GB
Discover
LOMBARDY
Bergamo _ Brescia _ Como _ Cremona _ Lecco _ Lodi _ Mantua _ Milan _ Monza _ Pavia _ Valtellina _ Varese
www.iatlombardia.com - www.turismo.regione.lombardia.it
Discover
LOMBARDY LEADING BY TRADITION
W
hen we think of an Italian region that is known throughout the world for its finance, development and innovation, Lombardy immediately springs to mind. Excellence is a way of life in this region: from research to technology and design,
in all fields linked to progress, development and innovation. Lombardy is a place where art, nature, sport, food and wine and events that are able to satisfy even the most demanding visitor come together to give the tourist an unforgettable experience. In winter our splendid mountains offer skiers the opportunity to try every kind of winter sport and experience the same excitement as great champions on competition pistes. In summer the mountains are transformed and reveal breathtaking countryside, dense forests, “baite” (mountain huts) and mountain refuges where all types of outdoor activities can be enjoyed. The Lombardy plain, crossed by the Po and other great rivers, offers an original calendar of tourist boat trips and foot and cycle paths in discovery of villages and art cities, spas and
On this page: evening in the beautiful Piazza Vecchia, in Upper Bergamo, and the Capitolium in Brescia, Torrazzo and Cathedral of Cremona, view of Lecco (photographic archive of the Province of Lecco).
www.iatlombardia.com countryside with old-world charm. This is a land to be actively experienced, thanks to the rich offer of sports suitable for all ages and tastes. Modern facilities dedicated to many different disciplines are available, which are located near lakes, rivers and in the mountains, with offers for both winter and summer. The best golf courses in Italy are in Lombardy. Interesting long-distance cycle tourism itineraries cross the plains and hills, skirting rivers and running alongside canals designed by Leonardo da Vinci. Among the many wonders of Lombardy, Milan occupies a prime position. The capital of finance and business, design, fashion, shopping, art and culture, the city also offers excellent hotels and an international circuit of trade fairs and congresses. At all times of the year Lombardy guarantees a rich cultural experience through masterpieces of art found in enchanting historic squares, churches, castles, museums, villas and mansions, including Mantegna at the Palazzo Ducale (Ducal Palace) in Mantua, Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper in the church of S. Maria delle Grazie in Milan and the Roman mosaics of S. Giulia in Brescia. Accompanying great architectural works are excellent quality products ranging from food and wine to design, craft items, the violins of Cremona and high fashion. Alongside this rich offer
Piazza della Vittoria in Lodi, Mantua (official UNESCO photograph by Roberto Merlo), Sforzesco Castle in Milan, Castel Grumello and the vineyards in the area of Valtellina.
2
www.iatlombardia.com a substantial series of events has developed which, although impossible to describe in just a few lines, range from performances at La Scala Theatre of Milan to the literature festival in Mantua. There is no area of Lombardy without cultural attractions, and these include Art Nouveau buildings, churches and unique landscapes, making it one of the regions with the largest number of sites recognised by UNESCO: the Sacro Monte (Sacred Mountain) of Varese and Ossuccio (CO), the rock engravings of Val Camonica, Santa Maria delle Grazie and Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper in Milano, Mantua and Sabbioneta, and the Rhaetian Railway in the Albula and Bernina Landscapes, the workers’ village of Crespi d’Adda, Monte San Giorgio, the series of sites of the Longobards in Italy (BS), the prehistoric piledwelling in the Alpine chain. In addition there are also delightful historic villages that have been awarded the Orange Flag certification of the TCI (Italian Touring Club), the rich heritage of the FAI (Italian Environment Fund) and a network of cultural itineraries. To discover all the interesting destinations and many events taking place in Lombardy, visit the website www.turismo.regione.lombardia.it.
Eremo di S. Caterina del Sasso Ballaro, Leggiuno in the province of Varese and a view of the city of Como. Villa Reale (Royal House) in Monza and Ponte Coperto (Covered Bridge) in Pavia.
3
Discover
bergamo
www.iatlombardia.com
I
f you are in search of a activity-filled holiday just a short distance from home, which offers both excitement and relaxation, then Bergamo is the place for you! Art and culture, sport, excellent food and wine, beautiful valleys, lakes and relaxation in the spa towns await you. Bergamo stands out for the variety and quality of tourism choices, which offer adventure and fun for everyone. Bergamo city is divided into two parts: the upper town, which is the historic centre, and the lower town, which is the more modern part. Upper Bergamo, enclosed within Venetian walls, is an extraordinary storehouse of masterpieces of art and architecture. It is easily reached by funicular railway and, being a pedestrian area, its beauty has remained untouched. Lower Bergamo is ideal for strolling around or shopping and sightseeing. The two Bergamask lakes, Lake Iseo and Lake Endine, are only 40 km from the city centre. They offer beautiful scenery, which can be admired from different panoramic points, and small, friendly towns. A holiday on the lakes can be fully appreciated by taking part in some of the water sports available. These include windsurfing, canoeing, scuba diving, sailing, water skiing and pedalo rides, and, if you prefer cycling, there are plenty of panoramic cycle paths skirting the shores. The Orobie Pre-Alps with their principal valleys - Seriana, Brembana and Scalve – offer visitors the opportunity to explore nature, practice sports and have fun in both summer and winter. The summer season offers a wide variety of sports: trekking, horse riding, mountain biking, Nordic walking, climbing, canoeing and hiking through unspoilt countryside. The winter season involves a range of activities on the snow: downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and snowmobile riding. And as night approaches, cosy mountain refuges, excellent food and fun après-ski activities are on offer to animate your evening. The Bergamask plain is a characteristic natural environment that bears the indelible imprints of its historic past. Don’t miss a trip on the ferry designed by Leonardo da Vinci on the River Adda and a visit to the workers’ village of Crespi d’Adda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The plain is also a treasure chest of ancient fortifications such as Malpaga Castle, Brignano Castle and the Fortress of Urgnano. Bergamo province has three principal spa towns. San Pellegrino, home to the world-renowned water, features healing thermal baths in Art Nou-
Left: the beautiful Piazza Vecchia, in Città Alta (Upper Bergamo). Below, from left: San Giacomo Gate, Crespi d’Adda overlooking River Adda, a mountain bike ride to the Gemelli (Twin) lakes.
www.iatlombardia.com
On this page, from left: Bergamo in festive spirit, the white peaks of Colere and Predore on Lake Iseo.
INFO
veau style, which became very popular as early as the nineteenth century. The spa town of Sant’Omobono lies among the unspoilt countryside of the Imagna Valley. It offers massages and mud treatments and is the ideal place for a relaxing holiday. In the direction of the lakes, the spa of Trescore Balneario is famous for its healing therapies, in particular for the respiratory system. Bergamo is not just a place of culture, nature and fun, but also and above all a place of excellent cuisine and good wine. The local ‘queen’ of the table is without doubt yellow polenta, accompanied by meat, sausages and game from the local area. A first course that must be tried is ‘casoncelli’, a dish of ravioli seasoned with melted butter, sage and bacon. A typical dessert of Bergamo is “polenta e osei” (lit. polenta and birds), a yellow cake topped with small chocolate birds. A meal should never be without Bergamo’s D.O.C. (Controlled Designation of Origin) wines: white Valcalepio as an aperitif or to accompany light dishes, red Valcalepio to drink with cheese, red meat and polenta, and Moscato di Scanzo, a dessert wine. And the choices available in Bergamo don’t stop here. They also include spiritual itineraries and tours taking in the local wildlife, culture and traditions of this fantastic province.
