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The main city of Lombardy. Lombardy region. Food and drink

Como, the third largest lake in Italy, is located 40 kilometers from Milan among the granite and limestone mountains. The lake has an extremely favorable natural location - thanks to the Alps, Como all year round protected from northern winds, and therefore the temperature here almost never drops below 24 degrees. It is not surprising that the surroundings near Lake Como have at all times been considered an elite place to live. Today, Como boasts many well-preserved monuments of medieval architecture, including castles, towers, monasteries, villas and even an old fort.

In addition to the scenic views, on Lake Como, tourists can enjoy all kinds of water sports, horse riding and rock climbing.

Livigno

Livigno - not big citylocated in the north of the country in the Italian Alps. Here is a beautiful ski resortsuitable for skiers and snowboarders of all levels and disciplines.

The town stretches along the only ten-kilometer-long street that runs in a wide valley. There are ski trails on the mountain slopes on both sides of the valley. These two ski areas are named Mottolino and Carosello.

Surrounded by high mountains Lavigno boasts an excellent climate - no wind and lots of snow. The resort has thirty-three ski lifts.

In addition to the many well-equipped trails and high-quality service, tourists are attracted to Lovigno by the fact that the city is a duty-free area. Here you can buy inexpensive sports equipment and clothing, as well as many other goods. Interestingly, tax advantages were bestowed on Lovigno as early as the sixteenth century. The reason for this was Lovigno's transport isolation and the general poverty of the region. Since then, the situation has changed a lot, Lovigno has become one of the most prosperous cities in Italy, but it has retained its benefits to this day.

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St. Peter's Church

St. Peter's Church is located in a cozy square in the center of Novi Ligure. In front of the church there is an interesting sculpture of Amur. The facade of the church is both austere and beautifully finished

In northern Italy, on the very border with Switzerland, there is the country's second largest lake. It is soft here all year round mediterranean climate, and the temperature rarely drops below 22-28 degrees. This is facilitated by the Alps, which cover the reservoir from cold winds.

The very nature around the lake is ideal for hiking and ecotourism. It houses some of the best tennis and golf courses in Italy. There are several islands on the lake, united into several archipelagos: Borromeo, consisting of Isola Bella, Isola Superiore and Isola Madre, and two small adjacent land areas, Izolina di San Giovanni and Scoglio della Mulgera.

Almost the entire island of Isola Bella is occupied by the Borromeo Palace, where there are several museum expositions dedicated to Napoleon and paintings by Giordano and Bernardino Luini. The palace is unusual for its grottoes, which are decorated with various ornaments and whole paintings of shells. On several nearby rocky islands, there are remains of fortifications known as the Castelli castles.

In Pallanza, you will find the botanical gardens of Villa Taranto, founded by Neil McIcharn. Also interesting to visit are the villas Ducale, Dell'Orto and Pallavicino.

Cernobbio

The beautiful town of Cernobbio begins almost immediately behind Villa Olmo. While almost a hundred thousand people live in Como, there are fifteen times less of them. And thank God, because such beautiful villas that appear on the lake shore, starting from Cernobbio, should not be surrounded by noise and din even in a small town. In a word, here, in the western part of the lake, a real beautiful life begins,

Take, for example, Villa d'Este. It was built for the Gallio family in the 1570s by Pellegripo Tibaldi, whom we know from Milan. In 1873, the owners turned their house into one of the most luxurious and legendary hotels of the 20th century. Aristocrats stayed here, actors, writers, but perhaps the most famous couple who visited the hotel were the Duke of Windsor and Miss Simpson, a divorced American woman, because of whom the Duke abdicated the throne of England. The Abbot family, who built the most beautiful boats on the lake, especially for the villa d 'Este created water-based Rolls-Royces with mahogany, leather and mother-of-pearl finishes - now the remaining intact specimens can be seen in the factory museum later moved away from the water. Greta Garbo's favorite hotel continues to receive guests, and nothing can stop you from going inside and having a cup of espresso in the leopard.

Not far from Villa d'Este, another notable example of a country house is Villa Erba, built in the 18th century and famous for its ballroom and wedding halls, chapel and other interiors by Gioconde Albertolli. Today, part of the villa houses an exhibition center.

Ducal palace

Grandiose architectural complex Palazzo Ducale, or Ducal Palace, is one of the largest in Europe. It was built as the residence of the rulers of Mantua. All buildings that make up the palace complex are linked by numerous galleries, decorated with picturesque gardens and courtyards.

The oldest parts of the palace were built at the end of the 13th century - it was then, by order of the captain of the people, Guido Bonacolsi, that the Palazzo del Capitano and the "Big House" were erected. These two buildings form the so-called " Old courtyard"Some time later, between 1395 and 1406, the architect Bartolino da Novara erected nearby the Castle of St. George, which since the middle of the 15th century has become the residence of the Lodovico II Gonzaga family (Duke of Nevers).

