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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Bergamo Photo Gallery

An area to be discovered and visited

Art & Culture

Legends, rituals, and goliardic traditions at the University of Pavia

L'Università di Pavia è una delle più antiche d'Italia, con origini che risalgono all'825

Art & Culture

Lomello and its Christian buildings

Village of strategical importance since ancient times, here you can discover the great Romanesque Lombard architecture

Art & Culture

Theaters in Lombardy

Milan a city rich in theaters that are also famous internationally. But not only that: do not exclude other provinces such as Pavia and Mantua

Art & Culture

Festival of Ethical Photography

Responsible photojournalism: The Festival of Ethical Photography

Art & Culture

A day in the life of Leonardo

Art and more: discover a world of intrigue and passions

Art & Culture

The Fourteen Chapels of the Sacro Monte di Varese

Art & Culture

Summer Guided Tours to the Town's Museums

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday till the end of August

Art & Culture

Out of town escapes

Some suggestions for a romantic weekend or for sport, nature, art, culture, wellness and taste.

Art & Culture

Milan in the 1920s: Déco and tradition

Art & Culture

Monuments Pavia

Ancient squares, historic houses, statues, religious buildings, museums ... in Pavia and its province

Art & Culture

Treasure Hunt in the Monza Area of Brianza

Splendid villas, ancient basilicas, noble palazzos. The Monza area of Brianza is full of treasures to discover

Art & Culture

Museums Brescia

Brescia: the ideal destination for those who love art. Countless opportunities to visit exhibitions and to attend cultural events

Art & Culture

Monuments Lodi

In the center of Lodi you can see buildings and monuments that are real architectural and decorative jewels

Art & Culture

The life in a farm

Come and discover the charm of an ancient farm!

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

A visit to the Basilica of the XII Apostles

Tour di Lodi in bicicletta tra natura e cultura: la Basilica di San Bassiano

Art & Culture

Monument Varese

Stately homes, religious buildings, fortifications and UNESCO treasures among the beauties of Varese and its surroundings

Art & Culture

Leonardo in Lombardy: 8 itineraries to discover the places of Vinci

Eight itineraries in the Lombard capital to discover the genius of the Renaissance

Art & Culture

Brescia, a Theatre City

From the Teatro Grande to the Brescia Opera Festival, to the Vittoriale degli Italiani in Gardone. Discover a stage city

Art & Culture