Besides its main city, Milan, Lombardy is full of cities of art and small villages that attract tourists inside their walls from all around the world. Como, the cradle of Romanesque art in Lombardy, is the gateway to surrounding villages and the splendid villas around this magical lake. Bergamo is one of the most picturesque areas of Lombardy, famous for its subdivision on two levels: the spacious and modern lower part of the city and the renowned "Città Alta", a real historic and artistic gem which owes its splendor to its age-old Venetian buildings. Brescia is an ancient Longobard dukedom that offers a rich cultural heritage dating from Roman times to present day. The city also hosts highly important art exhibitions. The banks of the River Po host a fascinating itinerary of cities along the Padana plain. Mantova is an agricultural city full of charm with three small lakes from the Mincio River.Tourists have always been bewitched by its squares, buildings and extraordinary artistic treasures that date back to the reign of the Gonzaga dukes. Cremona, home to the maker of Stradivari violins and gourmet city par excellence, hosts one of the most beautiful medieval squares in Europe and the highest bell-tower in Italy. Lodi, at the heart of an agricultural area full of rivers and ancient castles, is a small and charming medieval city with red brick buildings and cobbled streets. Pavia, the ancient Longobard capital, is renowned for its Renaissance charterhouse, Romanesque churches and covered bridge. Lastly, Vigevano is a small architectural gem that owes its charm to the creative genius Bramante.
Italy's northwest region, Lombardy offers spectacular views of unspoiled wine lands. Famous for its production of wine from the time of Ancient Rome, Lombardy region has vineyards at territories like Franciacorta and Valtellina. Those seeking the very best of bubbly wines would find them at Franciacorta. You can enjoy the taste of various bubbly wines with a fantastic wine tasting tour close to the picturesque view of nearby Lake Iseo. Sample bubbly wines like Franciacorta DOCG or dry red or white wines like Terre di Franciacorta DOC, Rosso and Bianco. Franciacorta DOCG being an ultra-premium is rather expensive, but the taste with its bubbly appearance that is similar to that of champagne makes it worthwhile. Those who adore the combination of history, medieval charm and great tasting white wines should visit Lugane. Apart from its various castles, Lugane boasts one of Lombardy's most breathtaking views and a prestigious wine estate, Cà dei Frati, a place where you can take delight in invigorating white wines. If you are a lover of red wine, don't miss a wine tasting tour in Valtellina. Nino Negri and Triacca are two places where you can sample powerful red wines, Sforzato di Valtellina and Valtellina Superiore, which are made from the local Chiavennasca grapes. Another thing about visiting Valtellina is its vineyards, which are mostly on steep hillsides that are properly terraced. Before you leave Lombardy, do make it a point to sample the "Blood of Judas" or Sangue di Giuda, which is a slightly sweet, local red wine at Oltrepò Pavese. Some of Lombardy's traditional foods are Minestrone, polenta, salami rabbit, risotto and Cassoeula. Risotto alla Milanese, which appears yellow because of saffron, is one of the most famous risotto dishes in Lombardy. Ossobuco alla Milanese, a braised veal shank dish, is another famous dish. Some of the region's famous cheeses are Gorgonzola, which has blue veins, Robiola and Taleggio.
