Tom really wanted to take me to Brescia, one of the cities in which he served on his mission. He kept telling me that Brescia was an ugly city, but that it had perhaps his favorite church in Italy. He said it was a very simple church, but that he loved it. It is known as the Duomo vecchio or Rotonda di Brescia. It was built by the Romans in the 10 century. I immediately fell in love with it. Its simplicity invoked a profound reverence, and its circular layout a beautiful sense of unity. It contrasted sharply with the ellaborate churches we had seen before- St. Mark’s in Venice, and Notre-Dame de Fourviere in Lyon. It felt more familiar, more like the churches and temples I’m used to attending.

Duomo vecchio di Brescia

This is a square where Tom did a lot of teaching. I loved all the red accents. It was fun for me to see places that made such a mark on Tom, and for Tom to realize that Brescia was actually a very beautiful city.

As we were walking around the above piazza I noticed this tower. And said- “Look, at that ancient tower, right here in the middle of the city.” Tom nearly jumped with joy! “That’s the tower I’ve told you about. I forgot it was in Brescia!” When he was on his mission he stopped to talk with an older gentleman. The man was kind and invited him up to his house- which was in this old tower. It was apparently an incredible home, what a locale! We looked for the man, but didn’t find him.

Like many Italian and French cities there is a fortress at the top of the hill. We walked the steep climb to the top, despite our heavy backpacks, and were rewarded with a gorgeous view.