How to reach By motorway A4 Milan - Venice By train Milan-Bergamo, Bergamo-Brescia, Bergamo-Lecco lines.
6
By air Orio al Serio (5 km) Milan Malpensa (70 km) Milan Linate (50 km) Brescia Montichiari (50 km)
For information: turismo1@comune.bg.it www.comune.bergamo.it orio@turismo.bergamo.it www.turismo.bergamo.it segreteria.turismo@provincia.bergamo.it www.turismo.provincia.bergamo.it
Discover
BRESCIA
www.iatlombardia.com
On the previous page: Capitolium. Left: Croce di Desiderio (Cross of Desire), Santa Maria in Solario church (Santa Giulia Museum), Brescia Castle and Church of San Salvatore (Santa Giulia Museum).
Brescia, land of lakes Millions of tourists every year are captivated by the beauty of Lake Garda. Dynamic small cities, thermal spas, sophisticated beauty farms with the latest treatments for body and soul, sailing and surfing courses: all this has made Lake Garda the most popular lake in Europe. Splendid elegant restaurants and charming hotels can be found in art nouveau buildings: one of them was recently declared the best in the world! Garda is synonymous with quality, style, harmony, pleasure and culture; it is centrally located close to artistic capitals such as Milan, Venice, Verona and Brescia. Lake Iseo offers another atmosphere, a place without time, with slow rhythms and enchanting landscapes. Montisola is the largest lake island in Europe. Cars are not allowed and everyone travels on foot, on bicycle or by small buses, wandering among fishermen’s trattorias, admiring the artisans building wooden boats and exploring places where they can take photos, read a book or just relax. Lake Idro offers both water and mountains. Located only a short distance from Garda, it is the perfect location for families and those who appreciate the open air. However, at the same time, Idro is a paradise for sports enthusiasts who practice sailing, surfing, canyoning, hiking, rock climbing on the lake or among the surrounding mountains. Brescia, city of art In 2011, the San Salvatore - Santa Giulia monumental complex was included in the Unesco World Heritage List of important sites which require safekeeping due to their historical and artistic importance. Santa Giulia not the only Unesco world heritage site in the province of Brescia; there are also the Rock Carvings in the Valle Camonica and the pre-historic sites of Lake Garda (in Desenzano, Polpenazze, Sirmione and Manerba del Garda). This recognition confirms that art is a fundamental element of tourism in Brescia and renders homage to the beauty of this modern city, facing towards the future, with a significant historical, artistic and architectural heritage.Taking a walk in the city centre or travelling by bicycle provides sensations of wellness and harmony. The city’s museums and art and photography galleries, major events such as international music festivals and the Mille
8
www.iatlombardia.com
Miglia (“the most beautiful race in the world”, as it was defined by Enzo Ferrari) draw enthusiasts from all over the world. Brescia, gourmet paradise One of Italy’s most important wines comes from the vineyards of Franciacorta. The term “Franciacorta” defines the terroir, the method of production (the system of re-fermentation in the bottle) and the wine. This privilege is shared in with only two other European denominations: Cava and Champagne. The historical wineries have become modern cathedrals of wine making technology where it is possible to taste the best of Franciacorta and make direct purchases. Thanks to the great lakes, water sports are king. But it is on the surrounding hills that we find one of Europe’s most important circuits of golf courses, many planned by top world experts where every day, travelling short distances, golfers can test their own abilities. The taste for pleasure continues among the mountains of the Valle Camonica. In Pontedilegno and Tonale it is possible to ski even late in the season, take a group of dogs of sledding, experience cross country trails along the margins of the woods, in the enchanting countryside of the natural parks of Stelvio and Adamello.
Above from left:
INFO
Bergamo-Brescia, Parma-Brescia lines www.trenitalia.com
Milan Linate (100 km) Milan Malpensa (150 km) Taxi service and shuttle bus
By air Brescia-Montichiari (20 km) Verona (50 km) Bergamo Orio al Serio (50 km)
For information: www.bresciatourism.it info@bresciatourism.it
How to reach Brescia By motorway A4 Milan-Venice and A21 Piacenza-Turin www.autostrade.it By train Milan-Venice,
9
Limone sul Garda, Sirmione Castle and Valcamonica.
Discover
como
www.iatlombardia.com
C
omo, the ancient Roman Novocomum, is an elegant city that sits splendidly on the edge of Lake Como. Its magnificent historic centre is teeming with monuments and works of art, such as the exquisite Duomo, a splendid example of Renaissance architecture, and the Romanesque church of San Fedele, which faces a beautiful small medieval square. The city is protected by mighty twelfth-century walls built by Frederick Barbarossa. Well worth a visit are the Tempio Voltiano, a small museum that houses artefacts of the city’s illustrious scientist Alessandro Volta, as well as examples of his famous “electric battery”; the Silk Museum, which tells the story of the precious yarn from the cocoon to the finished product; the Civic Museums, which house local archaeological finds (Archaeological Museum), Renaissance collections (Garibaldi Museum) and artistic items from various eras (Civic Art Collections); and the gardens of Villa Olmo, an elegant Neoclassical residence designed by the famous architect Simone Cantoni. Cernobbio is another tourist destination, well known for its villas: Villa Erba-Visconti di Modrone, now an important congress and trade fair centre; Villa d’Este, a luxury hotel with splendid gardens overlooking the lake, and Villa Pizzo. The centre of the lake is probably the best-known tourist area because of its beautiful landscape, dotted with famous villas and spectacular gardens. In spring there is no other place in Italy that offers such an explosion of intense colours, and today the area still attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. Villa del Balbianello, in Lenno, built in the eighteenth century and now the property of FAI (Italian Environment Fund), is one of the most striking properties of the lake. Its beautiful panoramic ‘loggia’ overlooks the town of Bellagio and Isola Comacina. The uppermost floor of the villa houses an unusual museum which contains art collections and travel mementos of the last owner, the explorer Guido Monzino. The garden features terraces and balustrades and faithfully follows the lie of the land, which is steep with sheer rocks in certain points and gentle and sloping in others. The splendid Villa Carlotta is located between the towns of Tremezzo and Cadenabbia. It has an important museum that displays Neoclassical statues, paintings and furniture, including valuable sculptures by Antonio Canova and paintings by Francesco Hayez. Trees and plants from all over the world can be admired in the garden: citrus tree pergolas, magnificent camellia bushes, tree ferns from the southern hemisphere, palms and rare and ancient conifers. In spring the garden comes alive when the wonderful azaleas (of which there are almost 150 varieties) are in full bloom. Menaggio is an elegant town at
Left: view of the city of Como. Below, from left: Nesso, Romanesque bridge, the Duomo of Como and Villa Olmo, Como.
www.iatlombardia.com
On this page, from left: Villa Carlotta, Tremezzo, upper lake, yachts and a view of Bellagio.
