• 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

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

Castles Bergamo

Bergamo saw in the past the proliferation of fortifications. Many, today, castles to visit
  • Art & Culture
Castles Bergamo, discovering Lombardy

5 medieval monuments in Lodi

A journey of discovery through the Middle Ages, from Borghetto Lodigiano to Lodi.
  • Art & Culture
Palazzo Rho_Borghetto Lodigiano

Milan and Lake Como

Milan, city of a thousand histories. Plus, a trip to Lake Como
  • Art & Culture
Milano_Como

Museums in Lombardy

Some suggestions on museums to visit in Milan and outside the Lombard capital
  • Art & Culture
Museums in Lombardy, suggestions on cultural tourism

Soncino - the water system

Special guided tours for those who are keen to learn
  • Art & Culture
Soncino - the water system

Contemporary Varese

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

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

Cammino del Vescovado: vineyards and villages

A route in three stages to discover the Terre del Vescovado, amidst picturesque villages, charming hills and famous vineyards
  • Art & Culture
Cammino del Vescovado: vineyards and villages - credits: terredelvescovado.it

Mantua, Festival City

Mantua is a living city 365 days a year. Thanks to international festivals. Starting from the prestigious Festivaletteratura
  • Art & Culture
Mantua, Festival City

Amaryllis Fleming Cello

A new masterpiece at the Violin's Museum
  • Art & Culture
Amaryllis Fleming Cello

Lombardy in Paintings by Great Italian Artists

The paintings that most beautifully capture Lombardy's scenery, an immersion in the region's landscapes and cityscapes
  • Art & Culture
La Lombardia nei quadri dei grandi pittori italiani

7 art capitals an hour away by train from Milan

  • Art & Culture
Lecco città d'arte

Seven art works to discover in Milan

An artistic itinerary through the streets of Milan, discovering works that transform the city into an open-air gallery.
  • Art & Culture
Seven art works to discover in Milan

Museums Pavia

Masterpieces of art, treasures and centuries-old traditions in the museums of Pavia and surroundings
  • Art & Culture
@wikipedia

Milan in the 1920s: Déco and tradition

  • Art & Culture
Milan in the 1920s: Déco and tradition

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

Monument Sondrio

Historical, artistic, traditional Sondrio in its many monuments ... and a railway station from which a special train departs
  • Art & Culture
Monument Sondrio, what to see

Museum Varese

Mummies, archaeological finds, design, ancient and contemporary art: museums to suit all tastes!
  • Art & Culture
Museum Varese, what to see?

Lodi, invitation to court

Scenes of court life in the majestic Castle of Sant'Angelo Lodigiano that dominates the plain with an unequaled past
  • Art & Culture
Lodi, invitation to court