Lombardy

Lombardy is a land of contrasts, a rich region that sits at the northern border, where Italy runs into Switzerland dramatically at the Alps. It is home to industrial centers and art cities; it holds one-sixth of Italy’s population yet also has charming smaller towns full of architectural gems along with rural areas; and it proudly parades its fashions in bustling Milan while boasting deep-woods parks for nature lovers and silence seekers.

The region is named ‘Lombardia’ for the Lombards, the barbarian tribes that invaded the area in the 6th century AD. Archeological finds dates the region’s history back to the Etruscans and the Celts, then it underwent marked changes with the expansion of the Roman Empire in the 3rd century BC.

Lombardy is marked by high mountains, rolling hills and fertile fields as it mingles the mountainous Alps with the plains of the Po Valley and the lakeside landscapes of Italy’s most famous inland bodies of water. The Lakes District encompasses the waters of Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and Lake Garda amidst the dramatic alpine backdrop of the mountains, making them popular resorts. In the hills you’ll find the vineyards where one of Italy’s premier sparkling wines is made, Franciacorta.

Milan, with its fashion, industry, urban appeal and famous cathedral, is the region’s primary city. But Lombardy also has an abundance of castles, villas, palaces and art to show off that where bestowed by the noble families through the centuries. The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci; the Royal Villa of Monza; the villa-dotted city of Lecco; the Ducal Palace of Mantova and the perfectly planned town of Sabbioneta (a UNESCO site) are some of the must-sees in the region.

The region has a long musical tradition with its opera theaters and music conservatories, and Cremona was the birthplace of composer Giovanni Monteverdi and violin maestro Antonio Stradivari. Be sure to visit the Stradivarius Museum which pays homage to the man and the world-renowned violins that he created.

Whether you want a lazy day by the lakes, a shopping spree in the fashion world, or a hike in the mountains, you’ll find it in Lombardy.

Explore towns in Lombardy

Milano

Milan is the sleek and sophisticated city of northern Italy, the center of fashion and finance.

Campione d'Italia

Campione d'Italia is an Italian “enclave” of just under one square kilometre, in Swiss territory, at the halfway mark between the border of Ponte Chiasso and Lugano.

Mantova

Mantova is a lovely art city, lively cultural spot and musical center for northern Italy.

Iseo

The pretty town of Iseo is along the lovely alpine lake shore, in the heart of Franciacorta wine country.

Annone di Brianza

Located just 40 kilometers from Milan, you'd think Annone di Brianza would be more crowded, but instead offers a more placid lake experience.

Sarnico

Situated on the lesser-known lake, Lago d'Iseo, Sarnico is an uncrowded waterfront gem.

Sermide

Located in the area of Mantova, the town of Sermide is at a crossroads of three regions.

Vezio Perledo

Vezio is a charming hamlet of stone buildings clustered around its ancient castle.

Casazza

In the Cavallina Valley near Bergamo, the town of Casazza sits in the midst of hills and verdant fields, with a nearby lake and a peaceful ambiance.

Sirtori

A haven at the foot of Alps and in reach of Lake Como and Milan that is tucked in a regional nature park away from the bustle and smog of the cities.

Pozzolengo

In the Brescia province of Lombardy, right where it runs into the region of Veneto, Pozzolengo sits just south of Lake Garda and basks in the low hills striped with vineyards.