• Lifestyle

Lombardy Belvederes and Vistas

Scene from above. Milan, Upper Bergamo, Brescia, the lakes. Towers, castles, belvederes. Discover the most beautiful views of Lombardy

Johann Wolfgang Goethe, master of the Grand Tour, told travellers that the first thing they should do when arriving in a new place was to find a hill or tower from which to admire the view.

From that height one can take in the beauty of a city, a valley, a lake or the course of a river in its entirety. Since Lombardy is mostly flat, it only takes a dozen metres to gain a privileged viewpoint.

For example Milan, unlike Rome, does not have seven hills from which to admire its “Great Beauty”, but during a clear day one can admire the city’s skyline and surrounding valleys and Alps from one of the nearby mountains.

The roof of Milan’s Duomo, a popular place to visit with tourists and locals alike, has traditionally been the city’s “urban balcony”. Amongst the jungle of stone steeples visitors can clearly make out the city’s landmarks: to the south the Velasca Tower, the imposing skyscraper that resembles a medieval keep; next to it the outline of the Sforza Castle, and in the background the grandiose San Siro Stadium; to the north the unmistakable Pirelli Tower and the recently built Porta Nuova skyscrapers, in the background the peaks of the Grigne and the Resegone; to the north-west, along Corso Sempione one can see the Citylife skyscrapers. Park Tower, also known as Branca Tower, the slight tower made of steel tubes designed by Giò Ponti and Cesare Chiodi, stands out against the greenery of Parco Sempione.

The tower gives visitors the best view of the park, the Arena Civica, including the Acquarium, Arco della Pace and the castle. A newer “urban balcony” which gives visitors a unique view of the city’s skyline is the Prada Observatory that occupies the fifth and sixth floors of the Prada Foundation in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, overlooking the octagon and the iron-glass structures designed by Giuseppe Mengoni.

From the height of the Torrazzo in Cremona, the second tallest bell tower in Italy at 110 metres, looming over the red roofs of the buildings in Stradivari’s hometown, visitors can admire the Po and its valley. Another famous tower that serves as a perfect “urban balcony” is the Bramante Tower in Vigevano. Its terraces, located just below the belfry, offer the best view of that gem of Renaissance architecture that is Piazza Ducale, and of the Sforza Castle.

From the chemin de ronde of the Venetian Walls, which enclose Bergamo’s upper town, visitors can admire the view of the surrounding valley which stretches from Milan to Brescia all the way to the slopes of the Bergamo Alps. The hill of Brescia Castle, offers a unique view of the town’s historical centre, with its remnants of the Roman Empire and the stunning medieval complex of religious buildings now grouped together as the Santa Giulia Museum, and, beyond the confines of the city’s boundaries, the pre-alpine valleys.
The view from the top of the 844m high Sacro Monte in Varese, which can also be reached by the historical cable railway, is priceless.Just a few metres above, on the terraces of Campo dei Fiori’s famous observatory, visitors can enjoy views of Monte Rosa massif and Lake Maggiore.

The belvedere of Brunate located in the heart of Como is also accessible via cable railway and offers spectacular views of the Lake Lario, the Alps and the surrounding valleys. After crossing the Intelvi valley to reach the Sighignola belvedere, on the border between Italy and Switzerland, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking view of the Ticino Alps and of Lake Lugano.Another amazing view of the Resegone mountain, the town of Lecco, and the river Adda’s outlet from Lake Como towards the valley, is from Pian dei Resinelli, in the foothills of the Grigne mountains.

Heading towards Lake Garda one of the best views is offered by the Tignale upland and the town of Tremosine, in the province of Brescia, dotted with colourful lemon groves, an unusual feature this far north in Italy. And for those who want to admire the beauty of the night sky there is the Piazzi Observatory, located in the heart of the Alps, in Ponte Valtellina in the province of Sondrio.

On the same topic

10 Good reasons to visit Varese

  • Lifestyle
10 Good reasons to visit Varese

From Varese to Lake Maggiore

Discovering Varese and Lake Maggiore in 72 hours. A long weekend in the countryside
  • Lifestyle
Da Varese al Lago Maggiore

Going Shopping in Milan

Going ghopping in Milan is a tradition... as well as a pleasure
  • Lifestyle
12 The Brian&Barry Building

Pavia in a weekend

On the trail of the Longobardi or among the cloisters of the University, without forgetting flavors and traditions
  • Lifestyle
Pavia in a weekend

At the Monza ENI Circuit with Chiltren

Experience the fun and educational activities for children and teenagers at the Monza Autodromo.
  • Lifestyle
Laboratorio stradale autodromo Monza

Monza in a weekend

From the Treasure of Theodelinda to the thrill of the Autodromo. Discover Monza in 48 hours: a twospeed city. With amazing masterpieces
  • Lifestyle
Monza in a weekend

Shopping Window Stories in Cremona

  • Lifestyle
Shopping Window Stories in Cremona

Picnic time in Lombardy

Sunshine, warmth, green grass and a delicious spread: it's the perfect time for a picnic in Lombardy
  • Lifestyle
Picnic time in Lombardy

Welcome Card

Guided tour every day (also in the week-end) at 2.30 p.m.
  • Lifestyle
Piazza della Pace

Corso vercelli

Shopping in relax ... a few steps from the center of Milan
  • Lifestyle
Corso Vercelli

Outings for Halloween

Here are some unmissable destinations in Lombardy where you can spend your Halloween 2022
  • Lifestyle
Gite fuori porta per Halloween - in Lombardia - ph: lakecomotourism.it

Como in a weekend

A mediaeval heart for the city that loves science and design with light. Discover Como in 48 hours. Without ever losing sight of the lake
  • Lifestyle
Como in a weekend

The fountains and pools of Lombardy's cities

Reflections and plays of water in the fountains of Lombardy, works of art signed by famous architects and sculptors from every age
  • Lifestyle
Le fontane, specchi d’acqua delle città lombarde

Summer at the park

Swimming pools, attractions, shows, adventure, sport: enjoy summer in Lombardy’s most beautiful amusement parks
  • Lifestyle
Summer at the park

10 reasons to visit Brescia

Two cathedrals. The monumental area of the Roman Forum. The lakes of the Iseo and Garda. 10 good reasons to visit Brescia
  • Lifestyle
10 reasons to visit Brescia

10 Good Reasons to Visit Cremona

  • Lifestyle
10 Good Reasons to Visit Cremona

IT’S CARNIVAL!

Cremona, the ideal background for the craziest days of the year.
  • Lifestyle
IT’S CARNIVAL!

5 thing-to-do in Como

Discover Como, its lake and what makes this place so special
  • Lifestyle
como cose da fare

A day out in milan on a shoestring

A few cheap suggestions for not to forgo the pleasures of the city
  • Lifestyle
A day out in Milan… on a shoestring

Shop till you drop

Labels, brands and trends: useful tips for an awesome wardrobe
  • Lifestyle
Shop till you drop!