• Art & Culture
    • Lakes
    • Food & Wine

Milan and Lake Como

Milan, city of a thousand histories. Plus, a trip to Lake Como

From the Duomo, to futuristic skyscrapers. From lake shores to snow-capped mountains. Here are our tips for a weekend in Milan and on the shores of Lake Como.

 

Discover Milan
Any visit to Milan is bound to start at its most iconic attraction, the Duomo. The terraces offer an 8000 m2 lookout from where you can admire the city from on high. The view embraces Torre Velasca, Palazzo dell’Arengario, the dome of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and even the Alps. Walk through the most famous gallery in Milan from Piazza Duomo to reach Teatro alla Scala and its museum, together recounting the history of one of the most prestigious theatres in the world. Not far away lies the Brera district, oozing Bohemian charm. The Brera picture gallery is home to superlative masterpieces, including Piero della Francesca’s Sacra conversazione. The Biblioteca Braidense or Braidense National Library is a gem you must be sure not to miss. If you wish to explore the city’s history still further, another obligatory stopping point is Castello Sforzesco, now home to numerous museums and works of art, including Michelangelo’s Pietà Rondanini, which stole Bob Dylan’s heart. The future? Just look up. In recent years, new skyscrapers have redrawn the city skyline in the Porta Nuova and City Life districts. Arata Isozaki and Zaha Hadid are two star architects who have put their stamp on the city.

 

Como, Bellagio and Ghisallo
A few minutes’ ride on the historic cable car takes you from Como to Brunate. From here, you can see as far as Villa Olmo, the Tempio Voltiano and the port, with its spectacular sculpture by Daniel Libeskind. In the city, stroll beneath the arches of the Broletto, and visit Como Cathedral or Duomo (whose blue domes should always be viewed from above) and the Basilica di San Fedele. One of the best spots for discovering the lake is Bellagio, a charming village at the meeting point between the Como and Lecco branches of the lake. Inland, 800 m above sea level, Colle del Ghisallo is a Mecca for cycling enthusiasts. Here a whole Museum is devoted to the history of the bicycle, from “pink jerseys” to historical records. Memorabilia of Coppi, Bartali and Moser are on view in a little church not far away. Everything is set against the spectacular backdrop of the Grigne mountains.

 

Risottomania 
Milan and Como are two unmissable destinations for all risotto lovers. That great saffron-infused classic, Risotto alla Milanese, goes well with ossobuco (or even just bone marrow sauce). A local appetiser?  Mondeghili, a Milanese meatball delicacy. This dish is unique to the Como area, alongside fried perch fillets, butter, cheese and crispy sage.

On the same topic

The Fourteen Chapels of the Sacro Monte di Varese

  • Art & Culture
The Fourteen Chapels of the Sacro Monte di Varese

The life in a farm

Come and discover the charm of an ancient farm!
  • Art & Culture
The life in a farm

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
Cult City #inLombardia

16th Olympic Games of Violin-making

4 settembre - 10 ottobre 2021
  • Art & Culture
16th Olympic Games of Violin-making

The Winter Songs

The legend of the coldest days in the year
  • Art & Culture
The Winter Songs

A day in the life of Leonardo

Art and more: discover a world of intrigue and passions
  • Art & Culture
Castello Sforzesco

Theaters Pavia

Opera, prose, dance and theatrical review .... the theater in Pavia and the province is staged
  • Art & Culture
Theaters Pavia, cultural vacations in Lombardy

The window on the river Po

A romantic corner on the Great River
  • Art & Culture
The window on the river Po

Not to be missed: Top 12 tourist attractions in Milan

  • Art & Culture
Not to be missed: Top 12 tourist attractions in Milan

The Longobard heritage of Pavia

A journey of discovery to uncover the ancient civilisation of the Longobards through the history of the city of Pavia.
  • Art & Culture
The Longobard heritage of Pavia

Museums Lecco

Known above all for 'I Promessi Sposi' by Manzoni, Lecco is also rich in history and culture to be discovered in the Civic Museums
  • Art & Culture
Museums Lecco, exploring Lombardy

Monuments Lecco

From Manzoni to Stoppani: Lecco through the monuments
  • Art & Culture
Monuments Lecco, exploring Lombardy

What to Do in Mantua and surroundings

Discovering the wonders of Mantua and surroundings
  • Art & Culture
What to do in Mantua

The New Leonardo da Vinci Galleries

At the Leonardo Da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology
  • Art & Culture
The New Leonardo da Vinci Galleries

Brebbia and the pipe factory

In the province of Varese, wet from Lake Maggiore, well protected by a hilly setting hidden from the wind and sudden storms
  • Art & Culture
Saints Peter and Paul Church and the Pipe Museum

San Pietro a Gemonio

This church is one of the points that remain more etched in the memory of the travelers who travel the Varese-Laveno
  • Art & Culture
San Pietro a Gemonio and the Salvini Museum in Cocquio Trevisago

Lombardy, land of science and engineering

A journey of discovery through the history of technology in Lombardy
  • Art & Culture
Lombardy, land of science and engineering - Diga del Panperduto

Theaters Cremona

Cremona stands out not only for its monumental beauties, but also for its lively cultural activity in its theaters
  • Art & Culture
Theaters Cremona, culture in Lombardy

Autumn trip to villas and castles

An autumn adventure of history & beauty: explore the autumn charm of Lombardy's villas and castles.
  • Art & Culture
Autumn trip to villas and castles

The Violin’s Museum

on Google Arts & Culture!
  • Art & Culture
The Violin’s Museum