Lombardy
Lombardy region ranges from the Alps to the countryside, from art cities to small little-known medieval villages rich in history, in what is Italy’s lake district. Dotted with charming islands and lined by picturesque towns, the lakes are one of the highlights of the Lombardy region. There are more than fifteen lakes in Lombardy.
Lombardy is a perfect region for any kind of vacation. Nature lovers will enjoy the scenery of dainty
mountains and glittering lakes, active travellers can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities almost every season, art and culture buffs will appreciate UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the prehistoric sites with plenty of evidences of past eras and artistic heritage. Food lovers will discover different kind of Italian traditional cuisine, and there are many places which are very well suited for families. For shoppers in search of fashion and glamour, the designer shops, malls, outlets and second hand shops, are waiting for your pure shopping moments!
Some of the important provinces of Lombardy are Milano, Varese, Como, Bergamo, Brescia, Pavia, Cremona, Mantua, Sondrio, Lecco and Lodi.
Lombardy is the Italian region with the highest number of Unesco’s world heritage sites. At the present moment, there are ten UNESCO World Heritage Site. An ideal destination for planning a memorable cultural vacation. Let's explore this region!
By tommaso picone -Pixabay
List of the World Heritage sites located around Lombardy
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Santa Maria delle Grazie ("Holy Mary of Grace") in Milan
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Crespi d’Adda in Bergamo
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Monte San Giorgio in Lake Lugano (Shared with Switzerland)
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Mantua and Sabbioneta
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Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps in Lake Varese (Shared with Piemonte, Trentino-Alto Adige)
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The Rhaetian Railway in Tirano (Bernina Express)
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Rock Drawings in Val Camonica
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Sacro Monte of Varesa (Shared with Piedmont)
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Venetian Wall in Bergamo (Venetian Works of Defence between the 16th and 17th Centuries, consists of 6 components of defence works spanning more than 1,000 km between the Italy Croatia and Montenegro. It Italy, the components can be found in Lombardy , Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
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Longobards in Italy and their Places of Power Serial Sites comprises seven groups of historic buildings including fortresses, churches, and monasteries throughout the Italian Peninsula. The seven components are located in Campania, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, Puglia, and Umbria. In Lombardy, there are 2 components, San Salvatore-Santa Giulia Monastary and Capitolium archaeological area in Brescia and Castelseprio Archaeological Park in Varese.
Milan
The main city of this region. The industrial and fashion centre of Italy. A true shopping-lovers’ city. Historically, Milan has always been one of the wealthiest cities that you will find anywhere in Europe and it has a global reputation for being the capital of design and fashion!
Piazza del Duomo
The historic center, Piazza del Duomo is an immense open public space that features some impressive architecture and sculptures. From here you can view the wonderful Milan Cathedral (Duomo), represents the spirit of Milan and all its history, famed for its sublime architecture that took over 600 years to complete and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an elegant nineteenth-century shopping arcade. It houses some of the most luxurious boutiques in Milan.
Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie (Holy Mary of Grace)
Church and Dominican convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie (Holy Mary of Grace). Inside the building contains one of the greatest artistic masterpieces in the world – the mural of The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, which covers the north wall of the refectory in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. It depicts the scene of the Last Supper as described in the Bible. It is the Renaissance jewel of Italy, became part of Unesco World Heritage Site in 1980.
La Scala Theatre
Opened in 1778, it is one of the leading opera and ballet theatre in the world. Most of Italy's greatest operatic artists, and many of the finest singers from around the world, have performed at La Scala.
Sforza Castle
The 15th century Sforza Castle built by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, on the remnants of a 14th-century fortification. It is one of the largest citadels in Europe, now houses several of the city's museums and art collections.
Via Monte Napoleone
Don't forget to visit the famous shopping street, Via Monte Napoleone, with the well-heeled locals come to splash their cash at the sophisticated shops.
Bergamo
Bergamo’s cityscape is divided into two centers, the upper, older città alta, and the lower, modern città bassa. The historic Venetian walls are the natural border between the Lower and the Upper Town. The two parts of Bergamo are connected by a funicular, a much easier approach to the old citadel than the steep, winding roads at either end.
The ancient Città Alta(Upper Town), charming medieval historic center , with a maze of narrow medieval streets, has retained its centuries-old Medieval and Renaissance appearance. Città Alta is surrounded by the impressive 6 km Venetian Walls, listed in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2007. The walls are strikingly beautiful and are linked strongly with the cultural identity of the city. The Venetian walls have been awarded a prestigious title a majestic architectural work dating back to the 16th century. They were built starting from 1561 by the Republic of Venice in order to face enemies attacks, but History was kind with them: maybe due to their stunning beauty, they never underwent any siege. That is why they remained almost intact to the present day.
