Cult City #inLombardia

11 Cities of Art just waiting to be discovered, one after the other, which look to the future while proudly preserving stunning heritage.

Eleven Cities of Art just waiting to be discovered, one after the other.

Must-see masterpieces, special moments by the water, leisurely journeys of discovery, places where the horizon seems to stretch out in front of you, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, trip recommendations and loads of advice.

Get ready for a range of unique experiences in Lombardy’s 11 Cult Cities, which look to the future while proudly preserving stunning heritage.

Have you already chosen your first stop? Take a cue from our gallery or explore places of interest and experiences in each city, through the site navigation menu.

1. Bergamo — Upper Bergamo, Lower Bergamo, the Accademia Carrara and its masterpieces, the big festivals. Different faces of a single great beauty. Bergamo is just like Stendhal described it: “The most beautiful place on earth.” Palaces, towers and domes, all within a single embrace. The embrace of the city walls: built starting from 1561 by the Republic of Venice, the circle, just over five kilometres long, is perfectly preserved and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017.

Scopri di più

2. Brescia — The Roman town of Brixia alongside Renaissance elegance. The magic of the Opera and the ‘Mille Miglia’. This is Brescia, culture and passion. A journey through time. The city of Vespasian, the loungelike squares, the most popular “Festa dell’Opera” in the world, the roar of engines, Franciacorta.

Scopri di più

3. Como — A mediaeval heart for the city that loves science and designs with light. To be explored inside and out. Without ever losing sight of the lake. From the Tempio Voltiano to the neoclassical villas, passing through the historic centre and the secrets of silk.

Scopri di più

4. Cremona — The city where people come to learn the best trade in the world: that of the luthier. Capital of music and cradle of the violin, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. A concert at the Violin Museum’s Auditorium, the masterpieces of Stradivari and the operas of Monteverdi at the Teatro Ponchielli, the workshops of the luthiers, the view from Torrazzo.

Scopri di più

5. Lecco — A city to explore, starting from the traces of a timeless novel, “The Betrothed”. A story within the story. Poised between literature and reality. From the locations associated with Alessandro Manzoni to the noble profile of Monte Resegone, a neoclassical theatre, a cabinet of curiosities, and the splendid lake.

Scopri di più

6. Lodi — Ancient traces, scents and flavours. The contemporary touch of Renzo Piano and the new sacred site of the Tree Cathedral. Between sky, nature and relaxation. Lodi is a hidden gem set among the farmlands, plains and forests located on either side of the River Adda.

Scopri di più

7. Mantua — An unmistakable skyline reflects the history of the city of the Gonzaga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the grand exhibitions at Palazzo Te to the “Festivaletteratura” with its international guests and hundreds of readings.

Scopri di più

8. Monza — From the cathedral to the Villa Reale and the Design Museum. Off to the Autodromo for a spin on the track. A twospeed city. Ready to enchant us with recordbreaking masterpieces.

Scopri di più

9. Pavia — A city to be discovered slowly. On the trail of the Lombards or among the cloisters of the university. Without forgetting the heritage of flavours and labels. As you roam among the showcases of its museums, from that of comparative anatomy to Volta’s scientific cabinet, everything exudes science and history.

Scopri di più

10. Sondrio — Millenary traditions, roads to be explored on foot or bicycle, unique flavours. Viewed from Sondrio, Valtellina is even more beautiful. The stüe, or wooden rooms, and the terracing. The exploits of Orlando Furioso. A glass of Sforzato. Details that make Sondrio unforgettable Sondrio.

Scopri di più

11. Varese — From the gardens of Palazzo Estense to the infinite vistas of the Sacro Monte, from the frescoes of Masnago to the Isolino Virginia. To discover the other geometry of a city on a human scale.

Scopri di più

House Museums of Lombardy: step inside the homes of renowned historical figures

Discover the history and culture of the Region of Lombardy through its historic house museums, from the homes of famous people and art collectors to artists' studios.

Art & Culture

Contemporary Varese

Una guida alle architetture e nuovi spazi dedicati all'arte contemporanea: i percorsi del contemporaneo tra Varese, Laveno, Maccagno.

Art & Culture

Museums Milan

A list of museums that we recommend to visit, from paintings to statues, from technology to nature

Art & Culture

Between ancient memories and majestic landscapes

Cultural itinerary in lower Valtellina

Art & Culture

Monuments Mantua

The Gonzagas have made Mantua a jewel of the Italian Renaissance visible in its palaces, monuments, churches, culture and traditions

Art & Culture

The paths of Spriana

To visit Spriana is to step into the past, discovering a small farming village

Art & Culture

The Archaeological Museum

on Google Arts & Culture!

Art & Culture

Cult City #inLombardia

11 Cities of Art just waiting to be discovered, one after the other, which look to the future while proudly preserving stunning heritage.

Art & Culture

Museums in Lombardy

Some suggestions on museums to visit in Milan and outside the Lombard capital

Art & Culture

Immerse yourself online in art in Lombardy

Visit online the architectural beauties, cities, monuments, museums, exhibitions and places of culture in Lombardy

Art & Culture

#inLombardy, culture doesn't go on vacation

Take advantage of summer tranquility in the city, discover Milan and other Cult Cities in Lombardy

Art & Culture

On the trail of traditional trades

Six destinations to explore crafts and tradition, on the trail of traditional trades in the timeless landscapes of Lombardy.

Art & Culture

A visit to the Basilica of the XII Apostles

Art & Culture

Bergamo Bassa

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

Art & Culture

Castles Lodi

The history of a glorious past between the castles and fortresses of the Lodi area

Art & Culture

The Cloister of Voltorre

The monastic art of the Cloister of Voltorre

Art & Culture

Castles Mantua

The Mincio marked for centuries the border of important possessions. The landscape was characterized by new castles in key places

Art & Culture

Bergamo in a weekend

A perfect square, the masterpieces of the Carrara Academy, the Venetian Walls Unesco World Heritage Site. Discover Bergamo!

Art & Culture

Castles Bergamo

Bergamo saw in the past the proliferation of fortifications. Many, today, castles to visit

Art & Culture

Discovering the Churches of Pavia

A Journey through Art, History, and Spirituality

Art & Culture