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 Elegant Cistercian church |
Piazza della Vittoria Milan, Lodi 26834 Italy +39 (0)2 7252 4301 (L'ufficio Turistico) / +39 (0)3 717 2219 http://www.parchi.regione.lomb... |
In 1085 Count Cassini and his family invited the Benedictine monks into their small church near the Cerreto Castle. The abbey building complex, which stood next to the church and the many estates cultivated and made fertile by the friars, remained in the Benedictine Order until 1135 when, at the request of the Bishop of Lodi, the Cistercians took over. Today all that remains of the magnificent structure is the church, a lone jewel in the Lodi countryside and an example of the move from Romanesque to Gothic in Lombardy. Built of brick around 1160-70, the church has an elegant façade with a sloping roof and in front of this a pronaos consisting of three bays divided by buttresses. The design of the interior in the form of a Latin cross, which harmonizes perfectly with the exterior, is emphasized by the chromatic interaction between the white of the cross-shaped vaulted roof and the lines of the brickwork arches and the brick pillars with their square capitals. Following the Cistercian custom there are three chapels on each side opening onto the transept, with barrel-vault ceilings in the shape of a pointed arch: worth noting in the left chapel is the Madonna and child with saints painted in the 16th century by the celebrated Lodi artist Callisto Piazza. The elegant octagonal bell tower, with its single and two-light windows, dates back to the late 13th century; only the upper section was rebuilt in 1680 when the medieval tower was struck by lightning and lost its spire. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fascinating abbey complex |
Strada Consortile Del Mirasole Opera Milan, Milan 20090 Italy +39 (0)2 7252 4301 (L'ufficio Turistico) |
On the main road before the hamlet of Opera we find the Mirasole complex: founded by the Umiliati (humbled) order at the beginning of the 13th century, this is one of the most complete examples of religious settlements based on agricultural activities of craftsmanship. When the Order was dissolved the complex was confiscated and passed firstly to the 'Collegio Elvetico' (now the 'Archivio di Stato') and since 1797 it has belonged to the 'Ospedale di Milano'. With the setting up of the 'Friends of Mirasole Association,' in 1998, restoration works began on the complex in order to turn it into a cultural centre. The abbey, strangely for a complex around Milan, has maintained the original characteristics of the original 14th century building. Inside the monastic complex we find a large agricultural courtyard. In the north-west corner we find the church dedicated to Maria Assunta containing a single nave with pannelled ceiling side by side with a beautiful 13th century belfry. At the side of the church we find some of Milan's best preserved 15th century cloisters with loggia, surrounded by low agricultural buildings and stables. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Abbey |
78 Via Monluè Milan, Milan 20138 Italy +39 2 7252 4301 (L'ufficio Turistico) |
This ancient abbey dates from the 18th century. The actual church was built in 1267, transformed in 1584 and restored in 1877. Built in a suburban zone, it represents the transformation and layout of the area. The large garden of the old monastery is to be particularly noted, whose name 'Mons Luparium', or Wolf Mountain is reminiscent of the wolves who used to inhabit this area. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A monastery on the banks of the Ticino |
1 Piazza San Bernardo Milan, Milan 20081 Italy +39 (0)2 9496 1941 (Informazioni) |
Around 30km from Milan, on a fork of the Vigevano road on some high ground by the Ticino we find this splendid Morimondo Abbey. Founded by Cistercian monks from Morimond in Borgogna around 1135, this, together with the abbey of Chiaravalle was a base for the vast reclamation works and restructuring of the area around Milan. On the northern flank of the complex is the majestic church, only partly conseved, dominating the tree-lined piazza and the vast expanse of irrigated fields below. The brick building with simple stone decorations has kept the style of the other side of the Alps which it acquired in the 1200's; a basilical construction with three regular naves with octagonal and cylindrical brick pillars with stone heads. Inside there is a splendid wooden choir of two orders, carved in 1522 and a fresco by Bernardo Luini on the nave walls. Outside, the façade and its windows were altered at the beginning of the 18th century when the access stairwell and the protiro (entry colonnade) were added. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Church of the humble |
6 Strada Comunale Viboldone Frazione Viboldone Milan, Milan 20098 Italy +39 (0)2 9824 0943 / +39 (0)2 984 1203 http://www.viboldone.it/ |
