Holiday in Lombardy

About Lombardy

Lombardy is Italy's economic powerhouse and at the same time a region of surprising scenic beauty — from the fashion empire of Milan to the romantic lakes of Northern Italy and the Alpine peaks in the north, it is a travel destination that combines glamour, culture, and nature in a compact space. Milan is much more than a fashion and financial metropolis: The Gothic cathedral with its 3,400 statues and 135 spires is the largest church in Italy, Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper in Santa Maria delle Grazie is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II — Europe's oldest shopping mall — impresses with its cast-iron glass dome. The Navigli district with its canals transforms into Milan's liveliest nightlife area in the evening. Lake Como has been a place of longing since Roman times: Villas and gardens like Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta line the shores, Bellagio — the pearl of the lake — sits on the peninsula between the two southern branches, and the steep mountain slopes create a microclimate where camellias, azaleas, and citrus trees thrive. Lake Iseo with the floating island of Monte Isola and Lake Lugano also offer Alpine idyll away from the tourist crowds. Bergamo surprises with a spectacular division: The medieval Città Alta, accessible by funicular, towers with Venetian city walls (UNESCO) over the modern lower city. Brescia is home to the monastery complex of San Salvatore-Santa Giulia (UNESCO), one of the most important Lombard architectural monuments in Italy. Franciacorta, south of Lake Iseo, produces Italy's finest sparkling wine using the Champagne method — a hidden gem for wine lovers.