Things to do · Chiari
Chiari, the town of the Quadre
The medieval historic centre, five minutes from the farmhouse.
Not to be missed
What to see in Chiari
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Piazza Zanardelli and the Duomo
The heart of the town. The Duomo of Santi Faustino e Giovita, the patron saints celebrated every 15 February with a fair, holds 17th- and 18th-century paintings; in the crypt Sant'Agape is venerated, and her relics draw pilgrims.
Piazza Zanardelli
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The civic tower
It rises above the main square and can be seen from every corner of the town. It has a clock on each of its four sides, each one facing one of the Quadre.
Piazza Zanardelli
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The streets of the four Quadre
Via Zeveto, Via Marengo, Via Cortezzano and Via Villatico are the oldest streets in the centre and are named after the historic quarters. On the main street of each Quadra a mosaic shows its coat of arms: hunting for all four is a nice way to discover the town.
Historic centre
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Santa Maria Maggiore and San Rocco
Two old churches a few steps from each other: Santa Maria Maggiore, founded in the 13th century and enlarged over the following centuries, with its carved and gilded 18th-century wooden choir lofts; and San Rocco, from the 15th century, with its façade in Sarnico stone.
Historic centre
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La Rocca
The only surviving part of the old walls: a massive tower bearing the town's coat of arms, a black eagle on a gold background. The moat that once surrounded the village still runs around it.
Piazza della Rocca
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Biblioteca Morcelliana and Pinacoteca Repossi
Founded in the early 19th century by Abbot Stefano Antonio Morcelli, the library holds precious manuscripts, including the copy of Chiari's ancient statutes. Next door, the Pinacoteca Repossi gallery houses paintings, sculptures and a large collection of prints.
Historic centre
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Villa Mazzotti and its park
Built in the early 20th century for the Counts Mazzotti — Franco Mazzotti was one of the founders of the Mille Miglia — it is a Neo-Renaissance villa surrounded by one of the largest public parks in the province of Brescia. Today it belongs to the town and hosts events and exhibitions, including the Rassegna della Microeditoria (small publishers' fair) in autumn.
Viale Mazzini
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Madonna dei Casotti
A small church outside the centre, linked to the Battle of Chiari of 1 September 1701, one of the clashes of the War of the Spanish Succession.
At the table
What to eat
This is the bassa bresciana, the plain south of Brescia: hearty country cooking from farmhouses and cattle sheds. Try the casoncelli with butter and sage, the Brescian spiedo of autumn Sundays and manzo all'olio, a speciality of nearby Rovato, cooked for hours with olive oil and anchovies and served with polenta. To finish, a glass of Franciacorta, which is very much at home here.
Our recommendations
Where to eat, between Chiari and Monte Orfano
When our kitchen is closed, or when you fancy a change, these are the places where we send our guests.
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Osteria Vicolo Carceri
Chiari, historic centre
A small restaurant near the Duomo: cured meats, pasta dishes, meat and typical local dishes, with a good selection of wines.
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Osteria Quattro Rose
Rovato, Via Castello
It calls itself a “wine bar with kitchen” and recalls one of the oldest trattorias in the town. Two dining rooms, one with a large hearth, and a garden for summer. Cured meats, pasta dishes, meat and manzo all'olio; a wide choice of wines.
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Trattoria Genuisì
Coccaglio, on Monte Orfano
A family-run trattoria on Monte Orfano, with a lovely view over the plain: local cooking and authentic traditional Brescian dishes, to enjoy with a glass of wine.
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Trattoria Pier
Coccaglio, 5 km from the farmhouse
Starters, pasta dishes and a wide variety of main courses, with an excellent wine list.
For all of them it is best to phone ahead and say that Corte Breda sent you: we take no commission, but they have promised to look after our guests with special care.