A tour of the colours in art locations

In spring, Lombardy reveals a mosaic of colours in the art locations that enhance the region. The different colour tones emerge from the urban fabric and natural countryside, meeting the historic heritage and architectural beauty of churches, palazzos, and sanctuaries.

Colours in the windows, in the frescoed and decorated interiors, and the materials caressed by light add even more to the region’s cultural treasures.
Each one tells a story in which colours play a leading role, and they can surprise you on this dedicated tour, with all of the secrets and curiosities that art has to offer. Let us guide you through some of the most charming historic, cultural, and spiritual buildings in Lombardy, rediscovering them through the colours that make them stand out.

Torre dell’Orologio, Brescia — Brescia’s Torre dell'Orologio [Clock Tower] contains a masterpiece from the 16th century: the astronomical clock, a sophisticated mechanism with two faces - one looking out onto Piazza della Loggia and one on the other side of the piazza, in Via Beccaria. Both radiate a rare and precious intense green colour, a symbol of the prestige of scientific knowledge. The main face, overlooking the piazza, stands out for its multicoloured decorative minutiae, enhanced by detailing and by the golden hands that mark the time, combining history and culture into an enchanting piece of architecture.

Dome, Church of Santa Maria Assunta (CR) — The Church (or Parish Church) of Santa Maria Assunta, in the picturesque village of Soncino, is the oldest diocese in the province of Cremona and has been destroyed and rebuilt many times during the course of its history. The vibrant blue octagonal dome, symbol of infinity and transcendence, was built in the late 19th century. The vault, inlaid with gilt decorations in neo-Byzantine style, is similar to a starry sky, enveloping the onlooker in an atmosphere of intense spirituality. The blue emphasises the central nature of the heavens in Christian faith, transforming the space into a symbolic doorway to the eternal.

Abbey of Morimondo (Mi) — Straddling the border between the provinces of Milan and Pavia, the Abbey of Morimondo is a charming building, where red bricks evoke warmth, attachment to the land, and the rigour of the countryside. The structure, built by Cistercian monks in the 12th century, combines the simplicity of the exposed brickwork with the development of gothic architecture. The bright red, caressed by the sunlight, creates a lovely colour contrast with the surrounding countryside, inviting artistic and spiritual contemplation. An art location not to be missed when it comes to escaping the hustle and bustle of the city.

Royal Villa of Monza — The Royal Villa of Monza is a jewel of neoclassical elegance, an emblem of regal pomp and dynastic prestige. Its golden interiors, with their stucco work and decorations in gold leaf, create an enveloping majestic atmosphere, amplifying the perception of spaces. These precious details, which adorn the walls and ceilings, were created for the Hapsburg court in the 18th century and are not limited just to decoration: they symbolically embody power and authority. In this context, the choice of gold transforms each room into a scene of representation and timeless wonder.

Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso (VA) — The Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso in Leggiuno, province of Varese, is an enchanting vision, suspended between the rocks and Lake Maggiore, where rosy tints of sunset bring out the full mystic charm. The golden sunlight reflected on the stone walls turns the building a warm, vibrant pink, creating a quiet, spiritual atmosphere with colour effects that make the monastery a symbol of harmony between nature and architecture. Strength and lightness come together, with a splendid pink display that creates a powerful visual effect.

The monk’s pantry: where to indulge your tastebuds

Guide for gourmands in the monasteries of Lombardy

Religious Tourism

Churches Pavia

The wonders of faith and the marvels of architecture in splendid religious buildings

Religious Tourism

The Saint Columbanus way

The Saint Columbanus way is the route that,crossing the entire area of Eastern Lombardy, once led to Bobbio

Religious Tourism

The via Francigena

A road travelled for centuries by pilgrims, who headed South and made enormous sacrifices to reach the goal of the longed-for eternal city.

Religious Tourism

Visit the mill at the Abbazia di Chiaravalle

Gita fuoriporta alla scoperta dell’Abbazia di Chiaravalle

Religious Tourism

La Via Palmaria Burdigalense

From France to the Holy Land…Passing through Italy!

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Corte Sant'Andrea and the Via Francigena

Follow the Via Francigena through Lodi to discover a world of history and tradition

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From Ca' de Mazzi to Corte Sant'Andrea

Stage 5 of the Monk’s trail

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Cammino di Sant'Agostino

Retracing the Way of one of the most important figures of history will give an important new dimension to your awareness of life

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Orio Litta and the Via Francigena

An evocative route that combines nature, faith and art, to explore on foot or by bicycle.

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The Way of the Monks

From Milan to Via Francigena, through the Po. The Way passes through three protected parks, a WWF oasis, monasteries and abbeys

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The Via Spluga

The wonderful wilderness of the Spluga “sublime pass” and its route are in enclosed within a rugged and historically rich valley

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Churches Mantua

Discovering the places of worship of the Mantuan area. To fill the spirit between faith and religious art

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Via Francisca del Lucomagno

A historical route that extends from Constance to Pavia and then joins the Via Francigena to Rome

Religious Tourism

The Easter rituals that bring Lombardy to life

Religious rites, centuries-old traditions, and folklore: this is how Lombardy is preparing for Easter

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Medieval cookery at the Abbazia di Morimondo

Gastronomic experiences at the Abbey of Morimondo

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The Trail of the Giants

Variant of the second stage of the Monks' Way.

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Lecco: Places and Streets of Faith

The province of Lecco, a treasure trove of faith and culture

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Hospitality, monastery-style

Convents and monasteries places historically open to hospitality

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La Via Regina

The Queen of the Ways, ancient, crucial. A network of travellers’ hospices and monuments evidence of the historic importance of the route

Religious Tourism