INFO
the foot of the valley linking the Lario with the Ceresio and where, on the Italian part of Lake Lugano, the picturesque town of Porlezza is located. Bellagio, situated on the extreme tip of the promontory where Lake Como divides into two branches, is probably the best-known town on the Lario. It is filled with flights of steps, small squares, boutiques and craft shops in which producers display their work to passers-by. The gardens of Villa Melzi are also extremely interesting and feature tropical and exotic plants, sculptures – in particular the famous statues of Dante and Beatrice – a Moorish pavilion and a Japanese pond. Villa Serbelloni, built in 1605 in the upper part of the town, is currently owned by the Rockefeller Foundation and used as a study and conference centre. The vast and spectacular garden is however open to the public. The estate occupies a large part of the promontory and has almost 18 kilometres of avenues. Gravedona is the heart of upper Lake Como, and features the splendid church of Santa Maria del Tiglio, unique of its kind, which incorporates a bell tower in its façade. Built in the twelfth century, it houses important frescoes and a valuable wooden crucifix. Another monument of great interest is the sixteenth-century Palazzo Gallio, a solid square-shaped building with four corner towers, which recalls the ancient castle that was previously located on the same site.
By motorway From Milan Motorway A9
Como unites Como with all major Italian and European cities.
By train From Milan: ‘Ferrovie Nord’ Milan (North Milan Railways) (Milan Cadorna) every 30 minutes. The S. Giovanni railway station of
By air Malpensa (60 km) Linate (70 km) Orio al Serio (90 km) Lugano - Switzerland (32 km)
How to reach Como
12
For information: lakecomo@tin.it - www.lakecomo.it www.bellagiolakecomo.com infomenaggio@tiscali.it www.menaggio.com www.imagolario.com
Discover
cremona
www.iatlombardia.com
On the previous page: Torrazzo (bell tower) and Cathedral of Cremona. From left to right: Piazza della Pilotta, Casalmaggiore, aerial view of Crema, Cremona cuisine.
INFO
T
he province of Cremona extends over flat terrain from north west to south east within boundaries traced by the rivers Oglio, Adda and Po. The province is divided into three distinct areas in terms of history, traditions and culture, which are grouped around the major towns: Cremona, the chief town, Crema and Casalmaggiore. Poplar groves and luxuriant wild vegetation grow along the banks of the rivers and smaller water courses, and the South Adda Park, the North Oglio Park and the Serio Park were created to protect the natural landscape and biodiversity of this area. Cremona’s unique environment can be experienced by using the numerous cycle paths, following the cycle tourism itineraries or navigating the rivers. A crossroads of trades and an important farming area, the Cremona territory has always been defended by castles and fortifications. Examples of walled towns include Crema, Soncino and Pizzighettone, which is enclosed within one of the most intact systems of fortifications in northern Italy. Fortified buildings are found throughout the area, from Pandino with its imposing ‘Castello Visconteo’ to S. Giovanni in Croce with its Villa Medici del Vascello, residence of Cecilia Gallerani, the subject of the famous Lady with an Ermine painted by Leonardo da Vinci. Cremona and its province, famous for its excellence in music, is the international capital of the art
How to reach Cremona By motorway A21 Piacenza-Turin www.autostrade.it By train Milan-Mantua, Bergamo-Cremona,
14
Parma-Cremona, Piacenza-Cremona lines. www.trenitalia.com
Milan Linate (85 km) Milan Malpensa (151 km) Taxi and bus service
By air Brescia-Montichiari (54 km) Verona (113 km) Bergamo (100 km)
For information: www.turismocremona.it www.cr.camcom.it
www.iatlombardia.com of violin making and also the birthplace of Claudio Monteverdi. Famous violin-making families such as the Amati, the Guarneri and Antonio Stradivarius worked in the city. Their art is still practised in over 130 workshops and taught at the International Violin-making School. The Stradivarius Museum, the Civic Bow Collection, the permanent exhibition of the winners of the International Triennial Competition of Bowed Instruments in Palazzo Pallavicino Ariguzzi and Mondomusica, and the annual exhibition and trade fair of musical instruments are important elements that create the image of Cremona as a city of music and violin making. Crema is instead famous for its organ-building tradition, which was internationally renowned in the nineteenth century. Today courses in the restoration of old instruments are held here. It was also the birthplace of Giovanni Bottesini, known as the “Paganini del Contrabbasso”; (Paganini of the Double Bass). Each year Casalmaggiore hosts the “Casalmaggiore International Festival” with master classes that attract many talented musicians to the area. The “Distretto della Musica”, a territorial marketing project, was developed to promote the bond that unites the territory to music. The area’s cuisine also has a tradition of excellence. One of the best-known products is “Salame Cremona IGP” (Salami with Protected Geographical Indication), rich in garlic and spices. Other wellknown products include “cotechino cremonese vaniglia” (Cremona ‘vanilla’ sausage), named after its delicate flavour, and “salame da pentola” (pot salami), an ingredient of the “Gran Bollito Cremonese” (mixed boiled meats), which is served with spiced “Mostarda di Cremona” (mustard candied fruits) or bitter Soncino chicory roots. Other products that must be tried are the DOP cheeses: Grana Padano, Provolone Valpadana, Salva Cremasco, Taleggio, Quartirolo Lombardo and Gorgonzola, and the many different types of stuffed pasta: “marubini” (meatstuffed pasta) from Cremona, “tortelli” from Crema and “blisgòon” (pumpkin-filled pasta) from Casalmaggiore.These products reflect the historic divisions that saw these towns linked respectively to Milan,Venice and Mantua. One of the most famous sweets from Cremona is “Torrone”, a type of nougat. Well worth trying are “bussolano di Soresina” (cake), “bumbunéen” (biscuits), “Bertolina” cake from Crema, “isolini” (almond biscuits) from Isola Dovarese, with melons from Casteldidone. There are many initiatives promoting the traditional products of the area: the Festival del Gusto (Festival of Taste), the Festa del Torrone (Nougat Festival), many dairies, salami manufacturers and farms open to the public, and “Il Bontà”, a food trade fair.
Below from left: sailing on the river, La Rocca (fortress), Soncino, Cremona violin making. Photographic Archive of Cremona and Cremona Province Chamber of Commerce.
