Tosio Palace - University of Brescia
Tosio Palace - University of BresciaVia Tosio, 12, 25121, Brescia (BS)ateneo.brescia.it/palazzo-tosio/
Among the most representative palazzi of 19th-century Brescia, the Tosio Palace is a bridge that spans epochs.
Refined outside, cultured inside, it combines the solidity of the 16th century with the elegant rigour of Neoclassicism. Today it is home to the University of Brescia, and its history is intertwined with that of the Tosio Martinengo Art Gallery.
THE PALACE
Between 1810 and 1840, the palace took shape, rising from the foundations of a 16th century building. First with the Basiletti brothers, then with architect Rodolfo Vantini, who transformed it into a Neoclassical masterpiece: white Botticino for the façade, courtyard and main rooms, a fountain with Naiad in the centre and, despite restoration, still visible Renaissance remains, such as the portico and some original rooms.
In the 19th century it housed a dream collection: paintings by Raphael, precious furniture, and rare books. A heritage that was then donated to the city and moved to the new Tosio Martinengo Art Gallery, which was actually created here.
Today, Palazzo Tosio lives on. It’s the home of the University of Brescia, which houses works by Rottini and Basiletti.
And since 2010, thanks to a virtual museum, it can also be visited online: reconstructed rooms, historical content, for art that’s accessible to all. Barrier-free.
Palazzo Tosio is proof that elegance never goes out of fashion.
