Lombardia
Art, History & Archaeology Sites & Museums

Although better known for da Vinci’s Last Supper in the convent refectory, the basilica is an architectural and historic gem in its own right, and worthy of a visit. An active Dominican convent today, construction on the complex began in 1463. Between 1492 and 1493 part of the newly completed church was demolished to accommodate a new tribune as a mausoleum for the Duke of Milan’s family. It is widely considered one of the most famous Renaissance achievements in Lombardy.

Divided into an upper and a lower town by walls built by the Venetian Republic in the 16th century, the history of the city goes back to the Romans. In the streets of Upper Bergamo, where most of the historic monuments are located, it is the medieval atmosphere that dominates, while it is the modern town that one discovers in Lower Bergamo. The flavour of stracciatella ice cream was invented here, and you can also taste Polenta e Osei, a typical Bergamo dessert. It was also the birthplace of Gaetano Donizetti, one of the greatest opera composers of the 19th century.

Due to its historic association with the Venetian Republic, the city became known as ‘The Lioness’, recognised by the Venetian senate in the 15th century as a worthy bride of the Lion. And later to became the ‘Lioness of Italy’ for its heroic resistance against the Austrians during the Risorgimento. Elected as the Italian capital of the culture for 2023, it is also the birthplace of the Mille Miglia, one of the most iconic car races in the Bel Paese, starting and finishing in Viale Venezia.

Brixia, the Roman town of Brescia, is among the best preserved archaeological sites in Italy. First excavated in 1823, architectural features that have survived include a first century BC Republican sanctuary, the town’s capitolium dated to 73 AD, and a theatre from the first to third centuries AD. Excavations recovered an extraordinary collection of large bronze statues – the most spectacular of which is the Winged Victory. Following considerable conservation work, the statue was placed on permanent display in one of the halls of the capitolium.

The Parco archeologico di Castelseprio contains the ruins of a Roman fort that developed into a small fortified Lombard town. It was destroyed and abandoned in 1287. In the church of Santa Maria foris portas are a number or frescoes that show a distinct Byzantine influence, these are beneath frescoes that are younger. Thought to be dated to the 9th century, the early frescoes depicting a cycle in the life of the Virgin Mary or Christ himself have been described as some of the finest frescoes of early medieval Europe.

La Scala Opera House is one of the world’s leading operatic and balletic theatres. It was built in just two years, between 1776 to 1778, after a fire destroyed Milan’s previous theatre. When performances and rehearsals are not in progress it is possible to tour parts of the theatre complex. The tour includes a visit to the Royal Box and other ‘secrets’ of the theatre. The museum has an impressive collection of musical instruments, as well as other operatic and musical memorabilia.

The well known Italian novelist Alessandro Manzoni spent part of his childhood and adolescence here. Manzini’s ‘The Betrothed’, said to be the most famous and widely read Italian novel, begins in Lecco. And the popularity of the city as a tourist destination is in part due to its association with the novel. As part of the Duchy of Milan, and passing from Spanish to Austrian rule, this history is evident in the architecture. The City of Iron, an important centre from the late 19th and mid-20th century iron and steel industry, is situated at a picturesque spot between the River Adda and the end of Lake Como.

Known to the Romans as Mediolanum, Milan is now the second-largest city in Italy and in Europe’s top 20. Recognised as the capital of fashion, the city boasts an important tradition in the art and antiquaries market, with street stalls that fill the Via dei Navigli on the last Sunday of every month. As home to La Scala, it is widely thought to represent the pinnacle of world opera. Perhaps the most well known landmark is the Duomo di Milano, but also the Castello Sforzesco and the UNESCO site of the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, which houses the Cenacolo Vinciano.

This the largest church in Italy took nearly six centuries to complete. Covered in white and pink marble, the exterior has a distinctive appearance. A popular activity is to climb to the rooftop terrace for wonderful panoramic views of the city. The stairs are an easy climb. From the Chapel of Saint Charles Borromeo it is possible to enter the crypt. While below the parvis is the archaeological area, where you can see remnants of Roman and medieval buildings from before the time of the cathedral. As it is one of the most visited attractions in Milan, you are strongly advised to buy entrance tickets and guided tour tickets in advance.

One of the largest citadels in Europe, this 15th century castle was built on the ruins of a 14th century fortification for the Duke of Milan. It has been modified and renovated several times, as well as being restored after being severely damaged during Allied bombing raids in WWII. Today the museum is home to some of the city’s best museums and collections, including ancient and modern art, the archaeological museum of Milan and the Egyptian museum. One ticket gives you entry to all of the collections and museums. In 2012 new paintings by Caravaggio were found in the castle.