Lombardy: 10 Must-See Highlights

By Redacteur.com

Lombardy is divided into twelve provinces their name sounding like invitations to travel: Como, Brescia, Mantua, Bergamo… From the Alpine peaks to the Po River, its cities rich in history, green valleys, vast lakes and mountains landscapes make it the perfect destination for a breath of fresh air and a wealth of new experiences. An abundance of castles, religious buildings and museums bears witness to its flourishing past. 

Foodies won’t be disappointed: Lombardy’s cuisine celebrates the richness of a generous terroir! With something to satisfy the taste buds, delight the eye and spark curiosity and cultural appetite that drive Teritoria, this welcoming region of northern Italy has it all. If you had to choose just 10 good reasons to visit Lombardy, what would be the most inspiring places and experiences?

10 outstanding reasons to visit Lombardy 

THE GRAND TOUR OF THE ITALIAN LAKES 

With their deep blue waters framed by historic villas, fishing villages and remarkable gardens, the great lakes of Italy are among the world’s most beloved holiday destinations.The magic is everywhere: it is impossible to resist the charm of these sapphire waters bordered by vineyards, citrus groves and olive trees. There is nothing like a getaway to Lombardy to bring back home your own travel memories of the majestic Lake Garda or the picturesque Lake Iseo! 

On Lake Maggiore, you can sail to the Borromean Islands. In an idyllic setting, board a classic Riva boat to visit the village of Bellagio and the grand lakeside villas of Lake Como: Villa d’Este, Villa Carlotta, Villa Erba in Cernobbio, and more. In summer, Italy’s lakes become sublime destinations for a wide range of activities, from long sessions of stand-up paddleboarding and canoeing to kayaking, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. 

Where to stay? The lake region calls for an exceptional setting, and Olliver Mayr invites you to settle down in Gardone Riviera, on the shores of Lake Garda. Nestled in lush greenery, the GRAND HOTEL FASANO & VILLA PRINCIPE is a haven for relaxation. This historic residence, set within an opulent park, has been transformed into a sumptuous hotel complete with indoor and outdoor swimming pools. You can choose from four distinct dining experiences, either on-site or nearby: the Beach Club Le Quai, the Trattoria Il Pescatore, the Restaurant Magnolia in the park and the Ristorante Il Fagiano, where chef Matteo Felter presides. It’s the perfect place to contemplate the majesty of Italy’s largest lake.

RECONNECT WITH NATURE IN THE PROVINCE OF SONDRIO 

Northern Lombardy is a little paradise where you can unwind and enjoy outdoor activities. This region, mainly made up of mountains and valleys, is perfect for wellness, green tourism and open-air activities (from winter sports and hiking to kayaking and mountain biking, and more). With its ski resorts and breathtaking scenery, Lombardy offers a year-round playground. Whether in the heart of winter or the height of summer, a getaway to the province of Sondrio naturally invites relaxation!

THE HILLS OF BERGAMO: THE CITTA ALTA BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH 

Lombardy is even more beautiful when seen from the top of an ancient citadel. Sheltered behind its thick walls, Bergamo’s Upper Town (Bergamo Città Alta) welcomes you beneath the Lion of Saint Mark — a proud symbol of its Venetian past. The old rampart walk has become a favorite place for strolling, and you can cross Bergamo’s ramparts (Mura Venete) by funicular railway. 

However, in Piazza Vecchia, Piazza del Duomo and the surrounding medieval streets, a captivating scent of history still lingers in the air. Bergamo’s story is written in its palaces and civil and religious architecture… For the 100 strokes of the Campanone bell, for the Basilica di Santa Maggiore, the Cathedral of Sant’Alessandro and the sublime panoramas from its hills, Bergamo remains a must-see destination.

THE PEACEFUL AND INTIMATE ATMOSPHERE OF LAKE ISEO

Like Lake Orta and Lake Idro, Lake Iseo is both smaller and less crowded than Lake Garda, Lake Como or Lake Maggiore. Nestled in the foothills of the Prealps between Bergamo and Brescia, Lake Iseo still spans a respectable 65 square kilometers. Let yourself be carried away by the lake’s hushed atmosphere that invites you to explore the nearby towns: Pisogne, Lovere and Orrido del Bogn with its cliffs, before sailing on to Monte Isola, Italy’s largest lake island. Continue your getaway in Val Camonica, where more than 140,000 petroglyphs trace 8,000 years of rock art.

Where to stay? At the HOTEL ARABA FENICE, perfectly located on the lakefront. In this stunning Art Nouveau setting, you’ll feel transported back to the early 19th century. Alessandro Ropelato oversees this charming setting where every room opens onto the waters. There’s a private jetty with a 6-seater boat, a pool with a sun deck, and a restaurant with a panoramic terrace that will offer you unforgettable views. A true hidden gem!

