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.
Pavia
The medieval towers of Pavia stand out even from a distance. The towers are fully visible over the rice fields that surround the town. The town is crumbling, but it still revered as the home to some true treasures including the church of San Pietro in Ciel d’Oro. This church is home to the 14th century tomb of St. Augustine and was originally built in the 12th century. The amazing monastery of the Certosa is worthy of a visit as well. The Carthusian monastery is another stunning relic of the Renaissance.
Milan
Milan is a city busy with trade, and has many streets of relatively unattractive buildings, but this fabulous city isn’t to be overlooked. Milan is home to stunning churches such as Sant’Ambrogio, Sant’Eustorgio and San Lorenzo Maggiore. It’s imperative to also visit the Sforza Castle while in Milan. This authentic 15th-century fortress is stunning alone, but is also home to the official museum of Milan, the Brera. The Brera holds famous paintings, but the most famous of all, Leonardo Di Vinci’s Last Supper, is found in Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan as well.
Lake Maggiore
The large lake in the Lombardy region is home to many resorts and likely destinations for tourists and residents alike. Como near the lake is a busy textile center and has a bit of something for everyone. The three islands in Lake Maggiore are home to the outrageous Borromeo villa and gardens, a working fishing village and a collection of semi tropical gardens. Even a simple boat ride on the lake is a worthy way to spend an afternoon.
