Lombardy, Italy. Photos, map, sights

Lombardy is one of the most economically developed regions of Italy, located in the north of the country. It is an important industrial and financial center. The region is home to major cities such as Milan, Bergamo, and Brescia. Each province of Lombardy has its own unique features and attractions.

Brief description

The area of Lombardy is about 25 thousand square kilometers, and the population numbers more than 10 million people.

The history of the region dates back several millennia. Lombardy was inhabited in prehistoric times, in the Neolithic. In ancient times, Celtic tribes lived here, and in the 1st century BC the region was conquered by the Romans. In the era of Ancient Rome, one of the richest and most developed provinces of the empire was located here.

Lombardy was part of the Holy Roman Empire in the Middle Ages, and then of the Italian Kingdom. In the 19th century, the region became part of a united Italy.

Lombardy in Italy includes 12 provinces.

The relief of Lombardy is diverse: there are plains, hills, and mountains.

The region is located in the zone of alpine folding, so here you can find such mountain ranges as the Alps and the Pre-Alps.

Location, how to get there

Lombardy in Italy borders on:

• Piedmont;
• Veneto;
• Trentino-Alto Adige;
• Emilia-Romagna;
• Switzerland.

There are several ways to get to the region from Russia:

Airports serving flights to Lombardy:

• Milan Malpensa (MXP) is the largest in the region, serving many flights.
• Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (BGY) is the second largest in Lombardy.
• Brescia Montichiari (BSZ) is a small one serving local flights.

Climatic conditions

Lombardy is a region that has a temperate climate with 4 distinct seasons:

In general, the climate in Lombardy is favorable for tourism at any time of the year. However, it should be borne in mind that the weather can be changeable, especially in the mountains.

What to see

In Lombardy, tourists can visit historical cities such as Milan, Bergamo and Brescia.

In them you can see many sights and architectural monuments of Italy.

Attractions in Milan

Milan is the capital of the region.

This is a beautiful and modern city, which at the same time has many attractions:

• Milan Cathedral is the cathedral, the symbol of Milan. It is located in the historical center. The cathedral is made in the Gothic style of white marble and has an exquisite facade. Inside, visitors will find magnificent works of art created by famous masters of their time.
• The Sforza Fortress is a historical structure that served as the residence of the Dukes of Milan. It is located in the center of Milan. The fortress combines features of the Brutalist and Renaissance architectural styles. Currently, various museums are located here.
• Monastery of St. Mary the Blessed. Its magnificent interior impresses visitors with its beauty and richness of decor. The monastery has elegant altars and stone carvings, as well as a collection of ancient works of art. There is a painting by Leonardo da Vinci “The Last Supper”.
• The royal villa. A luxurious architectural complex with parks surrounded by a natural landscape. The villa served as a summer residence for Napoleon.
• Ambrosian Temple is one of the oldest Christian churches in Europe in the XI century. Christian relics and relics are kept here.
• The Basilica of St. Lawrence is not only an important religious building, but also an architectural medieval landmark.
• The Arch of Peace is a majestic triumphal arch erected in honor of Napoleon’s military victories.
• The La Scala Opera and Ballet Theatre is a famous opera house, one of the centers of world opera culture.
• The Ambrosian Library — one of the largest in Europe, it unites more than 20 million books and manuscripts. Here you can find rare copies of ancient books, manuscripts, incunabula. Vintage maps are also presented. The library is known for its art collection, including works by Leonardo da Vinci.

Sightseeing in Brescia

Brescia is the second largest city in Lombardy.

Tourists can visit:

• Lakes Garda, Iseo, and Idro are picturesque reservoirs that are not only pleasing to the eye, but also important for the ecosystem of the region.
• Brescia Castle is a majestic fortress that stands on a hill in the center of the city. The building was built in the XIII century and has undergone several reconstructions and modernizations during its existence.
• The Roman Forum was the center of public life in ancient Rome.
• The Roman temple Capitolium is an ancient sanctuary dedicated to 3 main Roman deities at once: Jupiter, Juno and Minerva. The temple was built in 509 BC.
• The Basilica of St. Salvatore is a magnificent example of architecture, built in 753. The church impresses visitors with its grandeur and beauty.
• The Church of Santa Maria in Solario is an architectural monument of Brescia, combining elements of Gothic and Baroque. It was founded in the XII century, and then rebuilt several times.
• The Palace of Business Loggia It was built during the Italian Renaissance and is notable for its beautiful architecture. It served as the town hall of old Brescia and the meeting place of the city council.
• The Bolshoi Theatre is the opera house of Brescia, decorated in the neoclassical style. The building was built in the 1664th century, and it hosts concerts and performances. The hall can accommodate up to 1,500 spectators.

