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11 free experiences in Lombardy
Palaces, masterpieces, gardens, unusual corners... Discover 11 hints to visit the beauties of Lombardy for free (or almost free)
It is not always necessary to pay a ticket or exorbitant amounts of money to learn about and admire places of special interest and beauty. In this article we recommend some destinations to visit for free or at low cost. Off you go!
In Lodi, hunting for stuccoes and frescoes
In Lodi, you can visit for free the Civic Temple of the Blessed Virgin Crowned and its Treasury Museum. The Temple, among the masterpieces of the Lombard Renaissance, is one of the city's most prestigious monuments. Designed by Giovanni Battagio in 1488, it is completely decorated with frescoes and canvases created by the major artists who worked in Lodi between the 15th and early 19th centuries. The treasure not to be missed? Four priceless panels by Bergognone, the main painter active in the Certosa di Pavia factory.
In Lecco on the hunt for the best view
In Lecco, you can climb the San Nicolò Bell Tower, one of the tallest in Europe, for free and admire the spectacle of the city enveloped by the lake and beautiful mountains. Guided tours take place only on certain days and reservations are required. Comfortable clothing and sneakers are recommended.
In Cremona for Museums
A family trip to Cremona? The first tip is a sort of small trip into tradition. Address: the Museo Civico della Civiltà Contadina, set up in the spaces of the farmhouse "Il Cambonino Vecchio," which still preserves intact the ancient rural environments of the Bassa (Viale Cambonino, 22). Also worth a visit, again free of charge, is the Civic Museum of Natural History, Via Ugolani Dati 4, full of curiosities, some even exotic (ps: don't miss, the sloths). Finally, if you want, with only 3 euros, you can also admire the Archaeological Museum set up in the charming deconsecrated church of San Lorenzo. A chance to discover the image of the city founded by the Romans in 218 B.C., the first north of the Po.
In Como between Art & History
A visit to the Pinacoteca Civica at Palazzo Volpi is the ideal starting point to initiate knowledge of the artistic reality of the city of Como and its territory. The 17th-century premises of Palazzo Volpi have housed the city's heritage painting and sculpture collections. Admission costs 4 euros. From May to October, on Sunday afternoons, for only 4 euros you can also visit the Monumento ai Caduti, a perfect vantage point from which to admire a 360-degree panorama of the lake from a height of 33 meters.
In Milan in the Garden of Wonders.
In the center of Milan, behind the Brera Academy, you can discover - for free - one of the oldest Botanical Gardens in Italy, the Brera Garden (entrance from Via privata Fratelli Gabbia). Rich in plant species, it holds among well-designed pathways more than one proud patriarch, among them two wonderful Ginkgo bilobas 2 1/2 centuries old. An open-air living museum, it offers visitors a rich program of events and educational activities. TheBrera Botanical Garden is a museum and university facility that is part of the Rete degli Orti della Lombardia, along with 6 other botanical gardens-Bergamo, Bormio, Milano Città Studi, Pavia, Toscolano Maderno and Villa Carlotta (the only one with a fee).
Rocca Scaligera and Grotte di Catullo
Sirmione is one of the most beautiful and characteristic towns on Lake Garda, an attractive destination for tourists and families, but also for those who want to take a romantic walk. Thanks to the cumulative ticket, with only 12 euros it is possible to visit the Rocca Scaligera, the access point to the historic center of Sirmione, the archaeological site Grotte di Catullo and the Archaeological Museum.
International Footwear Museum
A trip out of town to Vigevano to discover the Pietro Bertolini International Footwear Museum, which preserves footwear from all over the world. Piazza Ducale, the heart of the city, is worth a visit, and a climb up the Bramante Tower, which offers a full view of the square, the castle and the entire city, is not to be missed (admission 3 euros).
Treasure Museums
In Chiavenna, the Museum of the Treasure of the collegiate church of San Lorenzo is worth a visit for only 4 euros, a small but surprising space full of wonderful objects, starting with a vast collection of fine religious clothing and ending with the refined and splendid "Peace of Chiavenna," an authentic masterpiece that enchants.
Verbano Railway Museum
In Luino, a town that overlooks the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, nicknamed "Costa Fiorita," in addition to enjoying a unique panorama, it is possible to visit free of charge the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Carmine, the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, known mainly for its bell tower, and also the Verbano Railway Museum, a real must for train and object enthusiasts.
Monte Isola and Lake Iseo
For those who enjoy walking or trekking, Monte Isola offers a free visit to the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Ceriola, the island's most scenic spot with a breathtaking view of Lake Iseo. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays there is a bus service to the shrine at a cost of 1.50 euros per person.
The MVSA in Sondrio
Among the Alps and terraced vineyards in Sondrio , it is curious to visit the MVSA, the Valtellina Museum of History and Art, which preserves historical and artistic evidence related to the valley. The MVSA is a child-friendly museum with ateliers and creative workshops. Admission is free up to 18 years of age, 6 euros for adults.