THE ITALIAN RENAISSANCE SEEN FROM MANTUA 

Often compared to Venice, Mantua seems to float gracefully placed upon the water. Surrounded by three lakes, this city of art and culture is undoubtedly one of the finest examples of the Italian Renaissance. By day, its many palaces (Ducal Palace, Palazzo della Ragione, Palazzo del Potestà, Palazzo Te), San Giorgio Castle, the Duomo and the Basilica of Sant’Andrea invite you to explore the historic centre, rich in art and architecture. Mantegna, Rubens and Pisanello are just a few of the great painters who have left their mark on this sumptuous city, the birthplace of Virgil and the inspiration for Verdi’s ‘Rigoletto’. In the evening, after tasting some Lombard specialties (Salame Mantovano, Tortelli di zucca, Sbrisolana, etc.), watching Mantua’s reflection on the water is an experience that lingers long after you leave.

The Musical Soul of Cremona

A city with a passion for music, the beautiful town of Cremona offers no shortage of cultural and gastronomic attractions. Between bites of nougat or tortelli dolci, it’s easy to understand why this hidden northern Italian city is as famous for its pastries as it is for its violins. Classical music runs in its veins: Cremona is the birthplace of composer Claudio Monteverdi and Antonio Stradivari, the world’s most renowned violin maker.

Cremona hosts the Museo del Violino (in English: Violin Museum), which tells the story of the instrument’s evolution. The city also boasts more than 150 luthier workshops, some open to the public. This remarkable city is also worth visiting for its cathedral (Duomo), which has the tallest bell tower in Italy, the archaeological museum of the Church of San Lorenzo and its many classical music festivals.

PAVIA BETWEEN HISTORY, MODERNITY AND WINE TOURISM

Pavia is a young and dynamic city, one of the oldest student cities in Europe. With one foot in the past and the other in the future, its university has been educating the elite of tomorrow since 1361! This beautiful city on the banks of the Ticino River is a delight for students and travelers alike. You can stroll through its historic center, discover the Visconti Castle, which houses the municipal museums (Archaeological Museum, Lombard Room), and the Ponte Coperto, a bridge that spans the Ticino River.

A few kilometres north, in Certosa di Pavia, don’t miss the sumptuous monastery, a 14th-century Gothic marvel. Further south, beyond the Po, the Oltrepò Pavese region reveals its exceptional vineyards, planted with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.

LOMBARDY ON YOUR PLATE

No visit to Lombardy would be complete without tasting the region’s finest culinary specialties. In this land as rich in flavor as Italy itself, traditions are passed down from generation to generation. The incredible variety of cheeses, cured meats, and, of course, pasta dishes is evidence of a culinary heritage that is waiting to be discovered and enjoyed without moderation. 

Each city has its own typical recipes: risotto, veal escalopes, Gorgonzola and Panettone in Milan; pâtés and goose ham in Pavia; mustard in Cremona… It is on these solid foundations that the great Lombard chefs create their most successful dishes. Revisited and enhanced by big names in gastronomy, these delicacies are just waiting to be discovered at one of the region’s fine restaurants.

Where to eat? There’s nothing like a Michelin-starred restaurant on the shores of Lake Garda to indulge in a gourmet adventure in Lombardy. At Lido 84, let Riccardo Camanini tempt your taste buds and take you back to the roots of flavour. Trained in the kitchens of Gualtiero Marchiesi, Alain Ducasse, Jean-Louis Nomicos and Raymond Blanc, Riccardo hits the mark with every bite. His secret? Offering his own interpretation of local cuisine, inspired by the surrounding mountains and lakes: refined, elegant and sophisticated.

TRACING THE ROUTE OF LOMBARDY’S WINES

Less well known than Tuscany, Piedmont or Veneto, Lombardy is nonetheless a prosperous wine-growing region with a wide variety of production areas. It is a land rich in tradition where light wines are produced, and these can be discovered through various wine tours. In the north of the region, the terraced vineyards of Valtellina stretch from Delebio to Bormio, right at the foot of the Alps.

To the east of Bergamo, 15 municipalities are now united by a shared passion for wine and together form the Terre del Vescovado. In Franciacorta, between Brescia and Bergamo, there are many enjoyable ways to exercise your palate along a wine route to méthode champenoise sparkling wines. 

AN ARTISTIC TOUR OF MILAN’S MUSEUMS 

Milan, an artistic and cultural metropolis, is worth visiting for the sheer pleasure of the eyes. A simple stroll through the city quickly turns into a privileged encounter with absolute masterpieces. Wander around Piazza del Duomo, step inside one of the largest Gothic churches in the world and admire Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’ in the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. 

A rich programme awaits lovers of architecture, art, fashion and design. In Milan, beauty can be appreciated through historic monuments, but also through the permanent collections and exhibitions of prestigious museums: the Pinacoteca di Brera, the Museo Del Novecento, the Casa Museo Boschi di Stefano and the Triennale Milano, to name just a few…

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