Cidneo, Summit in Brescia, Italy

Cidneo is a limestone hill that rises above the center of Brescia, forming part of the Prealpi Bresciane range. At its top stands an old castle with several towers that emerge clearly from the surrounding terrain.

The hill was part of Monte Maddalena until the second half of the 16th century, when a ditch was dug to separate it and prevent attacks from higher ground. The first settlements date to the 9th century BC, and the Romans included the hill within the city walls at the end of the 1st century BC. Construction of the castle began in the 13th century and ended in the 16th century.

The castle on the hill houses two museums, one of weapons and one of Risorgimento relics. The hill itself takes its name from Cidneo, and the climb from the old centre passes the walls that the Visconti and later the Venetians strengthened. The museums occupy rooms inside the fortress, so a visit combines the collections with the courtyards and ramparts around them.

Footpaths lead up to the top from several points around the old center of Brescia, and the climb is steady throughout. Sturdy shoes help, and the walk is easier in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is lower.

Carved into the rock beneath the castle are cellars that were used as ammunition stores in the medieval period and can still be visited today. These underground spaces are among the least noticed parts of the whole complex.