This harmonious church with its robust square belfry are all that remain of this vast complex founded around 1170 near to Viboldone along the via Emilia by the Order of the Milanese Humble. The Umiliati order, dissolved in 1571 was succeeded by the Olivetani until 1777 and the complex was abandoned until the post-war period when Benedictine nuns settled here in the new convent building designed by Luigi Caccia Dominioni. The church, with its three naves and five spans covered with cross-vaults, is a typical example of gothic-Lombardian style. On the apse, we find the rectangular 14th century belfry whilst on the brick façade and the slender tripartitions we see a combination of Roman and Gothic characteristics. Inside would once have been completely covered in frescoes and many do still remain today, making this one of the most interesting places to visit around Milan. In fact many famous 14th century artists have worked here such as Michelino dia Besozzo, Giusto de Menabuoi and one of Giotto's disciples, an anonymous artist from Florence. This all goes to make this small monastical church a real testimony to 14th century culture. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The great works of art of Lombard painting. |
Piazza Giacomo Carrara Milan 24121 Italy +39 3539 9640 (Museo) http://www.accademiacarrara.be... |
The Pinacoteca gallery is located within the Palazzo dell'Accademia, a neo-classical building built between 1805 and 1910 by Simone Elia. It was founded in 1795 by Count Giacomo Carrara, a merchant collector, who at his death bequeathed his collection to the city of Bergamo. This collection has grown thanks to more aquisitions and private donations (which were rearranged in chronological order in 1955). Today the Pinacoteca holds 1800 works from the fifteenth to the nineteenth centuries, originating from the Lombard and venetian schools of painting, as well as from Tuscan and Flemmish artists. In addition to this collection there is also a large series of prints, bronzes, sculptures, porcelain and furniture. As well as rooms dedicated to the Lombard painters, like the seventeenth century painter G.B. Moroni or Lorenzo Lotto, who was very active in Bergamo for a long period of time, there are also gallery rooms dedicated to the fifteenth century Florentine painters, such as Botticelli, Signorelli, Donatello, Beato Angelico, and rooms full of the works of venetian fifteenth century painters such as Mantegna, Antonello da Messina, Bellini. Examples of venetian art from 1400-1500 included works by Bergognone, Cima da Conegliano and Mazzolino. The Gallery of Modern Art, next to the Accademia Carrara in a fifteenth century convent, has a further collection of prestigious modern works and temporary exhibitions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Splendid church of the ancient Laus Pompeia |
Outside the town of Lodi Vecchio (Old Lodi) Milan, Lodi 26855 Italy +39 371 42 1313 (Tourism Department) |
In 374 Bishop Bassiano decided to erect the Basilica of Laus Pompeia (which was destroyed by the Milanese around 1000ad) in the midst of a cemetery which ran along the very important Roman road that linked Milan, Lodi and Piacenza. Consecrated in 387 to the presence of the Bishop of Milan, Ambrogio, the Basilica of San Bassiano is definitely one of Lombardy's most fascinating examples of medieval architecture. There only remain a few traces of the Roman structure such as the internal massive pylons in styled brickwork, crowned with capitals. In the first decades of the 14th century the Basilica underwent constant changes and as a result, today it has a distinctive gothic aspect to it. The elegant brickwork façade is divided into three parts by thin lesions so even the lateral edges by the high and slender buttresses that support the lateral nave probably erected during the 14th century intervention. Inside, the splendid floral decorations and pictures of 'monstrous animals' highlight the harmonious three nave structure whilst on the apse basin and on the presbytery we find the splendid frescoes of an anonymous 14th century maestro which brighten up the whole structure. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Wonderful historical centre |
Piazza Vecchia Milan 24100 Italy +39 3 5 38 7621 http://www.provincia.bergamo.it/ |
Reached via car or the funicular from Viale Vittorio Emanuele, the ancient historical town of Bergamo lies on top of a hill (369m). Bergamo was originally a Celtic settlement but was built over by the Romans. Now "upper Bergamo" lies within defensive walls that were already extant at the time of the Romans and which were later rebuilt several times and renewed by the Republic of Venice in 1556. The walls and the gates are still visible: you can follow the entire circle of the walls starting from Porta Sant'Agostino (the city's main entrance) while gardens and avenues give an overall view over the modern part of the city, 'lower Bergamo'. The narrow streets inside the historical centre wind around the beautiful buildings: the central Piazza Vecchia is overlooked by the Cathedral, the Palazzo della Ragione and the City Library. The church of S. Michele, Palazzo Moroni, the lovely church of S. Maria Maggiore with the Colleoni Chapel, Via Gombito (the decumanus of the Roman city), and the Rocca built on the ancient capitolium are only some of the architectural gems in Bergamo Alta. The historical centre is also open at night with a number of restaurants and bars in the pedestrian streets. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Ancient Carthusian building |
28 Via Garegnano Milan, Milan 20156 Italy |
