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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Arlecchino and Brighella

Famous masks of the Italian Carnival tradition

Art & Culture

Castles Pavia

Towers, walls, ditches .. a journey between fortresses and sumptuous historic houses

Art & Culture

Theaters Cremona

Cremona stands out not only for its monumental beauties, but also for its lively cultural activity in its theaters

Art & Culture

The Legend of the Giubiana

The Giubiana festival is a very popular tradition in Lombardy

Art & Culture

Lombardy’s Legends and Traditions

An invitation to take a journey into Lombardy’s folklore, rediscovering seven ancient legends and traditions

Art & Culture

Museums Milan

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

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

Theaters Pavia

Opera, prose, dance and theatrical review .... the theater in Pavia and the province is staged

Art & Culture

Mario Baciocchi's footprints in Milan

A great architect....

Art & Culture

Gentileschi: Rest on the Flight into Egypt

Art & Culture

Sondrio, the legend of Orlando

Castel Masegra is an imposing building which sits atop a 60m-tall rock, dominating the Sondrio skyline

Art & Culture

6 Interactive museums for children

Explore Lombardy with your children! Experiential and interactive museums to stimulate curiosity and creativity.

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

Literary suggestions in Lombardy

Wandering around the region, among places, cities and events that have inspired great authors

Art & Culture

The Winter Songs

The legend of the coldest days in the year

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

Discovering the treasures of Mantua

Art & Culture

16th Olympic Games of Violin-making

Art & Culture

Cremona and its music

Cremona's music is closer than what you think

Art & Culture

Autumn trip to villas and castles

An autumn adventure of history & beauty: explore the autumn charm of Lombardy's villas and castles.

Art & Culture