Discover
lecco
www.iatlombardia.com
T
he province of Lecco is situated in the heart of Lombardy and extends to the east of Lake Como, hugging the shore. Its wealth is found in the diversity of spectacular landscapes set in a truly complete tourist, environmental and cultural context: lake, mountains and hills. The alpine landscape provides striking views, the lake landscape reveals glimpses of breathtaking beauty, and the gentle hill area relaxes eyes and mind. The city of Lecco welcomes tourists with the offer of a Manzoni itinerary. The route takes place between Pescarenico, where little remains of the convent of Fra’ Cristoforo, and Olate. On the Zucco promontory the Palazzotto of Don Rodrigo has been identified, and in Chiuso the celebrated conversion took place of the “Innominato” (Unnamed), whose castle can be seen towards the south in the Somasca area. The Manzoni family villa is still standing in the Caleotto area. It was inhabited by the family from the early seventeenth century and sold reluctantly by the writer in 1815. The lake offers splendid natural scenery which alternates with old towns that are rich in art and history. Beautiful villas along these shores overlook the lake. We recommend walking the “Sentiero del Viandante” (Wayfarer’s Path), an old passageway from the Milan area to Switzerland which, together with the lakeside path, bears witness to the important role the area played in commercial trade. A must-see destination is Varenna, pearl of the lake, which is dominated by the ruins of the Castle of Vezio. This town preserves magnificent villas with gardens open to the public. Other interesting places include the town of Bellano and the town of Colico with the nearby Abbey of Piona. There are also plenty of water sports to be enjoyed on the lake: sailing, water skiing, scuba diving to name but a few. The mountains surrounding the area complete the mosaic of landscapes. These include the Resegone and the Grigne group, which are popular destinations for all enthusiasts of mountaineering and nature. Valsassina is situated between the Prealps on one side and the mountains that branch out into the Bergamask valleys and peak at the Pizzo dei Tre Signori mountain on the other. The area is enhanced by cableways, ski lifts, cross-country trails and climbing walls, making it the perfect place for hiking, mountain biking, climbing,
Left: view of Lecco (Lecco Province archive photo). Below from left: Villa Monastero, Varenna (LC) photo by Alessandro Perathoner, the Baptistery (Oggiono) photo by Vittorio Buratti, the Azzone Visconti Bridge (Lecco Province archive photo) .
www.iatlombardia.com
From left: Vezio Castle (Perledo). view of the Abbey of Piona photo by Alberto Locatelli, San Pietro al Monte in Civate photo by Alessandro Perathoner, (Lecco Province archive photo).
INFO
skiing and ski mountaineering. Our itinerary continues on to Valvarrone, which gravitates around Premana, a town well known for its production of scissors and knives. If you’d like to penetrate this tranquil valley further, we recommend continuing on foot or by bike, or in winter, on skis, to admire the enchanting and endless views. The hills are also of great scenic and environmental interest. This area is able to satisfy the needs of tourists and holidaymakers as well as the most demanding sports enthusiasts. Leaving Lecco behind and heading southwards, the plain meets the mountains of the Lario Triangle, at the feet of which we find small pools of water, including the lakes of Pusiano, Annone and Garlate. In nearby Civate we find the Romanesque Basilica of San Pietro al Monte. The River Adda flows into a group of hills in an area known as Brianza. The itinerary following the course of the river begins in Brivio, a town that is defended by a mighty castle, and continues towards the ferry of Imbersago, the design and operation of which were documented in some of Leonardo da Vinci’s drawings, and then on to Paderno Bridge, a splendid example of industrial architecture.
How to reach Lecco By motorway From Milan (55 km) along the SS 36. From Como (30 km) SS 342, 639 and 36. From Bergamo (40 km) SS 342 and 639. By train From Milan Central Station and Porta Garibaldi Station. From Bergamo.
18
By air Bergamo - Orio al Serio Airport. Shuttle bus connection to Bergamo train station, or shuttle bus to Milan Centrale Station.
For information: Lecco Tourist Information Office Via Nazario Sauro, 6 - 23900 Lecco Tel. + 39 0341 295720/721 Fax + 39 0341 295730 www.lakecomo.com info@lakecomo.com
Discover
lodi
www.iatlombardia.com
On the previous page: Piazza della Vittoria - Lodi. From left to right: the River Po passing along Via Francigena, Dome of the Incoronata church - Lodi, a typical view of the Lodi countryside.
T
he Lodi area extends along the central-western part of the south of Lombardy. It is almost entirely bound by the right bank of the River Adda, the left bank of the River Lambro and the left bank of the River Po, with several branches in the Gera d’Adda area on the left of the River Adda and in the area of Santangiolino with the Hills of San Colombano. It shares its borders with the Province of Pavia, Cremona, Piacenza and with the outskirts of Milan. The chief town of the area is the harmonious and moderately sized city of Lodi (44,000 inhabitants), founded in 1158 by the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. Lodi is the only city is Italy that still possesses a marble bust of the Emperor. Piazza della Vittoria, the beating heart of Lodi, is an excellent example of late-medieval architecture and features a magnificent colonnade that extends around all four sides. This unusual element, together with the square’s striking paving in typical Lombard “ricciato” made of river cobbles, and the elegant and beautiful buildings, make it a particularly interesting corner of the city, and it is often chosen to host international events or used as a set for television commercials. Piazza della Vittoria is overlooked by the Palazzo Municipale or Town Hall (Palazzo Broletto), in distinct Gothic style, and the wonderful Romanesque cathedral, which features a majestic portal with thirteen-century sculptures and a crypt housing the relics of St. Bassiano, patron saint of the city. The main city streets branch off from the square, including Via Incoronata, which is home to a church, the so-called Tempio Civico dell’Incoronata, a masterpiece of Lombard Renaissance art and the most important monument in the city from an artistic point of view. Immersed in the South Adda Park, the Abbey of Cerreto is evident proof of the presence of the Cistercian monks who founded it in 1084 after reclaiming the land. The Abbey, dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, has a very simple Romanesque exterior with two bell towers that frame its façade. The countryside around Lodi is filled with colours and perfumes, creating a landscape that has remained unchanged for centuries. The entire area is known and appreciated for its rural aspect which blends the beauty of the flatlands – with
20
www.iatlombardia.com
their irrigation ditches and canals – with vineyards and neatly cultivated fields animated by a scattering of farmsteads, bell towers and towers. A walk through the Lodi countryside reveals spectacular views of immense expanses of pastures in which oxbow lakes formed from canals provide entertainment for fishing enthusiasts. Perhaps the best and simplest way to appreciate the scents and colours of the Lodi countryside is to ride along the area’s dense network of cycle paths. The route along the “Dorsale dell’Adda (River Adda ridge) is very interesting. This cycle path runs through the entire province of Lodi up to the River Po bridge, parallel to the River Adda and South Adda Regional Park, passing through the city of Lodi. Another interesting cycle path is the one that crosses Lodi’s ring road and forms a circle around the city. It can be reached from Lodi by following a series of cycle paths that run along the various provincial roads to the city. One of the most prized culinary products offered by the Lodigiana countryside is “Raspadura”, young Grana Padana cheese shavings, made with a special flat knife. Together with Granone Lodigiano cheese, raspatura is the gastronomic symbol of the province of Lodi.
