The 12 things to do in Lombardy

Want to discover Lombardy? Discover the 12 must-see cities and corners in Lombardy!

Lombardy is one of the most famous regions in Italy. Located between Switzerland, Piedmont, Veneto, Trentin-Haut-Adige and Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy offers its visitors exceptional places. Massif, plains, cities, museums, places of worship or gastronomy, there are so many things to visit in Lombardy!

But the region is famous for its many lakes, attracting millions of visitors every year. It is also one of the high places of Italian gastronomy! We owe the Lombards dishes like the risotto to milanaise, polenta or gnocchi.

Moreover, with a population of ten million inhabitants, it is the most populous region in the country. From the Alps to Brescia to Cremone, you will quickly understand that there is not only Milan that will amaze you. So, convinced? Discover the 12 essential things to do in Lombardy!

1. Milan

Only with Milan, you have to hold a month! The Lombardy capital offers countless places to discover. Between Scala , fashion, , Dôme de Milan , the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, , Cène , or San Siro We don't know where to give head! And again, it is only a brief overview. You understood it, Milan is the city not to be missed when visiting Lombardy.

2. Bergamo

Bergamo is a city located northeast of Milan. The city has become famous for its Città Alta ("high villa") in French, an ancient medieval city that has preserved its walls intact. A rare feat. This has indeed earned the city to be part of Unesco’s world heritage.

But Bergamo is also an opportunity to make a gourmet visit. Indeed, the province of Bergamo is known for its polenta taragna, a polenta associated with local cheese (the Branzi, or the Valtellina in the Alps). Do you think polenta has no taste? You will change your mind!

3. Cremone

Cremone is a city located on the edge of the Po. The city is popular for the violin and its nougat, composed of almonds and hazelnuts. Also enjoy its dome and baptistery. In addition, the Dôme has a particular campanile. Indeed, the Torrazzo is the highest tower of the pre-modern era. What makes Cremone a city not to be missed when visiting Lombardy.

4. Lake region

Also difficult not to visit Lombardy without going to see lakes! Lombardy has several lakes, among the most beautiful in the world.

Lake Maggiore

Lago Maggiore is a lake that serves as a natural border between Lombardy and Piedmont. The lake also crosses the alpine border to partly house in Switzerland. Tourists love to visit both islands: the Borromean Islands and the Brissago Islands. The setting is ideal for nature lovers.

Lake Garda

More known as a must-see in Veneto, there is a front of the Lake Garda in Lombardy! And not the least since it is in Lombardy that the city of Sirmione is located. A city already inhabited by the Romans. You can enjoy the lake but also visit the medieval castle as well as the Maria Callas Park.

Other destination near the lake, Salò. This charming town on the waterfront is world-famous for the Republic of the same name created by Benito Mussolini at the beginning of the fall of the fascist regime.

Lake Como

Lake Como is the most north of Lombardy. If in the north the lake is uniform, it then splits into two arms, one going to Côme and the other to Lecco. Today, the lake is one of the most popular resorts of Italians. If you visit the lake, take advantage of it to go to Como. Places like Villa Olmo, medieval walls and its castle or the temple of Volta await you there.

5. Monza

Who says to visit Lombardy, says to visit Monza for all sports fans. If the Autodromo di Monza and the great price of F1 is actually the number one tourist attraction, the city is also worth a visit!

For example, you can visit Monza Cathedral. Inside, we can observe the Iron crown . The crown served for the kings of Lombardy, the German Roman Empire and the kings of Italy. But what made her fame is the fact that she would hold one of the nails of the Passion .

6. Mantou

Mantoue is a town in the southeast of Lombardy. It is often associated with the city of Sabbioneta. The reason? Cities are listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This choice is explained by their common past, when Gonzague’s house reigned somuultically on both cities. Around the city, another lake is worth visiting, the Lago Inferiore .

Enjoy your visit to admire the historic link between Mantova and the Renaissance, extremely present in architecture. Walk through the old town, called Civitas vetus . During your walk you will discover the Château de Saint-Georges.

Also know that the city hosts the Festivaletteratura every year, a festival bringing together the greatest lovers of literature.

7. San Pellegrino Terme

City of Bergamo province, you have necessarily heard of San Pellegrino Terme. Famous for its sparkling water, the city attracts all Lombardy for holidays. How? Either by secondary residences or for its thermal baths.

