The Sentiero delle Fontane hiking trail is in the upper Val di Nizza. It is a 7 km route through the hills of the Oltrepò Pavese to show you the richness of the area, which is crossed by natural springs.   This valley, which is one of Lombardy’s most important wine-growing areas, is set in countryside that extends from the hills of the Ligurian Apennines to the Prealps. Spring turns the orange hues of autumn into lush expanses of green, splashed with flowers, and these panoramic views are dotted with picturesque villages to explore.  One of these is Poggio Ferrato, a mediaeval village 600 metres above sea level, and well known for its Autumn Festival, dedicated to local flavours and which attracts large numbers of visitors in October. This peaceful hill village is surrounded by vineyards, as well as being the starting point for the Sentiero delle Fontane trail. This begins at the Votive Chapel in Via delle Vigne, and continues, following the signs, past six active springs, through oak and beech woods, and past the old stone houses of Carasco, an early castle belonging to noble Lombard family, the Malaspina. Val di Nizza has plenty of hiking routes to enjoy on a sunny day, also setting out from the municipalities near Poggio Ferrato, such as Fortunago, but it is also dotted by characteristic mediaeval villages to visit in case of bad weather. They include Zavattarello, with Castello Dal Verme, an old stronghold that stands at the top of the village, and Varzi, with its little cobbled streets and panoramic views, which add to the nature experience with a dive into the history of Pavia.     

In Bergamo the visit starts from the bottom of the town, from its historic villages, and goes on by climbing slowly

The Lombardy summer shines bright in July, with concerts, art events and experiences to reconnect you with nature

In August, Lombardy offers special moments with starry nights, music festivals and lakes and mountain hikes

The villages, vineyards and hills of the Serio

Nature, culture, sport, well-being, history, food or traditions? Don't choose, come to Valle Camonica, the “Valley of Signs” where everything is possible.

September in Lombardy is all about food and wine, feasts and folklore: summer meets autumn in this most convivial month

From Brianza's lakes to the canals of Milan, a cycle tour in surrounded by nature, villages and some surprising views

Winter sports and immaculate peaks, Valmalenco is all about discovery

Autumn in Lombardy is alight with festivals, feasts and fairs that bring together local traditions, cultures and flavours

Symbol of elegance and spirituality, the Belfry of Santa Maria Maddalena is one of the most recognisable and photographed architectural landmarks of Lake Como. Located in Ossuccio, a village in Tremezzina, it stands proudly between the Church of the same name and the shores of the lake.  At 42 metres tall, the tower was probably built between the 12th and 14th centuries, with the exception of the roof, which was restored in gothic style during the 1900s, under the direction of architect Luigi Perrone. The strong link between the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, once known as Santa Maria Maddalena et hospitale, contributed to making the belfry a kind of spiritual lighthouse, a point of reference for pilgrims and travellers over the centuries.  The particular position of the Belfry, just a stone's throw from Isola Comacina and with the mountains all around, doubtless make it one of the most charming panoramic points on the lake. A pause at the foot of the tower allows you to immerse yourself in an atmosphere suspended between past and present and above all, when the sun goes down, the intense, vibrant colours of the sunset envelope the tower in a magical light, creating a picture postcard view. The best way to discover the Belfry is surely to take the Greenway of Lake Como, a walk of some 11 kilometres between the villages of Colonno and Griante, where you can also explore the western shores of the lake. Among the aristocratic villas, historic villages, churches and gardens, the Greenway is a sequence of architecture and nature, a stunning combination that offers you surprising views and a memorable experience.  When you come to the park of Ossuccio, you can enjoy the marvellous view of the Belfry, which stands majestically and elegantly over the lake. Today, the Belfry is decidedly an essential stop for those who decide to walk the Greenway, a place where it is possible to contemplate the beauty of the lake and to enjoy the historic and spiritual atmosphere that can be felt in every stone.    

Seven tips for travelling in Valle Camonica to discover the favourite destinations of those who know it well.