This old Carthusian monastery was founded in 1349 by Giovanni Visconti, and was demolished with the destruction of the cloisters in the late sixteenth century for the construction of the Milan-Laghi road. The complex, dedicated to St. Maria Assunta, is still in the middle of the motorway intersection. Few traces are left of the ancient building, which are still visible from part of the intersection, while the monument still retains it's fifteenth and sixteenth century style. The overturned 'T' building is particular, and is the result of the construction of two chapels in the centre (dating from the fifteenth century). There are differing opinions as to who planned the interesting facade, ranging from Alessi or Pellegrini to Seregni. There are also many paintings which date from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Simon Jones |
 Photo: EugeniaB |
 Photo: Jim Pritchett |
 Photo: Harry Singh |
 Photo: Dr. Matt Hogendobler |
 Photo: cleliamus |
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A castle set among vineyards |
Milan, Milan 20078 Italy http://www.sancolombano.it/ |
The ancient farming hamlet of San Colombano stands at the bottom of the range of hills of the same name that separates the plateau of Lodi from that of Pavia. The area is now covered with vineyards which produce the only DOC certified wine in the province of Milan. The village is arranged around the castle named after the hypothetical stay of the Irish monk who founded the monastery of Bobbio in 595 and who, according to tradition, taught the locals how to cultivate vines. Since that time, the vine has covered the hills and become the foundation of the area's culture and history. The fort was known of as early as the era of the Longobards; used by the Signoria Milanese, it was destroyed in 1164 but rebuilt by Federico Barbarossa. Around 1353, the poet Petrarch stayed there for a long period and praised the land and castles of the district in a letter. The poet's visit as the guest of Giovanni Visconti, archbishop of Milan, is recorded by a plaque on the 15th c. tower. In 1396, the castle was assigned by Gian Galeazzo Visconti to the Certosa in Pavia which held it until the charterhouse was suppressed in 1782. The fortification then became the residence of the Barbiano di Belgioso family who made several alterations to it. The castle was then purchased by the parish and many parts were demolished. Today the crenellated 15th c. tower and west tower remain, with part of the defensive wall that was built by Barbarossa. Also included is the park and the Belgioso villa. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fortified Visconti building |
2 Piazzetta Bolognini Milan, Lodi 26866 Italy +39 371 21 1140 |
The agricultural town of Sant'Angelo Lodigiano stands on a rise between the river Lambro and southern Lambro. The centre of the village was originally built inside the castle which was begun by the Milanese after the destruction of the fort of Cogozzo. Completed in 1224, it remained the property of the Lords of Milan, first the Della Torre family, then the Viscontis. Altered by Regina della Scala, wife of Bernabò Visconti, it passed to Michele Bolognini in 1447 whose family owned it until 1933. At the turn of the last century, a long restoration project returned the castle to its original appearance. For almost 100 years, it was no longer a residence but used as a military garrison, storehouse and silk production centre. It has a square ground plan with a wide square court; it is a compact Lombard-Gothic structure with solid walls lightened by crenellations and polychrome mullion windows with two lights. Slender towers rise on three sides, one of the first examples of Visconti fortifications to overhang. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fascinating castle on the river Adda |
Via Castello Milan, Milan 20056 Italy +39 (0)2 7252 4301 (L'ufficio Turistico) |
Up on the high pudding-stone walls of a double bend on the river Adda, Trezzo castle overlooks one of the loveliest points in Lombardy (a little further downstream is the gorge Leonardo painted in the background of the Mona Lisa). The castle was built around 1365 by Barnabò Visconti on top of fortifications remaining from the Longobard era; in doing so he created one of the strongest Visconti fortifications in Lombardy. The major fortifications, raised to defend the most easily attacked side, were built on the west side of the river near the village; a bridge (dismantled in 1416 by Carmagnola) connected the castle to the opposite bank of the river. Some of the fortifications were dismantled in the 18th c. and the materials used in the construction of the Villa Reale in Monza and the Arena Civica in Milan. However, much of the remaining fortifications can be visited either on Sundays when they are open to all, or by appointment. There is a glorious view of the Adda and its rocky banks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Industrial archaeology on the Adda |
12 Via B. Visconti Milan, Milan 20056 Italy +39 2 90 9331 http://www.comune.trezzosullad... |