Attractions in Bergamo

Bergamo is an Italian city, which is the center of the province of the same name.

Here tourists can see:

• Church of di Santa Maria Maggiore — a vivid example of the Lombard medieval style. It stands out with a semicircular facade, interior decoration made of marble, frescoes, scenes from the Old Testament, located on the upper walls.
• The Colleoni Chapel is an outstanding monument of Gothic architecture. It has a magnificent interior decor and is decorated with statues, stained glass windows and frescoes. The chapel was conceived as the tomb of the Colleoni family.
• Bergamo Cathedral is an outstanding example of Romanesque architecture with Gothic and Renaissance features. The facade of the cathedral is decorated with columns, friezes and statues. Inside the cathedral there are valuable works of art such as frescoes and stained glass windows.
• Piazza Vecchia is one of the oldest squares in Bergamo, located in the historical center of the city. On the square there is the Contarini fountain, a picturesque monument of the XIX century with sculptures and bas—reliefs.

Attractions in Pavia

• Pavia Cathedral Famous for its architecture and works of art, it is located in the historical center of the city. The cathedral combines elements of Romanesque and Gothic style and is famous for its rich interior decoration, including frescoes, mosaics and statues.
• St. Michael’s Basilica is a striking example of Romanesque architecture with characteristic features of this style in the form of massive walls, narrow windows and arched openings. The single-nave temple is crowned by a dome.
• The Certosa Carthusian Monastery combines elements of architecture from different eras from the early Renaissance to the Baroque. Marble and stucco were used in the decoration, which makes it one of the most beautiful historical buildings in Pavia.
• The Visconti Fortress, a medieval fortress built at the beginning of the XIV century by order of Matteo I Visconti, is an important example of military architecture. Inside there is a museum that introduces visitors to the history of the fortress and the city as a whole.

Attractions in Mantua

The city is surrounded on three sides by the tributaries of the Mincho River. Saint Anselm is considered the patron saint of the city.

Since July 2008, Mantua, along with Sabbioneta, has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The most beautiful buildings are located in the city:

• St. Peter‘s Cathedral is a magnificent monument of architecture and art. Here you can enjoy the majestic interior and exterior of the cathedral, reflecting various architectural styles — from Romanesque to Baroque and Roman classicism.
• St. Andrew‘s Church is a temple built in 1472. The unique mosaics of the basilica are made of multicolored marble and stones.
• Di San Lorenzo is a Gothic rotunda with a clockwork mechanism, located in the historical center of Mantua, one of the most striking sights of the city with an ornate facade and interior decoration.
• The della Ragione Palace is one of the oldest in the country. Built in the 13th century, it was used as a meeting room, and later it housed a theater. Today, the palace houses several museums, the city library and exhibition halls.

Attractions in Como

• The Volta Temple is a museum. It is dedicated to Alessandro Volt, an Italian physicist and chemist, inventor of the electric battery.
• The Castle of Baradello — a medieval castle located on a hill above Lake Como. It was built in the XII century and served as a defensive structure.
• Villa Olmo is a luxurious building built in the XVIII century in the neoclassical style. It is surrounded by a beautiful park and is one of the most famous attractions of Como.
• Lake Como is a picturesque place surrounded by mountains and forests. It attracts tourists with its beauty and diversity of flora and fauna. Water sports can be enjoyed on the lake, coastal towns and villages can be visited, and nature views can be enjoyed.

Recreation options

In Lombardy, tourists can do:

• hiking;
• cycling trips;
• water sports;
• mountaineering;
• downhill skiing.

National parks and reserves

The territory of Lombardy is quite extensive and diverse.