INFO
How to reach Lodi By motorway Lodi can be reached along the A1 motorway which connects Milan, Bologna and Piacenza. Alternatively you can use State road 9 Via Emilia from Milan and Piacenza.
By train Lodi is found on the MilanBologna line of Ferrovie dello Stato. www.trenitalia.com
Above from left: Abbey of Saints Peter and Paul - Cerreto Abbey, Raspadura cheese, Piazza Broletto - Lodi.
Orio al Serio Airport is 51 Km. For information: IAT LODI Piazza Broletto 4 turismo@comune.lodi.it promozione@lo.camcom.it
By air Milan Linate Airport is 40 km from Lodi; Bergamo
21
Discover
mantua
www.iatlombardia.com
M
antua, geographically situated in the north of Italy and in the south of Lombardy, is a city of approximately 49,000 inhabitants. Originally an Etruscan settlement, it owes its charm and excellence to the legacy of art and culture created in medieval times and, in particular, to the long rule of the Gonzaga family (13281707) who made the chief city and major towns Renaissance courts. These courts were rendered unique by the activities of masters such as Andrea Mantegna, Leon Battista Alberti, Giulio Romano and Benvenuto Cellini. In the province, the complex of castles and villages in the upper Mantua area (today the site of celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the battle of Solferino and San Martino), the Renaissance city of Sabbioneta, which with Mantua has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since July 2008, the abbey of San Benedetto in Polirone, and the numerous Romanesque churches connected to Matilda of Canossa dotted along the Po River are all places that must be visited on a tour or holiday to discover the wealth of history and to taste the delicacies of a first class culinary tradition. Throughout the year, the city of the Gonzaga family and the land of Virgil attract tourists who come to enjoy the beautiful countryside, the artistic and cultural heritage and the numerous and multifaceted initiatives that are offered every month, the best known of which is the Festivaletteratura (Literature Festival) in September. From the morainic hills to the Destra Secchia, from Sabbioneta to San Benedetto Po, the province of Mantua will not disappoint visitors who have chosen it as a destination for their holidays or for a brief stay. Welcoming the visitor are not only Palazzo Ducale and Palazzo Te, but also the lesser known - but no less interesting - museums, the nature trails in the Mincio Park and Oglio Park, and the itineraries along the Po River. Water is the element that characterises Mantua province. There are some five rivers that cross the area: the Po, Mincio, Chiese, Oglio and Secchia, added to which there is also a dense network of drainage channels that give the landscape a particular identity. The rolling green countryside can be enjoyed even more aboard one of the motorboats that cruise the River Mincio to the River
Left: UNESCO official aerial photo by Roberto Merlo. Below from left: Palazzo Te, Lotus flowers, San Giorgio Castle.
www.iatlombardia.com
From left: Polirone Abbey (San Benedetto Po), the Mincio Park, Palazzo Ducale. Photographic archive of the province of Mantua.
INFO
Po, passing through the lakes of Mantua, but also along the watercourses that flow from Viadana to Felonica, or on boats that penetrate the reed thickets in the marshes. Here a whole world is revealed: flora and fauna of unexpected beauty inspire visitors and foster a sense of serenity and pleasure. The banks create “natural” cycle paths of spectacular beauty, which supplement the trails made by man, such as the cycle path that connects Mantua to Peschiera. Also worthy of note are the wine and food specialities of the area. These are often simple recipes, but which are able express the best qualities of a land that is among the most productive and renowned in Italy. The province of Mantua, the only area producing Grana Padano cheese and one of the areas producing Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan) cheese, boasts numerous food specialities: from onions to melons, from pears to rice, from “mostarda” (mustard-flavoured candied fruits) to “salamelle” (sausages). History, art, nature, traditions and food. Mantua and its province offers it all – the only thing left to do is come and visit us soon!
How to reach Mantua By motorway A22 Brennero - Modena Motorway North Mantua, South Mantua, Pegognaga exits. A4 Milan-Venice Motorway Desenzano, Sirmione, Peschiera and South Verona exits. A1 Autostrada del Sole
24
(Sun Motorway) East Parma and Reggio Emilia exits. By air Verona Villafranca Catullo Airport (Km. 20) Brescia Montichiari Gabriele D’Annunzio Airport (Km. 60)
Parma Giuseppe Verdi Airport (Km. 60) Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (Km. 100) Venice Marco Polo Airport (Km 180) For information: Tel. +39 0376 432432 www.turismo.mantova.it info@turismo.mantova.it
Discover
milan
www.iatlombardia.com
On the previous page: the Sforzesco Castle. From left: the Duomo, a bridge over a Naviglio, the new Rho Trade Fair Complex.
T
he three airports that serve Milan (Linate, Malpensa and Orio al Serio) welcome thousands of passengers a year. The city offers these visitors unique and interesting attractions, not only from a tourist point of view, but also in terms of business and shopping. Duomo The Duomo, Milan’s cathedral, is the symbol of the city throughout the world. It stands in the homonymous square in the city centre and is dedicated to Santa Maria Nascente (Nativity of Our Lady). It is considered one of the most beautiful Gothic-style buildings of all time. Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper – The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is one of the most striking buildings of the Lombard Renaissance. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the refectory of this fifteenth-century church, ancient premises of the Court of the Inquisition, houses an absolute masterpiece of art history: Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. La Scala Theatre The La Scala Theatre, situated in the historic heart of the city, is the most important opera house in Italy and a symbol of opera throughout the world. The musical and theatre season enlivens and enriches the beautiful Milanese winters. Sforzesco Castle The Sforzesco Castle is one of the most curious and interesting monuments of the city: a defensive fortress, ducal palace, military barracks and place of museums and cultural institutions. It is also the most representative civil monument of the Renaissance in Milan. Seat of the Civic Museums, it has recently been equipped with a new lighting system that enhances the castle’s unmistakeable profile at night. Navigli Even Milan has its water courses: the so-called circle of the “Navigli” (Canals) has crossed the city for over nine centuries. Until the thirties the entire course of the three main Navigli was uncovered and Milan resembled a small Amsterdam. The Darsena, the old city port, is today the thriving hub of Milanese nightlife. The atmosphere is unique, with the last-remaining craft shops coexisting alongside stylish bars. The internal courtyards of the houses often gleam with bright colours, and strolling around you can often see artists
26
www.iatlombardia.com
at work. The characteristic quarter of old Milan overlooks the water. This area hosts the popular “Festa dei Navigli” at the beginning of June and the famous “Mercatone del Naviglio Grande”, the antique and flea market, on the last Sunday of the month. Many multinational companies and cultural organisations have chosen this area for their premises and they have become integrated into the urban fabric with the help of well-known architects and designers. The only testament to the past is the Vicolo dei Lavandai which, with its stone old wash-houses with straw roofs, has been elevated to national monument status. Pinacoteca di Brera (Brera Art Gallery) La Vergine con Bambino e Santi (The Virgin with Child and Saints) by Piero della Francesca and Cristo Morto (Dead Christ) by Mantegna: these two works alone would be sufficient to make the Pinacoteca di Brera the most important attraction in the city, given that they are considered cornerstones of western painting. In reality the Gallery, which was originally established in the nineteenth century as a place where students of the nearby Brera Academy could study models, offers an astonishing number of masterpieces of Italian Art. At the end of the Gallery is the National Library of Brera, which houses antique manuscripts, incunabula and miniatures. To the left of the complex is the Astronomical Observatory, which today is a museum.
