In 2023, the two northern Italian cities of Brescia and Bergamo will hold the title of Capital of Culture. Brescia, the so-called "Lioness of Italy", as the city is also known, is one of the most beautiful and oldest cultural cities in Lombardy. A city that on the one hand proudly displays its historical buildings and works of art on historical ground, but on the other hand is very modern and progressive. Brescia is a treasure trove of art and architecture and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2011 with the Santa Giulia Monastery. The legendary Mille Miglia, the classic car event par excellence, starts in Brescia every year. Bergamo, the beautiful unknown, unjustly leads a quiet existence in the shadow of its prominent neighbour Milan. There are many reasons to pay Bergamo a visit. Be it because of the historic city centre of Bergamo Alta, the location on the edge of the Alps or because of the famous composer Donizetti.