Walking along the walls , you can enjoy a moment of reflection, a break from the city chaos, or a wonderful sunset that, from the upper town, extends over the territory below. It is onsidered to be one of the most romantic places in Bergamo, with couples often sitting together on the walls to watch the sunset over the city. Once you have reached the top, the views will captivate even those uninterested in the architectural requirements of military strategy.
Brescia
The town of Brescia is the second largest city in Lombardy (Milan is the largest) and in an attractive setting. The city boasts the largest Roman archaeological area in Northern Italy, astonishingly full of impressive monuments, a great deal of architectural heritage including Roman ruins and some fine Renaissance architecture, each with its own charm.
Brescia Castle
Brescia Castle perching on the hilltop that dominates the town, from which you can enjoy the panoramic view across the city. The castle has a large 13th century tower and also contains two minor museums, one with a collection of old weapons and the other commemorating the story of Italian reunification in the 1860's.
Mille Miglia Rally, Brescia
The Mille Miglia (thousand miles) vintage car rally in Brescia, Italy’s most prestigious rally, that attracts thousands of car lovers from all over the world every year in May.
Rock Drawings in Val Camonica , Brescia
Val Camonica is a picturesque valley located in the Province of Brescia. An open-air museum, known for its archeological, natural and historical significance , where visitors can admire one of the oldest rock carvings from thousands of years ago, depicting scenes of hunting, dancing, and agriculture of prehistoric petroglyphs. Its rock drawings are recognised to be one of the most complex rock drawings in Europe, and the first of Italy’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, having been inserted on the List in 1979.
Plaster casting of a rock engraving of a deer
By Erich Ferdinand-flickr.com
By Roger469 - wikimedia.org, Public Domain,
Brescia and Varese
Longobards in Italy and their Places of Power Serial Sites (568–774 A.D)
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Longobards in Italy and their Places of Power Serial Sites comprises seven groups of historic buildings including fortresses, churches, and monasteries throughout the Italian Peninsula. They testify the achievements of the Lombards, who migrated from northern Europe and and established a Lombard Kingdom in Italy where they ruled over vast territories till 774 A.D. The Lombards contributed a major role in the spiritual and cultural development of Medieval European Christianity.
In 2011 the UNESCO World Heritage Committee group the monuments of the Longobards left behind in the Italian soil together as "Longobards in Italy and Their Places of Power" and declare the Seven Serial Sites a UNESCO World Heritage Site, given their historical and artistic status. The seven components are located in Campania, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, Puglia, and Umbria. In Lombardy, there are 2 components, San Salvatore-Santa Giulia Monastary and Capitolium archaeological area in Brescia and Castelseprio Archaeological Park in Varese.
Let’s discover the most precious historical monumental remains of the “Longobards (Lombards) in Italy-Places of the Power Serial Sites.
San Salvatore - Santa Giulia monastery and the Capitolium archaeological area.
San Salvatore (Santa Giulia), a former monastery, owned an enormous amount of property, and it served as an important cultural centre, producing books, paintings and metalwork. Today the monastery has been transformed into a huge museum. The monastic complex is famous for the diversity of its architecture which include Roman remains and significant pre-Romanesque, with monuments, and artifacts, of highest historial value, spanning around 2000 years of history, dating back to the Lombard era.
Santa Giulia Museum, Brescia
The monumental area with the monastic complex of San Salvatore-Santa Giulia
By Stefano Zocca-Unsplash
By Xiquinho Silva-flickr
Capitoline Temple
Capitoline Temple erected by Emperor Vespasianus in 73AD. Here lies one of the oldest Roman ruins in Italy and a definite must-see. Archaeological excavations have also revealed a Roman Theatre, in which traces of frescoes of Pompeian style are visible. A fascinating archaeological site where visitors can take a look at significant, inscribed stone tablets. Anyone would be captivated by this stunning, half-preserved, and half-ruined "Longobards in Italy and Their Places of Power "UNESCO World Heritage Site".
Capitolium archaeological area
By xiquinhosilva from Cacau -wikimedia.org
Cremona
Cremona, a town that has been famous for its luthiers and musical activity since the 16th century, is famous for the violin craftmanship. The string instrument makers in Cremona have taken their craft to the summit of achievement, and there are still active artisan workshops in Cremona keeping the traditions of past masters alive. For this reason, Cremona has been included in Unesco’s representative list of Intangible
Cultural Heritage in 2012.