Above from left:
INFO
For information: www.promos-milano.it promozione.turismo@mi.camcom.it www.mi.camcom.it www.turismo.comune.milano.it www.provincia.milano.it/turismo
How to reach Milan By motorway A1 Milan-Naples, A4 Turin-Milan-Venice, A7 Milan-Genoa and A8 Milan-Varese and Como. By train Milan-Venice,
Milan-Turin, Milan-Genoa, Milan-Naples lines. By air Milan Linate ( 7.4 km) Milan Malpensa (53 km) www.malpensashuttle.it
27
Milan, the Pirelli building (offices of the Lombardy Regional Authority), characteristics buildings along the Navigli and the Vittorio Emanuele II Arcade view from Piazza Duomo.
Discover
monzaandbrianza
www.iatlombardia.com
T
he new province of Monza and Brianza, made up of fifty municipalities, is a land of business and a high quality of life. The thousands of industrious companies, workshops and furniture factories blend with the landscape and beauties of nature, such as Monza Park – the largest enclosed park in Europe – inside the Lambro Valley Park, the farmsteads, the majestic villas, including the renowned Villa Reale (Royal House), Palazzo Arese Borromeo in Cesano Maderno and Palazzo Trotti in Vimercate, as well as the many Romanesque masterpieces, such as the Basilica of the Saints Pietro and Paolo in Agliate di Carate Brianza. Signs of an ancient past Relics of Lombard settlements in Monza can be found in the Duomo (Cathedral) of Monza, which houses the famous iron crown, one of the best-known artefacts of the period. The Duomo of Monza and its museum preserve some extremely valuable works of art which are excellent examples of the fourteenth- and fifteenth-century Lombard Gothic period. The Duomo Museum also houses other important masterpieces such as the silver gilt Hen with Seven Chicks and the votive crown of Teodolinda. The villas Villa Reale, designed by Piermarini and once the holiday residence of the Austrian royal family, is the best-known villa of the area, although the entire Brianza area can boast a vast architectural heritage made up of villas that interpret different historic and cultural periods. As well as the many villas in the park – including Villa Mirabello and Mirabellino – there are also other historic residences worthy of note: Villa Cusani Traversi Tittoni in Desio and Villa Gallarati Scotti in Oreno (Vimercate), to name but a few. The sinuosity of Baroque forms and the stateliness of Neoclassical villas complement the essentiality of some of the recently built villas, such as Villa Bianca in Seregno, the work of the brilliant rationalist architect Giuseppe Terragni. The Monza Motor Racing Circuit The Monza Circuit has hosted the Italian Grand Prix since 1922 and is one of the main tourist attractions of the area. The circuit is also used as a centre for recreational activities and non-motor sports events, and in fact hosts walking, running, cycling and other sporting activities.
Left: Villa Reale in Monza. Below from left: a view of Monza Park, Villa Mirabello and the Duomo of Monza.
www.iatlombardia.com
From left: River Lambro, the Basilica of the Saints Pietro and Paolo in Agliate (Carate Brianza) and the Ponte dei Leoni (Lions’ Bridge) in Monza.
INFO
The parks The presence of numerous green areas has earned Brianza the name of “garden of Lombardy”: Today these areas have been designated as regional nature parks (Groane Park, Lambro Valley Park) and as parks of supra-comunal interest (Brughiera Briantea Park, Cenral Brianza Park, Briantei Hills Park, Valletta Park, Molgora Park, Rio Vallone Park, Grugnotorto Villoresi Park, Cavallera Park, Lambro Mid Valley Park, Est delle Cave [East Quarry] Park). The Brianza gastronomic tradition Traditional Brianza cuisine consists of substantial dishes made of peasant foods, such as cassoeula (sausage and cabbage stew), buseca (tripe), el pan moijaa (bread and vegetable broth), risotto con luganega (risotto with luganega sausage), Brianza salami, torta paesana (chocolate bread pudding), San Gerardo bread and San Gerardo biscuits. The Monza and Brianza Chamber of Commerce has assigned some of the excellent local products with the “Made in Brianza” trademark, including the Oreno potato, the pink asparagus of Mezzago and Pan Tramvai (fruit bread), to valorise the particularity and quality of these products.
How to reach Monza By motorway From Milan, Viale Fulvio Testi towards Monza, then SS36 towards Lecco, Monza Villa Reale exit. From Turin or Venice, A4 Cinisello - Sesto San Giovanni exit, then SS36 towards Lecco, Monza Villa Reale exit. From Bologna, A1, east ring road of Milan
30
then north ring road towards Como, Monza Centre exit By train Monza is a stop along the Milan - Bergamo, Milan Como/Chiasso and Milan - Lecco railway lines.
By air From Milan Linate and from Milan Malpensa - www.sea-aeroportimilano.it from Bergamo Orio al Serio www.orioaeroporto.it For information: Monza and Brianza IAT Tourist Office pro.monza@tiscali.it Tel. and fax +39 039 323222
Discover
pav ia
www.iatlombardia.com
On the previous page: Pavia Ponte Coperto. From left: Certosa of Pavia, rice-fields in Lomellina, Vigevano - Piazza Ducale.