Descending the rocky outcrop on which Trezzo castle stands, you will see the Taccani electric power station commissioned from Gaetano Moretti and Adolfo Covi by Benigno Crespi in 1906 to power the nearby textile factory in Capriate San Gervasio. Built on a double loop in the river, the horizontal building joins the long turbine room with the taller control section and the building that houses the steam powered emergency generators. It seems that the various sections of the building were designed to resemble a rock mass. The resulting combination of high technological innovation and careful environmental adaptation is a unique example of its kind. The dynamic design of the upper sections reminiscent of the crenellations on the nearby castle and the elegant geometric patterns in stone and iron make this construction one of the most interesting examples of industrial archaeology in Lombardy. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paolo Adamoli |
 Photo: Fabio Stefanini |
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Masterpieces of painting in Lodi |
Piazza Ospitale Milan, Milan 26900 Italy +39 (0)371 42 1391 (L'ufficio turistico) http://www.turismo.provincia.l... |
One of the most important historical and artistic heritages in Lombardy, the church of San Francesco was built between 1280-1312 by the Frati Minori supported by Antonio Fissiraga and his wife Flora dei Tresseni. The church is a typical monastic construction: the tripartite 1300-1307 facade with wide prothyrum remained uncompleted above the marble rose window that stands out against the pinkish ceramic surface. The 3 nave Latin cross interior is divided by low cylindrical columns and boasts a wonderful collection of frescoes. Pylons, arches and walls are all covered by votive frescoes carried out at the end of the 13th c. and the beginning of the 14th c. for local families who had built the church as a burial place for their family members. Some of the most important frescoes date from the first phase of construction: the anonymous 'Fissiraga maestro' was responsible for the splendid cross-vault over the transept with the four evangelists and also the paintings in the chapel of the Fissiraga family. Then many decorations and frescoes on the pylons in the nave were the work of the 'Maestro of San Bassiano', so named for the cycle of frescoes in the basilica of Lodivecchio. Inspired by these works, a school of painting was created in the church that flourished thoughout the 14th c. and made the church one of the highest pictorial expressions of the Middle Ages in Lombardy. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A heritage of the city |
Piazzale Cotonificio Milan, Bergamo 24040 Italy +39 (0)2 9098 7191 (Informazioni) http://www.villaggiocrespi.it/ |
Declared in 1995 by UNESCO to be a World Heritage site, the Crespi d'Adda cotton mill at Capriate San Gervasio is one of the most interesting examples of Italian worker villages. In 1871, Cristoforo Crespi built the first four buildings for workers after moving his cotton mill from Vigevano to Canonica (an area which was later merged with Capriate under the name Crespi d'Adda). In 1889, his son Silvio Benigno abandoned the idea of housing the families of workers in the same building and set about constructing single family houses with a garden and vegetable patch to create a proper village. Subsequent expansions of the village ended with the Crespi family moving to the village themselves. Based on the idea that the continual improvement of the living conditions of his workers would prevent a great deal of social conflict, Silvio Benigno Crespi created an example of a 'social city' based on the theories of Robert Owen in which the improvement of the lot of the working classes was the goal by means of exemplary social reforms. The cotton mill, the houses of the workers, the villa-castle belonging to the owner, the nursery school, elementary schools, theatre, public washing facilities, hotel, clinic, food shops and church (in Bramantesco style built in 1891 inspired by the church of Santa Maria in Piazza Busto) remains almost unaltered. The economic crisis and the Fascist fiscal policies finally forced the family to sell the village in 1929 but the complex remains a testimony to the paternalistic philosophy of private business from the last century. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Medieval Lombard town |
Milan, Cremona 26013 Italy +39 (0)373 8941 (L'ufficio Turistico) |
Set in the Po plain between Adda and Oglio, Crema is a fine example of a medieval Lombard city. Developed around a small 6th c. Byzantine castrum and razed to the ground by Barbarossa in 1160 for having created an alliance with Milan, it flourished once again in the 15th c. under Venetian domination (from 1459) when its walls were rebuilt (parts of which are still visible) and it was given a new town layout. The outer districts of the town have been affected by industrial development but the centre around Piazza del Duomo, where the narrow streets converge, still has its medieval and Renaissance characteristics unaltered. The cathedral was built between 1284 and 1341 and is the most important artistic achievement in the town. With Palazzo del Comune, the Torazzo, the Palazzo Vescovile and the Palazzo Pretorile, it makes up a lovely backdrop to Piazza Principale. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: little-prince |
 Photo: Bianchetti Luigi |
 Photo: ilcustode78 |
 Regional natural park |
2 Via della Polveriera Milan, Milano 20020 Italy +39 (0)2 969 8141 http://www.parcogroane.it/ |