The most famous violin-maker in Cremona was Antonio Stradivari and his house in Corso Garibaldi 57 is occasionally opened to the public. In addition there is a Violin museum with regular concerts and auditions in Piazza Marconi.
Crespi d'Adda Industrial Village
Crespi d'Adda, in the Province of Bergamo , a picturesque company village, built by the Crespi Family in the 19th centuary for the employees and their families, working in the textile factory that stands right next to the village. An ideal industrial town, where workers could live, study, and take care of themselves. Eventually, they were even buried here, at the local cemetery.
Visiting the company town of Crespi d’Adda is like going back to the industrial past! You will have the chance to explore an “outstanding example of the exceptional phenomenon of 'company towns', the most complete and best-preserved examples in the world of a working-class village. That’s the reason why the UNESCO decided to put the entire village Crespi among the World Heritage Sites list in 1995.
Crespi d'Adda Industrial Village
By Dario Crespi .wikimedia.org
View of the cotton mill
By Alessandro Bonvini-flickr
Mantua and Sabbioneta
A unique testimony to the world of Renaissance urban architecture, the cities of Mantua and Sabbioneta are an open-air masterpiece. Because of their monumental Renaissance architecture and as testimonies to a particular civilization, both cities became part of Unesco World Heritage sites on July 7th 2008.
Mantua, surrounded by lakes, is a splendid example of a small and sophisticated ducal city. Mantua's past as the capital of the Gonzaga family, its elegant buildings and deep cultural roots make the quality of life here among the highest in Italy.
Sabbioneta, a new town designed and built from scratch in accordance with Renaissance theories of urban planning. A perfect example of how a renaissance period fortified town should be laid out, and retains many of the palazzos and buildings.
Both cities are a must-see for all those who want to admire the architectural beauty of Lombardy.
Sabbioneta
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Tirano - The Rhaetian Railway (Bernina Express)
Discover one of the most beautiful UNESCO sites in Lombardy when it comes to its landscape. The Rhaetian Railway, commonly known as Bernina Express, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. This is a 122-km railway network connecting Italy to Switzerland, from Tirano to Saint Moritz. This little red train negotiates 55 tunnels,196 bridges, then it climbs up the the Bernina Pass, for 61 kilometers until reaching 2256 meters of altitude at its highest point, the Ospizio - Bernina Station, before descending to St. Moritz far below.
The train winds its way gently through splendid scenery, blending ideally with the alpine landscapes where you can admire unrestricted views of the unspoilt natural surroundings, glistening glaciers and the Alps at their most impressive from the windows and panoramic glass roof of the wagons.
The Trenino Rosso del Bernina (Red Bernina train), which climbs up the mountains relying only on the natural adhesion provided by the railway tracks, is a rare example of human construction perfectly integrated into the environment.
The Rhaetian Railway (Bernina Express)
By alessandra barbieri - Pixabay
Varese Province
Varese, a picturesque province lies below the Alps, attracts travellers with its amazing alpine valleys, rivers and mountain lakes,to this beautiful corners of nature . The glacial lakes are Lake Maggiore, Lake Lugano, Lake Varese and four other smaller ones. It's all lined with picturesque villages and resorts along the shore. Other important towns are the city of Varese, Angera, Laveno, Busto Arsizio, Gallarate, Saronno, Vedano Olona. In Varese, you will be able to walk through untouched woods, walk along the shores of most beautiful mountain lakes and see endless valleys that look like pictures from fairy tales. A great place to chill out and enjoy the natural landscape and mountain views.
Varese
The town of Varese is located a short drive from the city of Milan and lies at the foot of Mount Campo dei Fiori .
Nestled among the hills and lakes, boasting incredible views, Varese is also known as the “Garden City”. Splendid villa, impressive gardens, parks and organized flower beds adorn the town. One of the most impressive landmark is Palazzo Estense, a shining example of the Baroque architectural, characterized by its fountain and chapels, and embellished with elegant landscape. A walk in the Park can be fascinating!
There are many villas equally impressive, including Villa Ponti or the Villa Mirabello Park, with its centuries-old trees.
The town of Varese is the gateway to the famous Sacro Monte di Varese. The Sacro Monte is a site located in the mountains, which draws many pilgrims and believers.
Palazzo Estense
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Villa Ponti
By massimo sanna - Pixabay
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the province of Varese
There are four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the province of Varese, Castelseprio Archaeological Park classified under "Longobards in Italy and Their Places of Power", Mount San Giorgio, Prehistoric Pile Dwellings and The Sacro Monte Varese.
