1. Porta Brescia

Begin your visit to the fortress from the P3 parking area at Porta Brescia, the ancient entrance once used by farmers. Discover 16th-century military architecture, the historic bridge by Anton Maria Lorna, and immerse yourself in the heart of the city, all the way to Piazza San Marco.

Begin your visit from the parking lot west of the fortress (P3 Porta Brescia Parking), near Porta Brescia.

Porta Brescia, also known as the “countryside gate”, was the main entrance used by farmers and merchants to access the fortress. Located on the western side of the fortified complex, it remains one of the most picturesque gateways into the town. Its simple, compact architecture, devoid of decorative elements, fully reflects the military function for which it was designed: to control access and defend the urban perimeter.

Even as you approach the gate, you can see the imposing 16th-century bastion rising just ahead. This massive defensive structure, with its thick sloping walls, is protected by a wide moat that, together with three other water channels, forms a complete defense system around the entire fortress. The moat not only served a defensive purpose but also helped regulate access to the city, making any surprise attack difficult.

Now cross the bridge that connects Porta Brescia to the heart of the fortress. It was designed in 1760 by Anton Maria Lorna, a military engineer, and is a fine example of defensive infrastructure from that period.

The bridge replaced an earlier movable passage and today offers a perfect vantage point to observe the system of canals and walls.

Once you've passed through the gate and crossed the bridge, you'll find yourself inside the fortified town. From here, you can continue along the charming streets of the historic center. Among period buildings, small shops, and picturesque views, you'll reach Piazza San Marco—one of the main squares of the town, where history, everyday life, and local atmosphere come together.