Opened in 1976, this park is located in the vast forest area that occupies the high, Lombard plain to the north west of Milan. The plain has been saved from erosion by the Lura and Seveso torrents and is higher than the surrounding land. It is still heathland, in Milanese dialect 'groana', and is rich in heather and broom. The aridity of the clayey and iron rich soil has fortified the over 600 hectares of pines and forests, and only a small part of the land is cultivated. There are some old clay kilns here, as clay excavation was once a common practice here, and there are many noble villas, including Villa Valera in Arese. There are many educational and leisure activities organised in the park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Greta  |
 Photo: Mattia Brivio |
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Romanesque cathedral |
Piazza della Vittoria Milan, Lodi 26900 Italy +39 371 42 1391 (L'ufficio Turistico) http://www.comune.lodi.it/ |
Lodi Duomo, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, was begun in 1160 and completed a little more than a century later. It is one of the largest Romanesque buildings in Lombardy. The façade of the monocuspid structure features a series of windows inserted during different epochs. The rampant moulding on small arches rises above a wide Renaissance rose window and the superb doorway. The latter is embellished at the sides with Romanesque statues and features a prothyrum supported by lions supposedly taken from the cathedral of Laus Pompeia. The 3 nave interior is supported by massive cylindrical columns. Much of the cathedral's current appearance is owed to repairs made between 1956-64 by Alessandro Degani when he restored the church's original appearance hidden below its 18th c. patina. The apse, richly decorated with stone elements probably taken from the Romanesque churches of Lodivecchio, leads to the crypt in which the reliquaries of the patron saint are held. A 12th c. Romanesque relief on the front was taken from Laus Pompeia. The octagonal chapel to the side of the apse contains a splendid polychrome wooden sculpture of eight statues. On the right of the façade stands the belltower designed in 1539 by Callisto Piazza and built over the medieval tower that was never finished. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Matteo |
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Small Lombard lake |
Est di Via Lago Maggiore Milan, Varese 21100 Italy +39 (0)332 28 3604 (Informazioni) http://www.vareselandoftourism... |
The lake lies at the gates of the city of Varese, between the morainic hills of the foothills of the Alps in the high Po plain. It was created when a glacial hollow was filled in the Quaternary period receiving its waters from a dozen or so mountain streams and rivers; the only emissary is the river Bardello. Inhabited since prehistoric times when it villages were built on stilts on the edge of the water (remains found on Virginia island), the abundance of fish and birds in the lake has been exploited for centuries. Species present are pike, tench, barbel, trout, eel and bleak; nesting birds are the great crested grebe, the little bittern, the coot and the waterhen. The main centres are Voltorre, with the remains of an ancient medieval cenoby, Biandronno, with the small lake, and Cazzago Brabbia. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the lake, its rivers and hills became a country retreat for the rich of Milan who filled its shores with villas and gardens. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: ilapagani |
 Photo: Francesca Mangiarini |
 Photo: Paolo Lucarelli |
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 Photo: Maria Bruno |
 Photo: Enrico Bernasconi |
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 A jewel in Lombardy |
Lago di Como Milan, Como 22100 Italy +39 (0)31 822 1004 (L'ufficio Turistico) |
The third largest lake in Italy (145km2), Lake Como (or Lario) is fed by the river Adda and 36 smaller rivers. It is one of Lombardy's most beautiful spots. It lies between Brianza and Valtellina like an upside down "Y" and so has three distinct sections: the Colico stretch to the north with its mountainous and varied shores, the Lecco stretch to the east with its bare, rocky shores, and the arm of Como with gentle, green banks. Historically, the lake has been a place of transit since ancient times (in proto-historical times there was a road that ran along the crest on the western side of the lake). Remains of the various cultures and peoples that have lived there throughout history have been found around it: villas, sanctuaries, chapels and monasteries lie all around its lovely surroundings. Villa D'Este at Cernobbio, the ancient church on Comacina island, Villa Carlotta at Tremezzo, Bellagio, Piona abbey, the small hamlet of Varenna, Como and its monuments, the ancient mule track of Mount Bisbino, the wide views seen from Brunate are just some of the many attractions the shores of the lake offer to tourists and artists. Besides the standard visits by car, the ferry lines of the lake's transport company offer superb views of the lake. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rob Jenkins |
 Photo: Starfires |
 Photo: Rob Jenkins |
 Photo: Tim Adisa |
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Between Lombardy, Piedmont and Switzerland |
Milan, Verbano-Cusio-Ossola Italy +39 (0)761 64 5404 (L'ufficio Turistico) http://www.lagomaggiore.net/ |