If you visit San Pellegrino, you will see the Grand Hotel and the Casino, inaugurated in 1906. The lack of economic activity caused the abandonment of the place. But today, the Municipal Casino is refurbished and you can even eat there.

8. Pavia

Another pretty town to do in Lombardy, the city of Pavia. Situated south of Milan, the city frôle le Tessin. It is also the river that is at the origin of its name. The Romans called it Ticinum a drift of Ticino (Ticino).

No less than 9 churches or cathedrals await you. But reassure yourself, there are not only religious buildings. You will also see the Castle Visconti where Petrarch lived. The University of Pavia, one of the oldest in Europe, is also worth a visit. Just like medieval towers and Ponte Coperto.

9. Lecco

Lecco is one of the cities that tourists like to visit most in Lombardy. It is mainly due to the fact that the south-eastern arm of Lake Como runs along the city. Once on site, you can admire the mountains in the background. Walk in the heart of the city and visit the Basilica of San Nicolò, built on the ruins of medieval fortifications.

For fans of Italian literature, head to Villa Manzoni. The museum is no other than the family residence of the writer Alessandro Manzoni.

10. Brescia

Brescia is a charming town near Lake Garda. This is a perfect stopover for a Milan-Lac de Garde ride. It is distinguished from the others thanks to its two domes: the Duomo Vecchio says La Rotonda and the Duomo Nuovo. But there are not only domes, many other places of worship are to be visited and will allow to admire the work of Il Romanino .

But Brescia is also large squares and many buildings. Among these, the medieval castle is not to be missed. A true proof of local history, it will also allow you to visit the Risorgimento Museum. As for the squares, Piazza della Loggia is exceptional, especially for its clock located on the Loggia, now the city hotel. The place, as you can see, is one of the most beautiful achievements of the Renaissance in Lombardy.

This year Brescia is rediscovered from the world thanks to the return to the first division of its football team: Brescia Calcio. Among the players are the child of the country: Mario Balotelli.

11. Bormio

And why not visit Lombardy by offering a good bowl of fresh air? In Bormio, the opportunity will be perfect. Located in the Stelvio National Park, Bormio is the most popular winter and summer resort in the region. She twice welcomed the World Alpine Ski Championships on the legendary Stelvio trail.

Bormio is therefore the ideal place for hiking or skiing. All extreme sports are also accessible. A perfect place for families.

12. Chiavenna

Another stage near the Lac de Côme, Chiavenna was born in Roman times. Indeed, the one that the Romans called Clavenna was a stage of the Roman Routes heading towards the Alps. Its beauty is also worth a visit, especially for the Alps that overlook the city.

Chiavenna, located in Valchiavenna, welcomes every year in September, the festival Sagra dei Crotti . ♪ crotti are natural alpine cavities. These cavities make the pride of the premises, which transform these cavities into places of life like restaurants, for example. Thus, to promote this heritage, the region has created a festival where everyone meets around good tabs.

How to go to Lombardy?

To get to Lombardy, you can use different means of transport:

• By train: Milano-Centrale train station is served from Paris Gare de Lyon. A correspondence is possible in Lyon Part-Dieu or Chambéry.
• By plane: two airports serve the region internationally: Milan Malpensa Airport andBergamo airport.
• By bus: Flixbus and Blablabus offer lines to Italy, obviously going to Milan-Lampugnano.
• By car: From France, Milan is accessible by the tunnel of Fréjus, then by theAutostrada 50. If you come from Italy,A1, A7 and A52 It is also possible to reach the Lombardy capital and the rest of the region.

Where to stay in Lombardy?

There is obviously an incalculable number of city where to stay in Lombardy. However, some cities are strategically interesting:

• Milan, which in addition to being well located, facilitates mobility to other cities.
• Bergamo, which also allows a good enough mobility and which has the necessary accommodation infrastructures.
• Como, also accustomed to receiving a strong population. It is also ideal if you visit Lake Como.
• Sesto San Giovanni, located in the suburbs of Milan. Close to the highway, it allows to find accommodation with a better value for money.

Here, you know what you can visit in Lombardy. You surveyed the area? Tell us your favorite places in comments!