• 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

Seven castles in Lombardy

From Lake Garda to Valtellina by way of Milan. Among crenellated walls, towers and porticoed loggias
  • Art & Culture
Castello Sforzesco a Milano

Legend of the Seven Brothers

An evocative tale of eight brothers, linked to each other, who lived in the Lecco area
  • Art & Culture
Traditions of Lecco: Legend of the Seven Brothers

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

Three Days in Milan: A Cultural Journey Through Time, Art, and Innovation

Plan the perfect 3-day trip to Milan with the YesMilano City Pass. Visit top attractions like the Duomo, Sforza Castle, and Leonardo da Vinci Museum. Skip lines and enjoy free audioguides!
  • Art & Culture
discovering milano

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

Lombardy's highest steeples and bell towers

There are four bell towers from which to admire the region's beautiful landscapes and squares, all of them over 90 metres high
  • Art & Culture
Lombardy's highest steeples and bell towers

Bergamo Photo Gallery

An area to be discovered and visited
  • Art & Culture
Discovering Bergamo from A to Z

Come to discover Cremona!

A new guide for children and families
  • Art & Culture
Come to discover Cremona!

Lorenzo Lotto Itinerary

In Bergamo on the trail of Lorenzo Lotto, one of the leading exponents of the Italian Renaissance
  • Art & Culture
Lorenzo Lotto Itinerary, following his trails

Museums Como

Great museum offer in Como. From the first communities on the territory to the thematic museums
  • Art & Culture
Museums Como, ideas for visiting

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
Una visita alla Basilica dei XII Apostoli - San Bassiano

Castles Brescia

From Sirmione to Breno, from Desenzano to Padernello, a journey through the fortified manors to the discovery of local history
  • Art & Culture
Castles Brescia, discovering Lombardy

The Archaeological Museum

on Google Arts & Culture!
  • Art & Culture
The Archaeological  Museum

The Lombard seigniories: key figures, history and places

Gonzaga, Visconti, Sforza: a journey through cities steeped in history and culture
  • Art & Culture
Gonzaga - Palazzo Ducale Mantova - ph: analisidellopera.it

More than just cows

Everything you need to know about the Baronchelli dairy farm. A trip to Lodi to discover what's behind the milk we drink
  • Art & Culture
More than just cows

Monuments in Lombardy

Cultural tourism and monuments in Lombardy
  • Art & Culture
Monuments in Lombardy, suggestions

Castles in Lombardy

The charm of Lombardy through its castles
  • Art & Culture
Castles in Lombardy, Scenes from a Fairy Tale

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

Cremona, le Botteghe di liuteria

Maestri del legno e del violino. Botteghe storiche e collezioni. La liuteria a Cremona è patrimonio culturale immateriale Unesco dal 2012
  • Art & Culture
Cremona, le Botteghe di liuteria

6 Discovering Lombardy - virtual tour

Museums and castles to visit from your home
  • Art & Culture
Palazzo Te (Mantova)