Lake Maggiore - or Verbano - is Italy's second largest lake after Garda and lies in the shelter of the alpine circle between Lombardy, Piedmont and Switzerland. The lake's catchment area is very large and it receives its waters from the Ticino and Maggia rivers, Lake Lugano via the Tresa mountain stream, from Lake Orta via the river Strona, and from Lake Varese via the river Bardello. It's only emissary is the Ticino near Sesto Calende. The lake was of fundamental importance to communications in northern Italy from the Roman era. In the 15th c., it helped to defend the Signoria of Milan from Swiss territories when the city's various lands were enfeoffed to the Borromeo family. This was the beginning of a dominion that still marks the lake (the Borromeo islands, the forts of Arona and Angera, the castles of Cannero). Favoured with a mild climate, the shoreline became a holidaying area in the 18th c. The green banks were filled with villas, parks and gardens which are still very popular tourist destinations. Beyond Stresa, the jewel on the lake with its splendid Borromeo islands, Lake Maggiore is blessed with superb landscapes, views and monuments. The ancient Sanctuary of Santa Caterina del Sasso and the Fort at Angera on the Lombard shore, the attractive nature park in Ticino and Valgrande, the superb botanical gardens at Villa Taranto and Isola Madre, and the many villas and parks along the shore are some of the attractions that the lake offers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Fer Martin |
 Photo: tristam sparks |
 Photo: Fer Martin |
 Photo: Elaine Pang |
 Photo: Tim Spilman |
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City founded by Barbarossa |
Milan, Lodi 26900 Italy +39 371 42 1391 (L'ufficio Turistico) http://www.comune.lodi.it/ |
Lodi was founded by Federico Barbarossa in 1158 on the banks of the river Adda to the east of the ancient Laus Pompeia (now Lodi Vecchio) which was destroyed by the Milanese in 1111. The small town was built for strategic reasons and became the capital of the province in 1992. It has a grid of streets that lie around Piazza del Mercato and Piazza Maggiore (now Piazza della Vittoria) which form a lovely rectangular space surrounded by porticoes and overlooked by the Duomo. Around 1220, the large city walls were built and the dyke, enlarged during the Spanish domination, that marked the city limits until the early 1900's. A town based on dairy produce and surrounded by fertile agricultural land, Lodi's historical centre is still intact. In addition to the Duomo, you should really visit the Renaissance masterpiece the Incoronata, the splendid Romanesque church of San Francesco, the Palazzo Varesi and the lovely porticoes in the centre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Iacopo Sassarini |
 Photo: Filippo Aroffo |
 Photo: Uqbar |
 Photo: Mikel Orbegozo Iñurritegui |
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A nature park |
Montevecchia Milan, Lecco 23874 Italy +39 (0)39 993 0060 (Informazioni) |
The small town of Montevecchia lies on the crest of a hill. It was known by the Romans as Mons Taegia and forms a natural lookout point over the Milanese plain. The elegant town boasts 18th c. houses overlooked by the sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin. The sanctuary is reached along a Via Crucis that winds around the hill with marvellous views and is surrounded by 2300 hectares of the Montevecchia and Curone Valley Nature Park. The park covers not only the hill but also the plain crossed by the river Molgora and its affluents. It is the last natural area in west Brianza in which the traditional human settlements blend harmoniously into the countryside. The chestnuts, oaks, springs, archaeological remains (Neolithic and Iron Age villages), the many paths that cross the park, and the village itself with its lively restaurants (the soft cheeses are famous in this region) are the destinations of day trips by the inhabitants of Brianza and Milan. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: marianipersonal |
 Photo: baohlina@gmail.com |
 Photo: magnipier |
 Photo: PaRik |
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Wonderful Lombard park |
Viale Brianza Milan, Milan 20052 Italy +39 39 323 222 (L'ufficio turistico) |
Monza Park was created between 1805-10 on the orders of Luigi di Beauharnais, the Napoleonic viceroy, as an extension of the gardens of the Villa Reale to create a model estate and hunting grounds. Designed by Luigi Canonica, a pupil of Piermarini, and Luigi Villoresi, it was enlarged in 1840 by Giovanni Brenna. The park is one of Lombardy's largest green areas and the largest enclosed park in Europe. It has a perimeter of 14 km and covers 800 hectares; it has 3 woods, cultivated areas, mills, farmhouses and villas and was landscaped to create long straight views that once divided the various areas to suit the court. The Autodromo was built in it in 1920 (one of the first race tracks) and has continued to take up more space ever since, changing the nature of the park. The construction of 150,000 seats on 1 million sq. metres of land brought the destruction of various sections of woodland. There are also various other sporting facilities: 9 and 18 hole golf courses, tennis courts and a riding school bring thousands of visitors and sports fans every Sunday. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Valentino G. |
 Photo: errevm Roberto Motta |
 Photo: Alessandra Pirola |
