Cult City #inLombardia

11 Cities of Art just waiting to be discovered, one after the other, which look to the future while proudly preserving stunning heritage.

Eleven Cities of Art just waiting to be discovered, one after the other.

Must-see masterpieces, special moments by the water, leisurely journeys of discovery, places where the horizon seems to stretch out in front of you, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, trip recommendations and loads of advice.

Get ready for a range of unique experiences in Lombardy’s 11 Cult Cities, which look to the future while proudly preserving stunning heritage.

Have you already chosen your first stop? Take a cue from our gallery or explore places of interest and experiences in each city, through the site navigation menu.

1. Bergamo — Upper Bergamo, Lower Bergamo, the Accademia Carrara and its masterpieces, the big festivals. Different faces of a single great beauty. Bergamo is just like Stendhal described it: “The most beautiful place on earth.” Palaces, towers and domes, all within a single embrace. The embrace of the city walls: built starting from 1561 by the Republic of Venice, the circle, just over five kilometres long, is perfectly preserved and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017.

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2. Brescia — The Roman town of Brixia alongside Renaissance elegance. The magic of the Opera and the ‘Mille Miglia’. This is Brescia, culture and passion. A journey through time. The city of Vespasian, the loungelike squares, the most popular “Festa dell’Opera” in the world, the roar of engines, Franciacorta.

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3. Como — A mediaeval heart for the city that loves science and designs with light. To be explored inside and out. Without ever losing sight of the lake. From the Tempio Voltiano to the neoclassical villas, passing through the historic centre and the secrets of silk.

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4. Cremona — The city where people come to learn the best trade in the world: that of the luthier. Capital of music and cradle of the violin, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. A concert at the Violin Museum’s Auditorium, the masterpieces of Stradivari and the operas of Monteverdi at the Teatro Ponchielli, the workshops of the luthiers, the view from Torrazzo.

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5. Lecco — A city to explore, starting from the traces of a timeless novel, “The Betrothed”. A story within the story. Poised between literature and reality. From the locations associated with Alessandro Manzoni to the noble profile of Monte Resegone, a neoclassical theatre, a cabinet of curiosities, and the splendid lake.

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6. Lodi — Ancient traces, scents and flavours. The contemporary touch of Renzo Piano and the new sacred site of the Tree Cathedral. Between sky, nature and relaxation. Lodi is a hidden gem set among the farmlands, plains and forests located on either side of the River Adda.

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7. Mantua — An unmistakable skyline reflects the history of the city of the Gonzaga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the grand exhibitions at Palazzo Te to the “Festivaletteratura” with its international guests and hundreds of readings.

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8. Monza — From the cathedral to the Villa Reale and the Design Museum. Off to the Autodromo for a spin on the track. A twospeed city. Ready to enchant us with recordbreaking masterpieces.

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9. Pavia — A city to be discovered slowly. On the trail of the Lombards or among the cloisters of the university. Without forgetting the heritage of flavours and labels. As you roam among the showcases of its museums, from that of comparative anatomy to Volta’s scientific cabinet, everything exudes science and history.

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10. Sondrio — Millenary traditions, roads to be explored on foot or bicycle, unique flavours. Viewed from Sondrio, Valtellina is even more beautiful. The stüe, or wooden rooms, and the terracing. The exploits of Orlando Furioso. A glass of Sforzato. Details that make Sondrio unforgettable Sondrio.

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11. Varese — From the gardens of Palazzo Estense to the infinite vistas of the Sacro Monte, from the frescoes of Masnago to the Isolino Virginia. To discover the other geometry of a city on a human scale.

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Discovering Pordenone

Prosegue il percorso condiviso con le città di Piacenza e Pordenone

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The Winter Songs

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Soncino - the water system

Special guided tours for those who are keen to learn

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The Fourteen Chapels of the Sacro Monte di Varese

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The Longobard heritage of Pavia

A journey of discovery to uncover the ancient civilisation of the Longobards through the history of the city of Pavia.

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Visiting the Castle in the night

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Milan Design

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Autumn trip to villas and castles

An autumn adventure of history & beauty: explore the autumn charm of Lombardy's villas and castles.

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Monument Varese

Stately homes, religious buildings, fortifications and UNESCO treasures among the beauties of Varese and its surroundings

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Varese UNESCO

4 siti UNESCO, indissolubilmente legati al paesaggio: Monte San Giorgio, Isolino Virginia, Monastero di Torba, Sacro Monte di Varese.

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Treasure Hunt in the Monza Area of Brianza

Splendid villas, ancient basilicas, noble palazzos. The Monza area of Brianza is full of treasures to discover

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Appointment with history in Lombardy

The Carroccio and the Company of Death, districts, captains and riders, drapes and "rags" to be contested in exciting challenges on horseback, military encampments of the Risorgimento: here is where history takes to the stage in Lombardy

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Gentileschi: Rest on the Flight into Egypt

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Castles Lodi

The history of a glorious past between the castles and fortresses of the Lodi area

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6 Discovering Lombardy - virtual tour

Museums and castles to visit from your home

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Legend of the Seven Brothers

An evocative tale of eight brothers, linked to each other, who lived in the Lecco area

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Monuments Milan

Milan is rich in historical and artistic monuments of the highest value that bear witness to the history of the Lombard capital

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7 art capitals an hour away by train from Milan

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5 medieval monuments in Lodi

A journey of discovery through the Middle Ages, from Borghetto Lodigiano to Lodi.

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House Museums of Lombardy: step inside the homes of renowned historical figures

Discover the history and culture of the Region of Lombardy through its historic house museums, from the homes of famous people and art collectors to artists' studios.