Posted by internetauthor on November 9th, 2011 — in Lombardy
Among the most interesting places in the Lombardy region of Italy, the Upper City, or La Citta Alta, is unique. The bustling town of Bergamo is located in the site of the ancient area, but within Bergamo is the unique historic area surrounding by Venetian walls dating back to the 17th century. The Upper City is ideally located in the heart of Bergamo, and is easily accessible with reasonably ample parking as well.
The Sites in the Upper City
Among the many sites you’ll see in the history area, you’ll find any number of impressive ancient buildings and piazzas. (more…)
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Posted by internetauthor on September 6th, 2011 — in Lombardy
It might not be the shining star of Italy as the other cities are, but Milan has a great deal to offer tourists who fly into or out of the airport of this interesting city. There are plenty of things to do in the city besides visit the airport, of course, and you might just find plenty to keep you in Milan for an extended stay as part of your trip.
Quadrilatero d’Oro
Milan is the fashion capital of the world, or at least Italy, so it stands to reason there is plenty to do in the city that relates to fashion and shopping. If you’re in Milan with money to burn, take a serious tour of the Quadrilatero d’Oro. If you’re traveling a bit lighter in your pocketbook, you can still take a tour of the shopping region, but perhaps focus more on window shopping than the real thing to protect your bank account. (more…)
Posted by internetauthor on March 18th, 2011 — in Lombardy
One of the most impressive sites in Milan is also one of the few free tourist attractions in Milan as well. Of course, the castle itself is free, but the museums are not, but with ticket prices around 3 Euros per person, it’s not much money well spent for a total of 7 museums and a rich collection of history.
Castello Sforzesco
Built centuries ago, the Castello Sforzesco has been home to both Italian dukes and foreign conquerors. The large castle dates back to sometime around 1350 and after serving as a home for the leaders of Milan, it became a center of culture in the early 19th century. Today it is home to astonishing architecture as well as seven different, distinct museums. You can easily spend a day wandering through Castello Sforzesco looking at the various restored details as well as the gardens before ever even wandering into the actual museums. (more…)
Posted by internetauthor on February 19th, 2011 — in Lombardy
Milan might not be the huge hotbed of tourist activity that you’ll find in Venice or Rome, but there are important sights in Milan that are worth a visit if you’re able to spend a day in the city. Why not tack on a day to your flight plans when you visit? You’ll be able to see most of the impressive areas of the city within that day. If nothing else, be sure you hit these three must-sees!
The Last Supper by da Vinci
Want to spend time with a masterpiece? Go to the Santa Maria delle Grazie church and gaze up at one of the most impressive frescoes in the world. Of course, something this impressive is complicated to access. You’ll likely need to reserve tickets up to a month in advance – possibly more if you’re visiting the city during the high tourist season. Buy the tickets online or be sure to reserve a spot on a walking tour that includes a stop by the church. (more…)
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Posted by internetauthor on October 30th, 2010 — in Lombardy
Milan is a city full of mystery and modernism. More than most Italian cities, you’ll find a fascinating blend of the modern cosmopolitan city with deep ties in the ancient roots of the town it once was. Among the hidden treasures of this city you’ll find the design studio of Achille Castiglioni. While not a household name, Castiglioni was a celebrated industrial designer. An interesting and witty man, his museum doesn’t disappoint.
Studio Museo Achille Castiglioni
Far more than just a collection of things in a cavernous museum somewhere, the five rooms that comprise the museum of Castiglioni are the same rooms in which the man worked for almost 60 years. From 1944 until 2006, Achille Castiglioni worked, innovated, lectured and designed in his five-room palazzo built in the 18th century. (more…)
Posted by internetauthor on May 28th, 2010 — in Lombardy
Intensely popular with good reason, Lake Como, or Lago di Como, is shaped much like an inverted Y and is the deepest lake in all of Italy. The unique shape of the lake creates a create deal of coastline and that land is used extensively for villas, resort villages and natural excursions including hiking paths. The lake itself is a popular destination for travel primarily for boating and other water activities, although the hiking and picnicking is exquisite as well.
Locating Lake Como
To find Lake Como, you’ll head north of Milan toward the border of Switzerland. The lake is found about 40 kilometers north of Milan and the drive is anything but bland. The countryside is covered with mountains and hills making it beautiful well before you even reach the lake. To make it to the lake, you can drive your own vehicle or take advantage of the train that travels between Milan and Switzerland. (more…)
Posted by internetauthor on March 26th, 2010 — in Lombardy
Seeing the Sights of Lombardy Unlike most of Italy, the region of Lombardy is landlocked. The top of the region touches the vistas just under the Alps while the bulk of the region is made up of flat plains of the Po River Valley. While the plains might not be stunning with their natural beauty, the small treasures throughout Lombardy are.
Mantova
Dreary marshlands surround this town, but Mantova is one of the most well-known Renaissance centers in Italy. Andrea Mantgna’s frescoed masterpiece along the walls of the Camera degli Sposi in the Palazzo Ducale draws great numbers of tourists on the weekends, so it is best to visit this town during the week if possible. Just outside of Mantova along the banks of the Po River, Cremona’s Piazza del Comune is home to a Romanesque cathedral and bell tower. The blend of architectural styles is complex and intriguing. (more…)
