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Summer nights with lights and magic
After-dark visits to Lombardy’s castles, stately homes and villages, all lit up for the occasion
When the sun goes down, summer in Lombardy takes on a whole new colour.
From the warm tones of sunset reflected on the lake, to the village lights dotted around the lakes and mountains, and the starry skies that form a backdrop to festivals and events. This is Lombardy’s most spectacular side, perfect for discovering the season's unique events while making the most of the cooler hours of the day. Fall in love with the charm of castles by night, sail along the Mincio in the moonlight, and enjoy an aperitif in the gardens of a stately home. Your day doesn’t stop here: you can explore Lombardy at a slower pace, enjoying the culture, nature and other wonders.
The charm and mystery of castles by night (CO, BG, BS)
In the summer. some of Lombardy's castles open their doors to evening visits. At Castel Baradello in Como, you can enjoy the torch-lit paths of Parco Spina Verde, with stunning views out over the lake. At Castello di Malpaga in Cavernago, the fortress at night offers an engaging tour: frescoed rooms, candlelight, lanterns, and tales of the court of Bartolomeo Colleoni, all recreate a mediaeval atmosphere. Brescia Castle can be discovered at dusk, with trails through the urban Park, stops at the towers and walls, and views over the city, with moments for outdoor relaxation. Sirmione's Scaligero Castle offers special opening times that make it possible to return to the walkways and go up to panoramic viewing points where you can admire the lights all around Lake Garda.
Stately homes under the stars (CO, MI, MB, VA)
After sunset, the timeless charm Lombardy’s stately homes is revealed with culture, nature and recreation. At Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como, an evening visit to the terraced gardens and the views from the Loggia Durini are unforgettable. There are also special openings and experiences that include aperitifs and musical dates. In Milan, Villa Necchi Campiglio extends the magic through to late in the evening: a unique opportunity to rediscover the museum house, silent garden, and the elegant 1930s. Villa Sottocasa in Vimercate brings its courtyard and historic gardens to life with open-air cinema and experiential walks. Also in Brianza, the Royal Gardens of the Royal Villa of Monza host sunset concerts, while Villa della Porta Bozzolo welcomes picnics in the park, with guided visits and flavours to be enjoyed in the green setting.
When the moon is reflected in the waters (MN, BG, CR, CO)
Lombardy's lakes and rivers are stunning settings in which to explore the area from a unique, contemplative viewpoint after sundown. In Mincio Park the river can be crossed by canoe in the moonlight, with experiences dedicated to enjoying the magical night-time silence, surrounded by nature. On Lake Iseo, night-time rowing, organised by expert instructors offers brand new views of the lakeside and Monte Isola, with the lights of the villages all reflected off the lake. In Cremona, cruises on the Po make the river a natural stage for music, with starry skies and the silhouettes of the valley. Facing Isola Comacina is Velarca, an extraordinary house-boat and masterpiece of modern architecture that is open to visitors in the evenings, offering a convivial atmosphere in its gardens overlooking the lake.
All-night events in luminous villages (BG, LC, SO)
At the height of summer, the villages sparkle with magical lights, making them perfect for exploring their squares, hidden corners, and lakeside walks by night. In Varenna, the summer season brings music and entertainment to the heart of the village, from Piazza San Giorgio to the areas overlooking the lake at Villa Cipressi, where you can gaze out over Lake Como and while enjoying a sunset aperitif. In Lovere, the old town and the lakeside offer a stunning art trail with screenings and illustrations to enhance the façades, views, and symbolic locations like Piazza XIII Martiri and the Civic Tower. On Garlate Lake, Vercurago invites you to enjoy the lakeside area with the traditions of Lariano, firework displays, and reflections on the water, in a setting nestled between the mountains and the lake.
Art and music on stage and in the piazza (PV, SO, LO)
The piazzas in many provinces of Lombardy become open-air stages in summer. Like the city centre of Pavia, which comes to life under the stars with music, performances and festival events that transform streets and piazzas into a vast urban room. In Sondrio, summer nights bring film, dances, markets and the flavours of Valtellina into the heart of the city, creating a convivial atmosphere at the foot of the mountains. In Livigno, on the other hand, the evenings at high altitude mean sports, tradition, and local flavours, with events to bring the town to life and showcase an Alpine identity with its dedicated events. In the area of Lodi, culture, theatre and initiatives accompany you as you discover the city in the cooler hours, when urban spaces become venues for meeting and entertainment.
