Esperienze in Lombardia

Characterised by gentle plains and green mountains, undiscovered villages and immense lakes, Lombardy offers tourists natural beauty and monuments of historical interest; what to visit, then, once you are there? Surely you cannot miss these 10 main attractions:

• the Cenacolo Vinciano, Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece kept in the Refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan;
• the Brera Art Galleryan internationally renowned museum where, among other works, Hayez's famous 'Kiss' is exhibited;
• the Duomo of Milana majestic example of Gothic art and a symbol par excellence of the city;
• the Piazza Ducale in Vigevano, built in the Renaissance style, which houses the city cathedral;
• the Palazzo Te in Mantua, linked to the Gonzagas as a symbol of Frederick II's love for Isabella Boschetti;
• the Charterhouse of Pavianow a national monument;
• the Villa Reale of Monzaan imposing palace surrounded by lush parkland;
• the Villa Borromeo Visconti Littain Lainati, an immense villa surrounded by a fascinating park;
• Bellagioamong the most beautiful villages in Italy, so much so that it has been nicknamed 'the pearl of the Lario';
• the Rocca Borromeo of Angerain the province of Varese, which currently houses the Doll Museum.

With its landscapes ranging from mountainous to more flat, Lombardy is the ideal destination for all those who love to immerse themselves in the nature and accomplish adrenaline activities.

Firstly, here is the WWF forest of Vanzagoa natural oasis that allows visitors to go on walks lasting about two hours together with trained WWF volunteers; and then there is theLipu Oasis of Cesano Madernowhich offers a 4-kilometre route accessible all year round on foot and by bicycle.

Next, the Sebino peat bogsa marshy area at the foot of Lake Iseo full of paths winding through reeds and pools of water. Among the main ones, there is one that leads to two very interesting attractions: the Church of Our Lady of the Hornwith a beautiful view of the peat bogs, and the Monastery of San Pietro in Lamosa.

Another highly recommended walk, combining length, difficulty and beautiful views, is the Lake Como GreenwayIt consists of a 10-kilometre trail that allows you to admire the lake in all its immensity. It lasts about 3 and a half hours and is not at all demanding.

For those who wish to climb a little higher, there is the Bernina, Disgrazia, Val Masino and Val Codera Park which encloses the Pizzo Bernina, one of the highest peaks in the Alps. Here it is possible to ski, trek and hike at high altitudes.

Finally, to keep even the youngest children happy, you certainly cannot do without Minitalia Leolandia, a fantastic amusement park in the province of Bergamo, totally surrounded by greenery, offering no less than five thematic areas over 30 rides suitable for all ages.

There are many beautiful places to visit in Lombardy; each has its own charm and is characterised by different features, ranging from historical monuments to natural landscapes. Certainly, a tour of Lombardy cannot fail to include a visit to the capital, the city of Milanrich in art, nightlife and opportunities and then move on to Mantuaelected Italian Capital of Culture in 2016.

Two other cities to discover are Bergamoa perfect mix of history and modernity, and Paviawhich offers unique and evocative sights and includes in its artistic heritage attractions such as the Visconti Castle, the Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro, the Malaspina Art Gallery and the Cathedral.

Between Brescia and the southern end of Lake Iseo stretches the Franciacorta, a hilly area rich in vineyards and pure air, where it is possible to take a food and wine tour of good wine and typical dishes. And around Lake Iseo there are many other places you absolutely must visit:

• the fascinating Monte Isola, a verdant mountain that stands out from the centre of the lake and can be visited either on foot or by bicycle;
• the municipality of Loverewhich offers suggestive views of the lake and is transformed into 'the village of light' at Christmas time;
• the municipality of Sulzanoideal destination for those who love trekking.

Along with Lake Iseo there is also the Lake Comothe largest in Italy, which all around it offers simply unmissable attractions:

• the city of Comowith the Duomo, the Tempio Voltiano, the Lungolago and Villa Olmo. From here, it is possible to board a boat or taxi boat to explore the nearby resorts, such as Bellagio and Menaggio;
• Bellagiothe most beautiful village on the lake, home to Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi;
• Menaggiothe perfect village for those who enjoy hiking or romantic outings;
• Varennavisit together with your partner to walk along the famous Lovers' Promenade;
• Cernobbiofamous for its aristocratic villas.

But the lakes in Lombardy do not end there; here is the Lake Gardaone of the most beautiful in Italy, with its colourful villages and picture-postcard landscapes. In the surroundings you can visit:

• Tremosinewhose Strada della Forra was called the eighth wonder of the world by Winston Churchill, which houses the Church of St John the Baptist and several trenches dating back to the First World War;
• Limone sul Gardawhere the most beautiful cycle path in Europe starts;
  Sirmione, a small town in the province of Brescia, where you can admire the Scaligero Castle, the Grotte di Catullo and Jamaica Beach.

Lovers of nature walks will love the Valley of Valcamonicawhich includes several different parks of natural interest, such as the Stelvio National Parkbut archaeology enthusiasts will also find the place exciting, as they will be able to admire numerous rock engravings that have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

And the full immersion in nature continues in the Valtellina, an Alpine area corresponding to Lake Como. Here it is recommended to visit:

• Livignothe ideal place for lovers of high-altitude sports and shopping;
• Bormiofamous for its thermal baths;
• Apricafamous for its folk festivals.