Lombardy combines energy, beauty, and history in one region. In northern Italy, it stretches from the Alps to the Po Valley, offering interesting cities, picture-perfect lakes, and world-class cuisine.
Lombardy offers both style and tranquillity. You can shop in Milan’s fashion districts, dine beside Lake Como, or wander medieval streets in Mantua.
Lombardy is easy to reach. Milan’s Malpensa and Linate airports serve international and domestic flights, while Bergamo’s Orio al Serio handles budget routes. Trains connect Milan to major Italian cities, and regional services reach Como, Bergamo, and Mantua. A car is best for exploring the lakes and countryside.
Milan: Fashion, Art and Aperitivo
Lombardy’s capital, Milan, blends old and new. The Duomo’s spires tower above elegant squares, while Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper remains a cultural treasure. Shoppers fill the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the Navigli district buzzes at aperitivo hour. Modern architecture in Porta Nuova reflects Milan’s bold, forward-looking style.
The Lakes: Beauty and Calm
Lombardy’s lakes are among Italy’s finest.
- Lake Como is famous for its dramatic scenery, with mountain views and grand villas. Bellagio and Varenna are perfect for strolls and lakeside dining.
- Lake Garda is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Windsurfing, cycling, and vineyard tours fill its summer days.
- Lake Iseo offers a quieter charm, with small islands and peaceful trails.
Historic Towns and Cities
Beyond Milan and the lakes, Lombardy’s smaller cities tell their own stories.
- Bergamo sits high above the plains, its old town surrounded by Venetian walls.
- Mantua is a Renaissance jewel, known for frescoes and palaces built by the Gonzaga family.
- Cremona celebrates its musical past as the birthplace of Stradivari violins.
- Pavia is home to one of Italy’s oldest universities and the ornate Certosa di Pavia monastery.
Food and Wine
Lombardy’s cuisine reflects its rich northern traditions. Locals favour risotto alla milanese, coloured with saffron, and ossobuco, veal shanks braised slowly in red wine and vegetables. Cheeses such as Taleggio and Gorgonzola appear in many dishes, and desserts like panettone have become Italian classics. In Franciacorta, visitors can tour vineyards and sample Italy’s finest sparkling wines.
Outdoor Adventures
In winter, the Valtellina valley draws skiers and snowboarders to its alpine slopes. Summer brings hiking and cycling in national parks like Stelvio and Adamello. Lake Garda’s northern shores offer windsurfing and rock climbing, while the lakeside paths of Como and Iseo are ideal for walks.
When to Visit
Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer tourists. Summer suits lake holidays and festivals, though Milan can be hot. Winter is best for mountain sports and Christmas markets.
