Map (s) - (3), Brescia, Chieta and Bologna-Firenze, Italy Brescia is a city and comune in the region of Lombardy in northern Italy. It is situated at the foot of the Alps, between the Mella River and the Naviglio, a few kilometres from the lakes Garda and Iseo.The city was awarded a Gold Medal for its resistance against Fascism in World War II. Chieti (Chieta) is a city and comune in Southern Italy, 200 kilometres northeast of Rome. It is the capital of the province of Chieti in the Abruzzo region. Chieti lies on a crest along the Pescara River a few kilometres away from the Adriatic Sea, and with the Maiella and Gran Sasso mountains in the background. During World War II, Chieti was declared an open city (like Rome) and was not bombed by either side. The city at this time welcomed many refugees from the near towns and villages. Allied forces liberated the city on June 9, 1944, one day after the Germans left the city. Bologna is the largest city (and the capital) of the Emilia-Romagna Region in northern Italy Bologna suffered extensive damage during World War II. The strategic importance of the city as industrial and railway hub connecting northern and central Italy made it a strategic target for the Allied forces. . Florence (Firenze),is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany and of the province of Florence. During World War II the city experienced a year-long German occupation (1943–1944) and was declared an open city. Shortly before leaving Florence, as they knew that they would soon have to retreat, the Germans executed many freedom fighters and political opponents publicly, in streets and squares including the Piazza Santo Spirito.