 Photo: albissola.com |
 Photo: Laura Vercelloni |
 Photo: e.janevictoria |
 Photo: marco fossati |
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Regional water reserve. |
Milan, Milan 20013 Italy +39 (0)331 66 2911 http://www.parks.it/parco.tici... |
The Ticino river which flows both into and out of Lake Maggiore, stretches for 248km from its source in Switzerland to its confluence with the Po to the south of Padova, near the Becca bridge (a remarkable feat of civil engineering built of steel in 1912). The first Regional Lombardy river park area was established along the banks of the Ticino in 1974 (run by a collaboration of 49 departments with its headquarters at Magenta). The objective of this park was to control the river, protect its banks and bed, as well as its wildlife and vegetation. The enterprise is intended to conserve the natural charcteristics of the riverlandscape and to regulate farming and tourist activity in the area. The park stretches from Pavia to Sesto Calende, over 90,000 acres, and can be divided into four main areas: the splendid river valley, worn by the river over the plain; the irrigated plain, to the south, where there is intense farming activity; the alpine foothills in the Varese region; the higher, dry plains to the north, covered in woodland, the last stretches of the forest which 2,000 years ago extended over the entirety of the Padan plain. In addition to attractive walks, there are numerous sites of historic and architectural interest in the hills and plains around the Ticino: Morimondo Abbey, Bernate, Abbiategrasso, Arsago Seprio, Vigevano, the villas along the Naviglio Grande are just some of the tourist attractions offered by Ticino park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: matteo86photonature |
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A small patch of green |
8 Via Giacomo Matteotti Milan, Milan 20030 Italy +39 3 6251 5203 http://www.parcobrughiera.it/ |
The Brughiera Briantea park consists of a small srea of land (750 hectares) crossed by three streams running between the province of Mian and Como. In one of Northern Italy's most densely built up areas, the park is a beatiful patch of greenery besieged by built-up Brianza. The park mainly consists of heath land, from where the plant name heather comes, in springtime the ground is covered with its cyclamine coloured flowers. Across the woods and green meadows of Cabiate the valley goes up again to Cascina Mordina, an interesting example of a Lombardy rural building which inn future will house the park's headquarters. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The city of a hundred towers |
Sud di Milan Milan, Pavia 27100 Italy |
The Roman city of Pavia, founded by the Gauls at the crossroads between Emilia and Postumia, between the Po and the Ticino rivers, was an important city in the first century and still retains its fascination in the urban weave of its historic streets. The regular placing of the remaining foundations of the castrum romanum around the ancient forum were incorporated into the widespread enlargement of the city, as between 572 and 774 it was the capital of the Italian kingdom with a well known university (a diploma from Charles IV in 1361 recognised Pavia as a Studium Generale). Around the encircling medieval urban growth, rising over the red tiled roofs are the city's ancient towers and monumental buildings: the Cathedral, the Visconteo Castle, the splendid Romanic churches (S. Pietro in Ciel d'Or, S. Teodoro, S. Michele, S. Francesco), the Broletto. These, with the bridges and the romantic banks of the Ticino form the principle features of this attractive Lombard city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Toni |
 Photo: Michael A. Fraser |
 Photo: Jorge Medina |
 Photo: Simone |
 Photo: kaikne |
 Photo: Sven Kloppenburg |
 Photo: strega29 |
 Photo: Robert Thomson |
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Beautiful residence of the Borromeo family |
Via Rocca Milan, Varese 21021 Italy +39 331 93 1300 |
Angera fort stands on the spur of a rock that overlooks Lake Maggiore and for this reason has been a stronghold for control of commercial traffic along the lake since Roman times. The fort was probably built over a more ancient Roman fortification around the year 1000. First it was owned by the Bishops of Milan, then by the Visconti family towards the end of the 13th century, and from 1449 by the Borromeo family who made it into their main residence and a symbol of their political orientation. The imposing north-west tower forms the oldest part of the castle to which were added the Scaliger Wing, the 16/17th c. Borromea Wing, and the Visconti residence in the 13th and 14th centuries (frescoes from 1300 are still extant). The Doll Museum was opened in the Scaliger Wing in 1988. It contains an extraordinary collection of toys, dolls, books and clothes for young children from the 17th c. until the 1940's. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alessandra Manni |
 Photo: Paolo Todeschini |
 Photo: www.mkvale.it |
 Photo: Stefano Fagnani |
 Photo: La Marga |
 Photo: Alberto Pironi |
 Photo: MASSIMILIANO CORAZZA |
 Photo: alessandro calzolaro |
 Photo: Laura |
 Photo: Sarah Jennifer Negri |
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17th c. masterpiece |
