Discover Lombardy

Italy
Lombardy

Lombardy is a popular destination for fashionistas, celebrities, and nature lovers. This industrial heart of Italy captivates with its versatility, from the fashion capital Milan to the tranquil shores of Lake Maggiore and Lake Como. The region is renowned for its luxurious villas and its Renaissance art, including da Vinci's The Last Supper. Mantua, a UNESCO World Heritage site, adds to the allure, making Lombardy a cultural highlight of Italy.

Top 10 Highlights of Lombardy

Largest Cathedral in Italy
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Milan Cathedral
Milan, Lombardy
The Milan Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece, towers imposingly over the city. With a construction period of nearly 600 years, from 1386 to 1965, it is the largest cathedral in Italy. Visit the roof for breathtaking panoramas of Milan.
Art Treasures at Milan's Renaissance Fortress
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Castello Sforzesco
Milan, Lombardy
In the heart of Milan stands the mighty fortress from the 15th century. Once the seat of the powerful Sforza family, it now houses museums with valuable art treasures, including works by Michelangelo, Filippo Lippi, and Leonardo da Vinci. A walk through the courtyards and visiting the museums offers a fascinating insight into the Renaissance.
The World Stage of Opera
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La Scala
Milan, Lombardy
The Teatro alla Scala is a temple of opera, where the greatest masterpieces of music history have been performed since 1778. Its magnificent neoclassical facade and opulent interior with red velvet seats are impressive. As one of the world's finest opera and ballet theaters, La Scala has hosted and thrilled the best singers and artists from around the globe. Experiencing a performance here is an unforgettable event.
Art from Caravaggio to Raphael
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Pinacoteca di Brera
Milan, Lombardy
The Pinacoteca di Brera is a world-class art museum housing an impressive collection of Italian masterpieces from the 13th to the 20th century. Works by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Bellini fill its splendid halls. The historic building and surrounding gardens invite a relaxing stroll.
Witness Da Vinci's Masterpiece
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Leonardo’s Last Supper Museum
Milan, Lombardy
At the Santa Maria delle Grazie Convent, Leonardo da Vinci's world-renowned painting "The Last Supper" attracts visitors from around the globe. The work is located in the dining hall and depicts, in impressive detail, the moment Jesus reveals the betrayal that will lead to his death to his disciples. The expressive faces and masterful composition make it an unparalleled Renaissance masterpiece. It is the largest work of da Vinci, except the Sala delle Asse.
Lake Como's Iconic Villa
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Villa del Balbianello
The Villa del Balbianello, perched on the tip of the Lavedo Peninsula, enchants visitors with its elegant design and magnificent gardens that stretch down to the water. Known from films like "Star Wars" and "James Bond," this 18th-century villa offers breathtaking views and a rich collection of art and antiques. Visits are only possible with a guided tour, with the opulent rooms and the loggia being particularly impressive.
D'Annunzio's Grand Estate
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Vittoriale degli Italiani
Gardone Riviera, Lombardy
The Vittoriale degli Italiani is a beautiful and somewhat quirky destination on Lake Garda. This monumental complex, built by the eccentric poet Gabriele D’Annunzio, features everything from warships and airplanes to an amphitheater with stunning lake views. The site includes Villa Prioria, the surreal cruiser Puglia embedded in a hillside, and opulent gardens adorned with bronze sculptures and water features.
The most elegant shopping gallery in the world
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Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Milan, Lombardy
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Italy's oldest shopping gallery and a significant landmark in Milan. The magnificent glass roofs and mosaic floors make every visit an experience. Enjoy an espresso in one of the elegant cafes or shop in the luxury stores.
Climb the ramparts of the Scaliger Castle
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Scaligero Castle di Sirmione
The Castello Scaligero is an imposing medieval fortress, perched on the southern tip of Lake Garda. Built between the 13th and 14th centuries by the powerful Scaliger family of Verona, it's one of Italy's best-preserved castles. Visitors can explore the beautifully restored harbor — the only surviving example of a 14th-century fortified port—and walk along the ancient ramparts. Climbing the 37-meter-high tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Garda and the charming town below, perfect for capturing memorable photos.
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Città Alta
Bergamo, Lombardy

Travel Information

Best time to visit

Spring (March to May)

In spring, Lombardy bursts into life. With average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C, it’s perfect for city tours and hikes in the Prealps. The landscape blooms beautifully, and numerous festivals, like the famous Tulip Festival in Parco Giardino Sigurtà, draw visitors.

Summer (June to August)

Summer in Lombardy is warm to hot, with average temperatures from 20°C to 30°C. It’s an excellent time for outdoor activities, such as boating on the lakes, swimming, or hiking in the Alpine region. While cities can be hot and crowded, the mountains offer a refreshing escape.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is a delightful time to visit Lombardy. Temperatures are comfortable, ranging between 10°C and 20°C. The harvest season brings many wine and harvest festivals, especially in the Franciacorta region. The landscape transforms with autumn colors, and the mild climate adds to the charm.

Winter (December to February)

Winter turns Lombardy into a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Temperatures vary widely, from 0°C to 8°C in the cities to below freezing in the Alps. Places like Livigno and Bormio offer excellent skiing and snowboarding. Additionally, cities are festively decorated, and the Christmas market in Milan is a must-visit highlight.

Getting There

By Plane

Lombardy is well connected to international airports, especially through Milan. The main airport is Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP), about 50 km northwest of Milan. Another major airport, Milano Linate Airport (LIN), is closer to the city and serves mostly intra-European flights. Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (BGY) is popular with low-cost airlines.

By Train

Milan's main train station, Milano Centrale, is a major hub for both national and international trains. High-speed trains like the Frecciarossa and Italo connect Milan with other major Italian cities such as Rome, Florence, Venice, and Turin. There are also numerous routes to Switzerland and France.

By Car

Lombardy is well connected to the rest of Europe via an extensive motorway network. The 9, Autostrada dei Laghi, links Milan with Como and extends to the Swiss border, where the A2 leads to Lugano and Zurich. The A4 motorway connects Milan with Venice and continues over the Brenner Pass into Austria, making it ideal for trips to Innsbruck and Munich. Additionally, the A4 allows access to Lombardy from France through Turin and the Mont Blanc Tunnel.

Traveling in Lombardy

By Train

Lombardy boasts an efficient rail network that provides fast and convenient connections between major cities. Key cities such as Milan, Bergamo, Brescia, and Como are all served by regional and interregional trains. Trenitalia and Italo are the main train service providers.

By Car

Renting a car is useful for visiting remote areas and smaller villages and can save time on a road trip. The main motorways (Autostrade) in the region include the A1 (Milan–Rome), the A4 (Turin–Trieste), and the A7 (Milan–Genoa).

However, note that many city centers have ZTL zones (Zona a Traffico Limitato, ZTL) which restrict access to certain vehicles. Before driving in Italy, it's best to read up on these zones.

By Bus

Buses are a budget-friendly option, especially for short distances. Autoguidovie is the main provider for regional bus services. From the main bus stations in cities like Milan, Bergamo, and Brescia, there are many routes to surrounding areas.

By Ferry

Ferries offer a scenic way to travel on Lombardy's large lakes, such as Lake Garda, Lake Como, and Lake Maggiore. The main operators are Navigazione Lago di Como and Navigazione Lago Maggiore. If you’re staying near one of these lakes, be sure to take a ferry or boat trip to enjoy the picturesque landscapes from the water.

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