Park Groane, aims to protect the environmental attributes of the area. Among the environmental assets are to be reported the Pond of Lentate, the largest in the park, the Roccolo of Lazzate, an old bird house, the forests of S. Andrea, who are the most extensive and best preserved of the park, the Foppa S. Dalmazio, a small pool of rainwater, and Nature's Path Ceriano, pleasant route into the wood of the same name; Cà del Re, the largest heath of the park with a pond where they fished the nobles and the Forest of Cesate, consisting of replacing the hardwood ancient pine, the Laghettone, which is tuttutto what remains of the park of Villa Mombello.From train station take the road perpendicular to the tracks near the Villoresi canal, towards the hospital. Again this up to a crossroads, you ignore the deviations for Senago and Cesate and proceed straight towards Solaro. Reached a parking lot on the left, turn towards this for the bike path that runs through the pine forest. A subsequent parking, turn right and again on cycle, proceed until you return to the continuation of previously abandoned road where you turn left to cross the asphalt and come to a fork in the trail bike. Left again, passing the heath to the SS 527 Monza - Saronno and the Center Groane Park, on the opposite side of the road manager. Beyond it, passing the area of the buildings, it continues until another road, now in common Ceriano pond. In addition, continue to cycle and, with curved, you go through many wooded areas up to a furnace where it is home to the information center. Proceeding along the track, you ignore the variation to the right of a fork to continue until a thick pine forest adjacent to a deciduous forest with areas equipped for picnics. The return takes place on the route.
The northern region of Lombardy is a generous supply of hills and Lakes ranging from Iseo, Como and Northern Lake Garda to the Easter slope of Lake Maggiore. The landscape throughout this region is incredibly characteristic and consist of the mountainous Alpine zone to the north, gentle foothills in the centre and alluvial sloping plains which gently touch the Po River in the south of the region. Scenic lakes are somewhat familiar here and most of them drain in a southern direction via the numerous rivers and tributaries. The townships in Lombardy have always been strong and independent, examples like Milan, Bergamo and Brescia have always fought off feudal rulers and governed themselves. In the 11th century, this enabled towns like this to establish themselves as European commercial leaders. However it wasn't until the 12th century when their wits were really tested, against the invading emperor Frederick I Barabossa. The Lombardy League was created and the local towns marched to their victory in 1176. Although regional towns like Mantua, and Monza are prized for their ability to produce abundant levels of furniture and textiles, the Lombardy region can be most accredited as Italy's leading agricultural zone.
Lombardy is the region of the great Italian lakes, with pine-clad mountain slopes reaching right to the water's edges. Sharing a border with Switzerland, the region is blessed with sensational alpine views, with Monte Rosa, the highest mountain in Lombardy, boasting a 4,634m summit - second only to Mont Blanc in the whole of the Alps. Although Lombardy does have some ski resorts in the winter, it is in the summer that the area comes into its own. The beautiful lakes Como, Garda, Maggiore and Orta provide a cool relief from the summer heat, with hiking trails ranging from the gentle to the more challenging in the mountainous northern parts. Take a break in one of the many tiny villages perched on the mountainside, enjoying the views over the vineyards and valleys. Cyclists are also spoilt for choice, with the well maintained routes along the rivers and lakes particularly popular. A highlight of a visit to Lombardy is a ride on the Red Train, the steepest train route in the world, in which passengers can marvel at stunning alpine scenery during the 2 ½ hour journey from the quiet town of Tirano to St Moritz in Switzerland.
Lombardy is probably the most famous area of Italy for tourism and much of this is due to the sparkling lakes of Como, Maggiore and Garda, which are situated at the foothill gateway to the majestic Alps. Well know for tourism, one of the best ways to enjoy the beautiful low alpine scenery is to either hire a car and drive around the lakes, or take a boat trips. A boat trip has romance and it's an easy way to enjoy a long lunch and see the lovely light and sights around the lakes that artists have flocked to for years. Try a trip on lake Maggiore to the Castelli de Cannero which are the fantastic ruins of a castle spread out over two islets off the shore area around Cannero. However with a car, you can go at you own pace and stop to see some amazing sights on the way. For an aerial view between lake Como and Brunate take the famous funicular railway for a spectacular view. Lake Garda is probably the most romantic of the major three lakes and a visit to the magical little Isola del Garda, which you can now take yours around is simply enchanting. Apart from sightseeing there is also a wealth of activities to enjoy, such as wine tasting, hiking, rambling, mountain biking, normal cycling, the list is almost endless, as are the beautiful scenery, and hospitality of a country whose cuisine matches the lovely scenery.