INFO
S
ituated on the left bank of the River Ticino, where it was founded more than two thousand years ago, Pavia has a rich historic, artistic and natural heritage to offer visitors and tourists. A good place to start a tour of the city is the Castello Visconteo, founded by Galeazzo II Visconti in the fifteenth century and currently the seat of the Civic Museums, and the nearby thirteenth-century church of S. Pietro in Ciel d’ Oro, an important example of the Pavia Romanesque style, which houses the remains of St. Augustine of Hippo, Severino Boezio and the Lombard King Liutprand. Along Strada Nuova (the former “cardo” ) lies the headquarters of the University (officially established as a studium generale by the Visconti family in 1361), together with numerous institutions and colleges. Piazza Leonardo da Vinci features three Medieval towers; these towers were once so numerous that Pavia was known as the “City of the Hundred Towers”. Palazzo Mezzabarba, the town hall since 1875, is situated in Corso Mazzini (the former decumanus). Piazza della Vittoria is home to the Broletto, town hall until 1875, dating back to the thirteenth-fourteenth century, Palazzo de’ Diversi (fifteenth century), and the apsidal complex of the Duomo, founded in the sixteenth century by Cardinal Ascanio Sforza, with its bell town (nineteenth century) and dome (the third largest in Italy). The “Regisole” (1937) in
How to reach Pavia By motorway A7 Milan-Genoa Bereguardo-Gropello exits A21 Turin-Piacenza-Brescia Casteggio-Stradella exits S.S.35 “dei Giovi” (Milan-Pavia)
32
By coach From Milan-Voghera By train Milan-Genoa-VentimigliaLa Spezia line By air Pavia is 58 km from Milan
Linate and 85 km from Milan Malpensa www.migliavaccabus.it Pavia Bus Station Tel. +39 0382 303307 For information: www.turismo.provincia.pv.it turismo@provincia.pv.it
www.iatlombardia.com front of Palazzo Vescovile (seventeenth century) arouses curiosity. This equestrian monument, for many years a symbol and seal of the city, is the work of Francesco Messina who also created the statue of Minerva in the homonymous square. The church of S. Maria del Carmine, an important example of Gothic architecture, and the late-Romanesque church of S. Teodoro, which features two interesting frescoed landscapes of sixteenth-century Pavia, are well worth visiting. Near the river is the church of S. Michele, and not far from this is the Ponte Coperto (Covered Bridge), a reconstruction of the fourteenth-century bridge destroyed during World War II. Other late-Romanesque churches worth visiting are: S. Maria in Betlem, S. Lanfranco and S. Lazzaro. The province of Pavia is one of the largest provinces in Italy. It extends over an area of 2,965 km2 and has more than half a million inhabitants. It is divided up into the three areas of Pavese, Lomellina and Oltrepò by the Po and Ticino rivers. The Pavese area, which gravitates around the chief city, is in the north-east part of the province. A flat area, it features numerous places of interest, including Certosa, which is famous for its monastery. Originally a Carthusian monastery and now entrusted to Cistercian monks of the Calamari community, it was founded by Gian Galeazzo Visconti on 27 August 1396. It not only includes the church (with three naves and 14 lavishly decorated side chapels filled with the works of artists) but also cloisters – the Small Cloister, decorated in terracotta, and the Large Cloister with the 24 cells of the monks – the Palazzo Ducale (Ducal Palace), dating back to the eighteenth century, and various courtyards. The area of Lomellina, unmistakeable due to the presence of rice-fields, water meadows and poplar groves, occupies the western part of the province. Its principal town is Vigevano, capital of the footwear industry of the province of Pavia. The historic-artistic nucleus of this city is made up of Piazza Ducale, the Sforzesco Castle and the Bramante Tower. The Oltrepò area, a generous and hospitable land, separated from the Pavese and Lomellina area by the River Po to the north, is inserted between Piedmont and Emilia and is the area with the most varied countryside. Here the plain that extends along the right bank of the River Po is replaced by hills where the widespread cultivation of vines ensures a considerable production of wine in terms of both quantity and quality. The main town of the Oltrepo’ area is Voghera, which is crossed by the 45th parallel. It features the imposing cathedral of S. Stefano Martire (eighteenth century) and the church of the Saints Ilario and Giorgio (thirteenth century), better known as the Red Church.
Below from left: Lomello - Baptistery of San Giovanni ad Fontes, Gastronomy, Oltrepo’ view. The photographs were provided by Mr. Umberto Barcella and the Municipality of Vigevano.
Discover
valtellina
www.iatlombardia.com
L
ocated on the border between Italy and Switzerland, Lombardy and the Grigioni Canton, Valtellina stretches for nearly 200 km from the northern shores of Lake Como to the 4,000-metre peaks of the Bernina mountain range, offering its guests extremely varied and interesting landscapes. Valtellina is a popular tourist destination and boasts famous places such as Livigno, Bormio, Madesimo, Aprica, Santa Caterina Valfurva, Teglio, Valmalenco, Valmasino, Valgerola, to name just a few, and offers its tourists infinite possibilities for spending their leisure time, from spas to cultural tours, from musical events to traditional festivals, and from skiing to mountain biking. It is a small world wedged between the Alps where it is still possible to find the infinite white of snowy peaks, the warm embrace of thermal waters, the genuine flavours of the local cuisine and wines, together with the sincere friendliness of the mountain people in an environment of rare beauty that has more than a third of its area covered by parks and nature reserves. Valtellina is rich in art and culture and has a long history that is deeply rooted in prehistory, as testified by the Grosio rock engravings which date back to 2200 – 1100 B.C. The deep respect for the past has enabled ancient traditions to survive and these are expressed in the form of re-enactments and events that attract huge crowds throughout the year. Even the flavours are ancient – the local cuisine is inspired by traditional dishes that can satisfy the most demanding of palates: pizzoccheri (buckwheat tagliatelle), sciatt (small fritters made of buckwheat and stuffed with Casera cheese), polenta taragna made from grano saraceno (buckwheat flour), bresaola IGP (a cured meat with Indication of Geographical Origin) and the DOP (Denomination of Protected Origin) Bitto and Valtellina Casera cheeses. Of all these specialities, the wines of Valtellina reign supreme: Valtellina Superiore DOCG and the Sforzato DOCG, described by Leonardo Da Vinci in his Codex Atlanticus. The production area of these wines starts a few kilometres from Morbegno on the sunny Rhaetian side, where over the centuries more than 50 kilometres of slopes have been transformed into terraced vineyards supported by more than 2,500 kilometres of dry stone walls, which today constitute a unique Italian attraction. Vineyard itineraries, in the
Left: Castel Grumello and the vineyards in the Sondrio area. Above, from left: the cloister of St. Antonio in Morbegno, the Aprica ski area, the spas of Bormio.
www.iatlombardia.com
From left: delicious snack during a trip in the mountains, mountain biking in Valfurva, Trenino Rosso (Red Train) of Bernina and the Basilica of Madonna di Tirano.
INFO
various wine-growing areas, have been created for visitors to discover the countryside, art and history of the area combined with visits to the wine estates in the heart of Valtellina, between Sondrio and Turano. In addition to wines, cheeses, bresaola and IGP apples, local products also include honey, mushrooms, jams, products made with herbs, bitters, grappa (a grape-based spirit) and mineral waters. Valtellina also has flourishing traditional craft industry which uses ancient methods handed down from generation to generation. Examples of craft products include the “pezzotti” (rustics rugs that blend colours tastefully and with creativity) and stoneware utensils. Don’t miss a train ride on the “Trenino Rosso” (Red Train) of Bernina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a visit to the many villages scattered along the valley. And for those who love cycling, the Valtellina cycle path, which runs along the bottom of the valley and for the most part follows the River Adda, could be an enjoyable surprise. In winter, Valtellina transforms into a skier’s paradise with 436 km of ski runs, 119 ski-lifts and 9 large ski areas, and in the summer, for those who love the snow, there is skiing on the Stelvio glacier.
How to get to Valtellina By motorway The main state roads: S.S. 36 Spluga - S.S. 37 Maloja S.S. 340 Regina - S.S. 39 Aprica S.S. 38 Stelvio - N. 27 Zernez (CH) N. 29 Bernina (CH) By Train Trenitalia line: Milan -
36
Sondrio/Tirano Ferrovia Retica Line (CH): Chur - St. Moritz - Tirano By air It is possible to reach Valtellina from the main Lombardy airports by a bus service to Milan Central station. During the winter season bus
connections operate from Milan Malpensa and Bergamo Orio al Serio airports www.mtbus.it For information: Valtellina Turismo (Valtellina Tourism Office) Tel. +39 0342 215921 - 683470 www.valtellina.it - turismo@valtellina.it
Discover
v arese
www.iatlombardia.com
On the previous page: Hermitage of S. Caterina del Sasso Ballaro, Leggiuno. From left: the Visconti Castle of Fagnano Olona, view from above of Lake lago Maggiore, Arcumeggia “painted town”.