21 Via Dell'Assunzione Milan, Varese 21030 Italy +39 332 22 9223 http://www.sacromonte.it/info_... |
Connected with Varese since 1953 by a funicular, the Sacro Monte lies in the Campo dei Fiori Regional Park instituted in 1984 to preserve the environmental and monumental treasures of the mountain massif that overlooks Varese. The Sacro Monte was conceived in the late 16th c. by the Capucin monk A.B. Aguggiari around the pre-existing path that led to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Monte. The sanctuary had been rebuilt in 1472 over a small church that tradition says was built by Sant'Ambrogio. The route winds for about 2 km. on which 14 chapels illustrate the mysteries of the rosary (Annunciation, Visitation, Nativity, Presentation in the temple, Dispute in the temple, Discourse in the garden, Flagellation, Crown of Thorns, Calvary, Crucifixion, Ascension, Descent of the Holy Spirit, Assumption of the Virgin). The chapels are an example of the Counter-Reforming spirit of the Borromean era and were designed by the Varese architect Giuseppe Bernascone. Decorated with frescoes and terracotta statues on which the best Milanese, Ticinese and Venetian artists worked (including C. Prestinari, C. Nuvolone, G. Ghisolfi and B. Ghiandone), the elegance of the architecture and beauty of the panorama make the chapels the most traditional of outings around Varese. Note the Eclectic and Art Nouveau villas along the route (Villa Borani, Villa Agosteo, Villa Pogliaghi) that add to the beauty of the Campo dei Fiori park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: mao73 |
 Photo: Sauron84 |
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Sanctuary on Lake Maggiore |
5 Via Santa Caterina Milan, Varese 21014 Italy +39 (0)332 64 7172 (Informazioni) http://www.provincia.va.it/san... |
The sanctuary of Santa Caterina del Sasso is one of the loveliest places on Lake Maggiore. It overlooks the Piedmont side of the lake, the Mottarone and the Borromean islands from the rock on the Lombard side. It can be reached by ferry (which offers the most dramatic views) or via car from the road on the Lombard bank of the lake. It was founded by Alberto Besozzi di Arolo who was a hermit there following a shipwreck on the rock below. He built a small votive chapel above his cave-residence. The Dominicans settled there in 1230 and built the chapels of Santa Maria Nova (1270) and San Nicola (1305-10), protector from shipwrecks, and the central Gothic monastery. The monks of the Milanese monastery of S. Ambrogio arrived there in 1320 and unified the three chapels into a single church. In 1800, the Austrian government broke down the unified property of the monastery and gave the parts to the local parishes. A long and complex series of restoration by the Dominican friars recently saved the sanctuary from ruin. Besides the renovation of the Gothic and Renaissance sections of the site, superb 15th c. frescoes were found in the Capitolare room and a 14th c. Crucifix in the apse of the church of the 14th c. church of San Nicola. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ras Mighty |
 Photo: andrea saporiti |
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Splendid Renaissance temple |
25 Via Incoronata Milan 26900 Italy |
The Sanctuary of the Incoronata in Lodi was built in 1488 by the town's inhabitants as a symbol of the spiritual and economic rebirth of the town after being hit by the plague. It was designed by Giovanni Battagio who worked at the time in Milan with Donato Bramante. Sited in the centre of the town a few steps away from the Duomo, it is one of the most celebrated buildings of the Renaissance in Lombardy. The influence of Bramante in the temple is quite apparent: externally, the octagonal body (only two sides are visible) is preceded by a 3 arch portico and an elaborate Renaissance portal. Inside, the space is harmoniously proportioned in a dramatic integration of architecture, decoration and painting. The two levels are entirely decorated in Bramantesque style. Upstairs the paintings were renovated in 1876, while downstairs the fine frescoes from the 16th c. by Callisto Piazza, Giovanni and Matteo della Chiesa, and Fulvio Piazza are still visible. The panels painted by Bergognone are exhibited in the chapel of San Paolo; they represent the Visitation, Adoration of the Magi, Presentation of Jesus in the temple, and Epiphany. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Regional agricultural park |
10 Via Pancrazi Milan, Milan 20129 Italy +39 2 7 7401 / +39 2 7740 3268 / +39 2 7740 3264 http://parks.it/parco.sud.mila... |
This park opened in 1991 and is a semicircular shape around the Milanese metropolitan area. There is more than 40,000 hectares of land here, and it has conserved its agricultural purpose and the typical characteristics of irrigated Lombard land, which has been exploited since the Middle Ages when the monastic orders first irrigated their farmland. The network irrigates the Navigli canals as well as other rivers which make the park area a natual reserve of great environmental and cultural interest. The New Fountain at Bareggio, the Oasis of Lacchiarella, the woods of Vanzago, the system of great, Lombard pools, the rural villages and the splendid abbeys of Chiaravalle, Mirasole and Vipoldone are the main attractions in this area. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sebastiano Lo Turco |
