Lombardia or Lombardy in northern Italy boasts some of Italy's most beautiful and important towns and cities. With a rich cultural, natural and industrial heritage, the region is also home to magnificent lakes and charming villages.

Sights and Attractions

Milan is one of the world’s fashion capitals. Italy’s second city is the country’s economic centre with historical and modern sights. Iconic attractions include the Gothic cathedral, the Duomo, and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. Milan is also home to Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper at the Santa Maria alle Grazie Bascilica and the world famous La Scala opera house.

The pretty town of Bergamo offers a delightful medieval charm and rich culture. Bordered by a collection of medieval and Renaissance buildings, Piazza Vecchia is perhaps one of Italy’s most attractive squares. Other sites include the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Cappella Colleoni and the Camponone.

Lombardia boasts some of the country’s most enchanting lakes, including Lago di Garda and Lago Maggiore. Picture-perfect villages and towns around Lago di Como include Lecco, Bellagio, Varenna and Tremezzo. Other popular destinations include Oltrepo Pavese, a wine region in the south. Excellent wines are also found in Franciacorta near Erbusco and Valtellina. The Val Camonica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a scenic valley with medieval castles, churches and Roman ruins.

Activities

Water sports are popular in Lago di Como, Lago di Garda, Lago d’Iseo, Lago d’Idro and other lakes in the region. Water skiing, sailing, kitesurfing and swimming are all possible at these scenic lakes, which are mostly encircled by walking and cycling routes with panoramic mountain views.

Val Camonica, Valtellina and other mountain ranges are renowned hubs for winter sports, including skiing and snowboarding. Popular ski resorts include Aprica, Bormio and Livigno, while the Stelvio Glacier offers the best skiers an unforgettable challenge. During the summer, mountain ranges are exceptional destinations for hiking, climbing, mountain biking and rafting. Nature trails also link the Sacred Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with chapels, churches and other pilgrimage sites in Piedmont and Lombardia.

Day Trips

North of Lombardia is Switzerland, while Venice, Verona, Padua and other historic towns are found in Veneto to the east. To the south is Bologna and the Emilia-Romagna region, with world-class ski resorts and Torino being located to the west in Piedmont .