T
he province of Varese is a “land of water” due to the presence of numerous lakes. Its fortunate geographical position, at the entrance of several alpine valleys and in the middle of two important thoroughfares, the Sempione and Gottardo, makes it an attractive destination for visitors wishing to spend a relaxing holiday in an environment of rare beauty. It is a tourist area that has been able to combine the charm of its lakes, unspoilt valleys and parks with a wealth of accommodation facilities that are able to satisfy every need. Hotels, tourist residences, camp sites, farm accommodation, bed and breakfasts, camper stopover areas, rooms for hire, mountain refuges with rooms, holiday homes and guest houses, as well as sports facilities, are well distributed throughout the area. Its excellent accessibility, due also to the international airport of Malpensa, makes Varese a interesting and attractive destination. Its varied tourist offer ranges from a tranquil holiday at the Prealp lakes to a tour of the art towns, from a farming holiday to pilgrimages along the roads of the Sacri Monti (Sacred Mountains) to the hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso suspended above Lake Maggiore, and from cultural visits to villas and gardens to walks or cycle rides on paths through the lush green Varese valleys. Together with the prealpine chain, the lakes are one of the unusual features of this area, which abound with elements of interest. There are ten lakes and almost all can be seen from the top of Campo dei Fiori (Field of Flowers), the mountain that dominates almost the entire provincial territory. Lake Maggiore (or Verbano) is the most easterly of the great Italian lakes and its waters lap the shores of Lombardy, Piedmont and the Ticino Canton in nearby Switzerland. The valleys of the province of Varese offer verdant vegetation and are crossed by slow-flowing rivers and streams that connect, in a perfect system, the different levels of the various lakes right up to the River Ticino, which send its waters to the River Po and then onto the Adriatic Sea. The province of Varese also possesses a prestigious artistic and cultural heritage in terms of both the quantity of examples and their distribution throughout the entire province. Some of the most important places of cultural interest include the Sacro Monte (Sacred Mountain) of Varese (a UNESCO World Heritage Site); the art town of Castiglione Olona, a genuine “corner of Tuscany in Lombardy”; the complex of Castelseprio, one of the most important testimonies of the Longobard presence and again a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hermitage
38
www.iatlombardia.com
of Santa Caterina del Sasso, located on a rock directly above Lake Maggiore, and the small island of Virginia, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The chief city of Varese boasts a cultural and historical heritage that is deeply rooted in ancient times, in the “water civilisation� which began in the Neolithic era and is documented by the remains of pile-dwellings in the area around Lake Varese. Varese has also been historically favoured by past events linked to an industrious land, and numerous records distributed throughout the area are testament to this ancient history. Many sports can be practised in the province of Varese. In addition to itineraries on the many prealpine paths, which can be covered on foot, horseback or mountain bike, the presence of lakes makes this area the ideal place for sailing and canoeing. Gliders, paragliders and hang-gliders can frequently be seen high in the skies, while the depths of lakes can be searched with mask and diving tank. Rock climbing and cave exploration enrich the offer, which has outdoor excursions as its main element. Golf, swimming, tennis, ice-skating and bowling are played in first-class modern structures, open to all. Most facilities are also accessible to disabled people, thanks to the presence of numerous specialised sports associations. In winter, skiing can be practised in several resorts in the north of the province on the many ski runs and cross-country trails.
INFO
How to reach Varese By motorway A8 Milan-Lakes www.autostrade.it By train Milan-Varese line, (Trenord) www.trenord.it
By air Bergamo (100 km); Milan Linate (75 km) Milan Malpensa (40 km) Taxi and shuttle bus services
Above from left: Sacro Monte (Sacred Mountain) of Varese (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Palazzo Estense and Ville Ponti Congress Centre.
For information: Varese Province Tourist Agency Viale Ippodromo 9 - 21100 Varese www.vareselandoftourism.it agenzia@turismovarese.com Tel. +39 0332 286163
39
How to reach
lombardy
BRENNERO
BOLZANO AOSTA
BY AIR
COMO BERGAMO BRESCIA
VARESE MILANO
TORINO
VENEZIA
TORINO GENOVA
Milan Malpensa Airport
UDINE SISTIANA
MODENA BOLOGNA FIRENZE
Call Center +39 02 74852200 www.sea-aeroportimilano.it
ANCONA
PERUGIA L’AQUILA
Milan Linate Airport
ROMA
CAMPOBASSO BARI
Call Center +39 02 74852200 www.sea-aeroportimilano.it
NAPOLI
Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport Call Center +39 035 326323 www.orioaeroporto.it
CAGLIARI
PALERMO
Brescia Montichiari Airport
BY TRAIN
BY CAR www.autostrade.it The motorways (highways) that cross the Lombardy area are as follows: l A1 or “Autostrada del Sole” (Sun Motorway) which connects Milan with Naples via Bologna, Florence and Rome.
REGGIO CALABRIA
A1 A4 A7 A8 o A9 A21 A22
Call Center +39 030 2041599 www.aeroportobrescia.it
The principal cities in Lombardy can also be reached by train. For further information consult the website www.trenitalia.com Other rail networks are also present in the Lombardy region, such as Ferrovie Nord (www.ferrovienord.it) which also provides the Malpensa Express service, the only rail connection between Milan and the intercontinental airport of Malpensa (www.malpensaexpress.it)
MATERA
A4 or “Serenissima” which connects Turin with Trieste via Milan, Bergamo and Brescia crossing the Po plain. l A7 or “Milano Serravalle” which connects Milan to Genoa via Pavia and Voghera. l A8 and A9 or “Autostrada dei Laghi” (Motorway of the Lakes) which begins in Milan and divides at Lainate continuing to Varese (A8) or Chiasso passing through Como Grandate and becoming the A9. l A21 or “Autostrada dei vini” (Wine Motorway) which connects Turin with Brescia via Voghera, Piacenza and Cremona. l A22 or “Autostrada del Brennero” which connects Modena with the Brennero Pass via Mantua. l A50 “Tangenziale Ovest” (West Ring Road) of Milan. l A51 “Tangenziale Est” (East Ring Road) of Milan. l A52 “Tangenziale Nord” (North Ring Road) of Milan. l
www.iatlombardia.com - www.turismo.regione.lombardia.it
Discover
LOMBARDY
SONDRIO Lago Maggiore
Lago di Como
LECCO
VARESE COMO MILANO PAVIA
Lago d’Iseo
BERGAMO
MONZA LODI
Lago di Garda
BRESCIA CREMONA MANTOVA
December Edition 2011