Castelseprio Archaeological Park ,Varese
Castelseprio, in the province of Varese , in Valle Olona,, where visitors can find the Castrum Sibrium, a military stronghold in Roman times, used over the following centuries by the Goths, Byzantines, Longobards and then the Visconti. Discover the ruins of ancient and the history of Longobard settlements. Belonging to the same archaeological unicum, is the ruins of the monastery of Torba and the church of Santa Maria Foris Portas.
Church of Santa Maria Foris Portas , now deconsecrated church is an invaluable example of Longobard-byzantine art and contains what is perhaps the oldest painting in the region - an unknown artist painted the stories about the Virgin Mary from the apocryphal Gospels in the apse. The Torba complex was a military outpost of the late Roman empire before it was taken over by the Goths and Longobards as a defensive tower and wall dated from the 5th and 6th centuries. Torba later became a place of prayer and religious works for the Benedictines nuns.
In 2011, the Castrum, Church of Santa Maria and the monastery of Torba declare as part of "Longobards in Italy and Their Places of Power" and became UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Castelseprio Archaeological Park
Church of Santa Maria Foris Portas
By Adelchi -wikimedia.org
Church of Saint Paolo
By Sailko -wikimedia.org
Mount San Giorgio
The pyramid-shaped, wooded mountain of Mount San Giorgio sits between Lombardy and Switzerland (south of Lake Lugano ) is regarded as the best marine fossil deposits in the world. Its rocks contain a rich quantity of fossils that date as far back as 250 million years ago (the Middle Triassic Period), many of which are also in an exceptional preserved state. It is a site of extreme historical, archaeological and scientific value. The Italian side of Mount San Giorgio became part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2010 while the Swiss half has been since 2003.
Mount San Giorgio
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The well preserved prehistoric Alpine stilt houses are part of 111 human dwellings scattered all over the heart of Europe, included in the Unesco World Heritage Sites list. These Pile Dwellings are distributed in six different countries. 56 are located in Switzerland, 19 in Italy, 18 in Germany, 11 in France, 5 in Austria, and 2 in Slovenia. In Italy, the nineteen Pile Dwellings are located in five different regions, Lombardy (10), Veneto (4), Piedmont (2), Friuli Venezia (1), and Trentino Alto Adige (2).
Among these, the ten Pile Dwellings in Lombardy are scattered between the provinces of Brescia, Varese, Mantua and Cremona. Lombardy boasts the oldest pile dwellings so far discovered.
Lake Varese is where oldest piles dwellings are found. It can be seen in the tiny Island of Virginia, near a museum showcasing the archaeological excavation spots of a 5000 B.C. village. Visitors can admire the unique characteristics of settlements of primitive men, and learn about daily life habits of the first farmers in central Europe during prehistoric, neolithic and bronze ages.
Pile-dwelling Stilt Houses
By alessandra barbieri- Pixabay
Sacred Mountains (Scari Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy)
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy are groups of chapels and other architectural created in the late 16th and 17th centuries, as places of pilgrimage. There is a total of nine holy mountains known as the Sacred Mountains or Sacri Monti scattered around Lombardy and Piedmont. In Lombardy, there are two Sacred Mountains, one in Varese and the other in Ossuccio, while the remaining seven are on the Piedmontese territory. The Scared Mountains have been included in the Unesco World Heritage Site list since 2003.
The Sacro Monte of Varese
Nestled between gently rolling hills and the regional park Campo dei Fiori , is the Holy Road with its 14 chapels, scattered along a wide cobbled pathway, rising up the mountain and ends in the Sanctuary Santa Maria del Monte (15th chapel) dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
You don’t need to be a pilgrim to enjoy the journey to Sacro Monte di Varese, it is a must-see destination for every tourist in Varese. With beautiful flora and fauna, and a wonderful view of the surrounding countryside, mountains and lakes, the route will draw you in peace and relaxation with every breath. The path of the chapels is about 2.5 kilometer long and reaches the Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Monte.
Sacro Monte di Ossuccio (Blessed Virgin of Succour)
Sacro Monte di Ossuccio (Blessed Virgin of Succour) is located on a prealpine crag some 200 metres above the western shore Lake Como, occupy an enchanting, panoramic position overlooking the village of Ossuccio. It is completely isolated, surrounded by fields and plantations of olive groves and woods.
Ossuccio
By K.Weise-wikimedia.org CC0
By Laurom -wikimedia.org
Small or big, surrounded by hills or mountains, dotted with charming islands and lined by picturesque towns, the lakes are one of the highlights of the Lombardy region. These lakes include Lake Come, Lake Maggiore (share with border with Piedmont) Lake Varese, Lake Iseo and Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, with its 370 km² surface and is situated among the three Italian regions of Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige.
