LOMBARDY

Lombardy is a region of north-western Italy, the fourth largest and the second most densely populated Italian region, with 12 provinces. The regional capital is Milan. Lombardy shares borders with Switzerland, Piedmont, Veneto, Trentino-South Tyrol and Emilia Romagna. The region is named after the Lombard (or Langobard) people. Its territory is divided between flatlands (47%) and mountains (41%). The highest point is in the Bernina Massif; the rest of the region (12%) is hilly. Some of the largest lakes in Italy (Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore, Lake Como and Lake Iseo) are found in the Alpine foothills. Many rivers, such as the Po, the Adda, the Oglio, the Mincio and the Ticino, flow through deep and narrow valleys. The Lombard plain is part of the Po Valley, which stretches from Piedmont to Romagna, from the Alps to the Apennines. The economy of Lombardy is wide and varied: agriculture and livestock, heavy and light industry, the service sector. The region is also a thriving and diverse industrial centre: mechanics, electronics, metallurgy, chemicals and petrochemicals, pharmaceutics and publishing. In the service sector, commerce and finance are central. Milan is the home of the Italian Stock Exchange and the Fiera di Milano. In 2015, Milan was the venue of the EXPO.

Art and culture Milan and 11 art capitals, featuring castles, villas and gardens. An outstanding heritage that comes to life every year, with a rich events calendar. Palaces, castles and museums, art galleries, archaeological parks, theatres and villas are the many facets of the artistic and cultural scene of Lombardy. The heritage of the region ranges from the historic lakeside villas and citadels to the Certosa di Pavia, from Leonardo’s Last Supper and Michelangelo’s Rondanini Pietà to the Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) in Milan, from Palazzo Te in Mantua to the Royal Villa (Villa Reale) in Monza. Take a journey through unexpected fairy-tale places, and be amazed by the beauty of the magnificent castles and palaces, splendid mansions and villas surrounded by wonderful gardens and parks. Although Lombardy is often portrayed as a strictly economic centre, it has an invaluable artistic legacy and it is the Italian region with the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites (10 out of 55 overall nationwide). The region also boasts an outstanding intangible cultural heritage, such as the traditional violin craftsmanship in Cremona, the art of dry stone walling, and the art of transhumance in the Alps.

Nature, outdoor activities and mountain sports Lombardy is synonymous with mountain sports, both in summer and in winter – including trekking along the ridgeways (Alte Vie) in the Alps, or cycling along the spiritual routes (such as the Via Francigena, which runs 120 kilometres across the Lomellina), rafting along the Ticino river or water sports on the main lakes of the region, where the wind is constantly blowing. From Madesimo to Foppolo, from Bormio to Livigno, from Santa Caterina Valfurva to Ponte di Legno, and including smaller resorts such as Piani di Bobbio and Valtorta, snow lovers will find options aplenty – including 27 ski areas, 467 downhill runs, 324 kilometres for

cross-country skiing and 14 snow parks, which will cater to the taste of all skiers and snow enthusiasts. Valtellina, which will host the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, is a true paradise for ski enthusiasts. The area is home to many large ski resorts, including Bormio, which offers 110 kilometres of groomed runs within the Stelvio National Park, after which the most challenging piste of the ski area (the traditional venue of the Alpine Ski World Cup) is named.

Food and wine Food, wine, culture, history and nature are a bold combination to promote the excellent culinary and winemaking tradition of the territory. Fine DOC wines are produced in nearly all provinces. Special mention must be made of Oltrepo Pavese and Valtellina, of the sparkling wines of Franciacorta, and of the exquisite Lugana and Chiaretto from Lake Garda. Local cuisine offers a wealth of traditional specialties. A typical menu with a contemporary spin may kick off with a glass of Franciacorta Brut, shredded Grana Padano, bresaola from Valtellina and cold cuts from San Colombano. Then a hearty squash risotto and “cotoletta alla Milanese” (breaded veal cutlet), paired with a great glass of Sassella Valtellina Superiore. To top it off, a bite of the crumbly “torta sbrisolona” from Mantua, or a slice of the iconic panettone.

Bicycle touring Cycling enthusiasts will find plenty of options, with easier or more demanding itineraries along the main tourist routes of the region. From the iconic Passo del Ghisallo, a historical and spiritual climb (a symbol of the Giro in Lombardy and of the so-called Triangolo Lariano), through the beautiful Passo del Vivione, amidst the pristine nature of the Val di Scalve, up to the legendary Passo dello Stelvio, an actual cycling Mecca.