustics and ornate decor of the theater. Admire the stunning frescoes, intricate woodwork, and luxurious velvet seats as you take in a show.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to book tickets well in advance as they sell out quickly, especially during the peak season.
It’s also worth noting that dress codes are strictly enforced, so make sure to dress elegantly for your evening at the opera.
7. Brera Art Gallery
The Brera Art Gallery is one of the most prestigious art museums in Italy, featuring a vast collection of Italian Renaissance art.
What to see or do: Visitors can marvel at masterpieces by famous artists such as Raphael, Caravaggio, and Titian. The gallery’s collection boasts a variety of works, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative art objects.
Don’t miss: One of the most iconic pieces on display is “The Kiss” by Francesco Hayez, a romantic painting that captures the essence of Italian Romanticism.
Additionally, visitors won’t want to miss the stunning frescoes by Andrea Mantegna in the Pinacoteca, or the stunning terracotta sculptures by Antonio Canova.
Insider travel tips: The gallery can get quite busy during peak hours, so it’s worth arriving early or purchasing a skip-the-line ticket ahead of time.
Additionally, visitors should be sure to take advantage of the audio guide available, which provides insightful commentary on the museum’s collection.
8. Pinacoteca di Brera
Pinacoteca di Brera is one of the most important art museums in Italy, located in the heart of Milan.
What to see or do: The museum houses an impressive collection of Italian Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces, including works by Botticelli, Raphael, Caravaggio, and many more.
Visitors can admire stunning paintings, sculptures, and antique art pieces.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the breathtaking painting of The Kiss by Francesco Hayez, Deposizione by Raphael, and Cena in Emmaus by Caravaggio.
Insider travel tips: It’s recommended to prebook your tickets or visit during off-peak hours to avoid long queues. The museum has its own café, making it convenient to grab a snack or drink during your visit.
Audio guides are available in multiple languages for an enhanced experience.
9. Piazza Mercanti
Piazza Mercanti is a charming square located in the heart of Bra, a small town in the Piemonte region of Italy.
What to see or do: The square is surrounded by historic buildings that are well-preserved, including Palazzo Comunale, a medieval tower, and the 18th-century Palazzo Mathis.
Don’t miss: Make sure to snap a picture with the bronze statue of Zizzola, the symbol of Bra, located at the center of the square.
Insider travel tips: Visit Piazza Mercanti in the evening, when the square is bathed in warm golden light and illuminated by street lamps.
Take a seat at one of the outdoor cafes around the square and enjoy an aperitivo while soaking up the atmosphere.
10. San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore
Medieval church located in Bra, Piedmont, Italy.
What to see or do: Admire the stunning frescoes covering the walls and vaults, depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments, as well as various saints.
Don’t miss: The remarkable Last Judgment fresco on the western wall, considered one of the finest examples of Romanesque art in Italy.
Insider travel tips: – As the church is still in use, check the opening hours before your visit.
11. Navigli District
Navigli District is a charming canal district located in the southern part of Milan. It is best known for its picturesque canals and vibrant nightlife scene.
What to see or do: – Take a stroll down the Navigli Grande and Naviglio Pavese canals and appreciate the beautiful architecture and atmosphere.
Don’t miss: – The Navigli Antiques Market, taking place every last Sunday of the month, where you can find unique antiques and vintage treasures.
Insider travel tips: – The best way to experience the Navigli District is by foot, so it’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
12. Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio
Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio is a historic church located in the city of Milan, Italy.
What to see or do: The church is famous for its unique architectural features including a Romanesque bell tower and a stunning portico. Visitors can marvel at the beautiful artworks inside the basilica including intricate mosaics, frescoes, and paintings.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see the onyx urn located in the crypt. It contains the remains of Saint Ambrose, the patron saint of Milan who founded the church in the 4th century.
Insider travel tips: The church can get crowded in peak tourist season, so it’s best to arrive early to avoid the crowds.
13. Parco Sempione
Parco Sempione is a large public park in the heart of Milan, Italy, covering an area of 47 acres.
What to see or do: The park offers a variety of activities and attractions including the famous Arco della Pace, the lakeside Torre Branca tower, the Palazzo dell’Arte museum, and the historic Castello Sforzesco.
There are also paths for jogging or cycling, gardens to relax in, and playgrounds for children.
Don’t miss: The beautiful Acquario Civico, a public aquarium located in the park that has a variety of fish and other sea creatures on display.
Visitors can also take a peaceful stroll around the Sempione lake or visit the beautiful Napoleonic park.
Insider travel tips: The park can get quite crowded during weekends, so try to visit on a weekday for a more peaceful experience. Also, consider bringing a picnic to enjoy among the park’s picturesque surroundings.
And don’t forget to wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the park’s various attractions.
14. Milan Cathedral
Milan Cathedral, also known as the Duomo di Milano, is a magnificent cathedral located in the heart of Milan, Italy. The structure boasts incredible gothic architecture with over 150 spires and 3,400 statues.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a tour of the cathedral interior, which includes the main nave, the altar, the crypt, and the rooftop.
The rooftop offers stunning views of Milan’s skyline and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can also explore the cathedral’s museum, which houses artifacts and artwork related to the cathedral’s history.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the Duomo di Milano is undoubtedly the view from the rooftop.
Make sure to take a moment to appreciate the intricacy of the cathedral’s architecture and the stunning panoramic views from the top.
Insider travel tips: – Book a ticket in advance to avoid the long lines at the ticket office.
15. Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper
The Last Supper is a late 15th-century mural painting by Leonardo da Vinci located in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy.
What to see or do: The painting depicts the scene of the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples. The painting is massive in size and captures the emotion and tension of the moment with exquisite detail.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see one of the most famous and iconic pieces of art in the world. The Last Supper remains one of the most popular and visited works of art in history.
Insider travel tips: Due to its popularity, it is imperative that you book your tickets at least a few weeks in advance to avoid the disappointment of not being able to see the painting.
Additionally, it’s recommended to opt for a guided tour to enhance your understanding and appreciation of the artwork.