It includes many natural attractions:

• Lake Iseo is a natural park that surrounds the lake of the same name. Here you can enjoy the picturesque scenery, visit historical towns and villages, and taste local delicacies.
• The Valle del Ticino Park is a picturesque valley of the Ticino River, surrounded by mountains and forests. The park is a popular place for hiking, cycling and fishing. Here you can see a variety of landscapes, including mountain peaks, waterfalls, caves and ancient forests.
• In the Campo dei Fiori Park you can meet rare species of plants and animals, as well as enjoy picturesque views of the mountains and valleys.
• Rivolta D’Adda Prehistoric Park is a unique place where you can see traces of ancient history. The complex includes reconstruction of prehistoric settlements and artifacts.

Ski resorts

• Aprica is a resort located at an altitude of almost 1300 m above sea level in the picturesque Alpine valley of Valtellina. The borders of Italy, Switzerland and Austria converge here. The skiing season lasts from the beginning of December to April. Aprica is distinguished by a calm and cozy atmosphere and well-prepared trails.
• Bormio — the largest resort in the Alta Valtellina region. It is located at an altitude of about 1200-3000 m above sea level. The snow lies until the very end of the season — the beginning of May. Due to the abundance of trails, a wide selection of hotels and apartments and well-developed infrastructure, this resort is preferred for family holidays. The ski slopes are equipped with modern lifts and slopes. Skating here is suitable for athletes of various levels of training. There are also sports schools and centers in Bormio that provide lessons and instructor services.
• Valdidentro is one of the most picturesque ski resorts in Italy. There are a variety of trails for skiers and snowboarders of different levels of training. In summer, the resort provides opportunities for hiking and ecotourism.
• Livigno is known for its steep slopes and snow cannons, which provide stable snow cover even in warm winters. The resort offers a variety of trails and is great for both novice athletes and professionals.
• Santa Caterina It is part of the Alta Valtellina Alpine region, known for its picturesque mountains and hills. Here tourists can expect a variety of trails, developed infrastructure and beautiful views. This place is suitable for a relaxing family holiday.

Beach resorts

Lombardy in Italy is also the beaches of the Mediterranean coast with clean sand and clear water. Tourists can choose one of the many resort towns or stay in small villages by the sea.

The beach resorts of the region are suitable for families with children, romantic trips or for people looking for an active holiday. The sea here is calm and suitable for swimming and water sports such as windsurfing or water skiing. The coastal hills provide excellent opportunities for cycling, hiking and mountaineering.

Thermal springs

• Bormio in Sondrio. Water contains mineral salts and trace elements that can help with diseases of the musculoskeletal system, respiratory tract and nervous system of many others.
• Valio is in Brescia. The composition of the water is rich in minerals and trace elements that can have a positive effect on the health of the liver and gastrointestinal tract. It also helps with some respiratory pathologies.
• Angolo in Brescia. This source contains mineral salts that can be useful for urinary diseases and metabolic disorders.
• Franciacorta in Brescia. Water is rich in minerals that can have a positive effect on cardiovascular and otolaryngeal diseases.
• Sirmione in Brescia. The water contains mineral salts and trace elements that can help with diseases of the skin, joints and nervous system.

Holidays and festivals

• One of the most famous holidays is the Carnival in Bergamo. It is held annually in February and lasts for several days. At this time, the city turns into a huge stage where costume parades, musical performances and other events take place.
• St. Ambrogio’s Day is a religious holiday celebrated in February. It is dedicated to Saint Ambrose of Milan, the patron saint of Milan. On this day, a historical parade takes place in the city of Perscarolo.
• Milan Fashion Week is an important event in the fashion world, which is held twice a year. Here the designers present their new collections.
• The Milan Film Festival is one of the most prestigious in the world. It is held annually in late September and early October. Films from different countries are shown at the festival, and the jury selects the winners in various categories.

Shopping

Lombardy in Italy is a region where you can buy unique souvenirs that will remind you of a trip to Italy.

For example, it can be:

• murano glass products;
• ceramic products;
• jewelry made of gold and silver;
• clothes from Italian designers.

Large shopping malls in Lombardy offer a wide range of products:

Lombardy is a region that offers tourists a variety of leisure and entertainment options. There is also an opportunity to get acquainted with the rich culture and history of Italy.

Video about the region

Beautiful Italy — Lombardy: from Oltrepo Pavese to Mantua:

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