The northeastern tower houses the famous "Marriage Room", which was frescoed in 1465-1474. The first floor also houses the first study and the first "grotto (personal apartment) of the wife of Francesco II Gonzaga, Isabella dEste. In 1480-1484, a" new courtyard "was built, the project of which was the architect Luca Fancelli. The" New courtyard "included The ducal apartments, which were later expanded and decorated, the Church of Saint Barbara was built in the palace at the end of the 16th century and remained the home of the family of the Dukes of Gonzaga for several centuries, from 1328 to 1707.

Outlet "La Galleria Center Seriate"

La Galleria Center is a small outlet located a few kilometers from Seriate in Albano Sant'Alessandro (BG). Despite its modest size ( total area - only 12000 sq.m.), in mall a large number of exclusive brands are represented, including Timberland, Baldinini, Massimo Rebecchi, Golden Lady, Playtex and Revedi.

In addition to clothing, you can buy designer accessories, children's toys, household goods and even electronics. Discounts on all products - from 50% to 70%.

Are you curious to know how well you know the sights of Lombardy? ...

Stresa

In the northern province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola in the Piedmont region, on the shores of the beautiful Lake Maggiore, lies the small town of Stresa. To the general list tourist destinations In Italy, it was included quite recently, and for a long time its coastal beauty was little known to anyone. Stresa has always been a favorite vacation spot for the royal family, and now it is a prestigious resort with fashionable lakeside hotels.

Lake Maggiore is the second largest and one of the most beautiful in northern Italy... It is surrounded by picturesque hills with coastal towns. In Stresa you can find expensive shops and fashionable hotels, luxury villas and magnificent gardens... However, the exterior has retained its medieval atmosphere. Narrow streets with low buildings run into small squares, equipped for summer outdoor cafes and fairs. Several weeks of the year pass here music festivals, to which famous composers and performers come.

The town of Stresa is famous for its pastry shops. It was here that the pastry chef Piero Antonio Bolongaro in 1857 invented pink margheritine cookies especially for the future first queen of Italy, Margarita of Savoy. The recipe for this delicacy is known only to the confectioners of Stresa and is the culinary pride of the city.

The most popular attractions in Lombardy with descriptions and photos for every taste. Choose best places for visiting famous places Lombardy on our website.

Lombardy is the northwestern region of Italy, which is home to 1/6 of the total population of Italy. The main city of Lombardy is the "capital of fashion and beauty" - Milan. According to Italians, Lombardy is the most economically successful region, and according to Europeans, it is also one of the most successful in the scientific and industrial sector in Europe. Lombardy is filled with people and fashion, it just beckons with its magnetism. In the north Lombardy there are the Alps, in the south - the valley of the Po River, as well as numerous lakes show all the diversity of this place, which rightfully has the status of the most successful and developed region of Italy.

In total, there are twelve provinces in Lombardy, many of which are well known far beyond the territory of Lombardy. Brescia, Bergamo, Como, Lecco, Lodi, Cremona, Mantua, Monza e Briianza, Pavia, Varese, Sondrio and Milan.

How to get to Lombardy

There are many ways to get to Lombardy and depends on your financial condition. One of the main ones is air travel, you can on our portal. In Milan, just seven kilometers from the center, there is Linat Airport, which is used by both local and international airlines. In addition, everything is 50 kilometers north-west of Milan, located malpensa airportwhich has a higher level. The airport receives daily a large number of local and international flights from all over the world. Immediately after the flight, you will be taken to one of the .

Transport Lombardy

As for the movement within the Lombardy region, you can use buses and trains. In addition, you can use water transport in order to move around the lakes. There are no problems with movement, since recently, due to the frequent visits to local attractions by tourists, the bus and train road network very developed.

Shopping in Lombardy


It would be strange not to mention fashion and shops in the most stylish region of Italy - Lombardy, besides where the world capital of fashion is located, as we mentioned earlier. The largest selection of goods is of course in Milan. The only thing that can limit you is only your financial situation. However, here in various outlets, you can find branded clothing at a low price. To a greater extent, such outlets are located in the suburbs of Milan.

With regard to shopping related to clothing, it should be noted the annual sales at the end of the season. In Milan, the fashion season ends in August and January. You yourself understand that such sales are very noisy and many who wish for days and weeks are in queues to buy clothes or shoes from famous fashion houses.

And a little more shopping - on December 7, every year in the same Milan, a Christmas market begins, which has a very unusual and attractive name "How beautiful! How beautiful!". According to legend, this is the phrase that the local kids shouted when they entered the fair for the first time in their lives.

But Lombardy shops are famous not only for clothes. Here you can buy, as a gift, cheese, meat delicacies, local wines and much more that has managed to gain popularity in recent years.

Lombardy cuisine


As for the cuisine, the Lombardians here are slightly different from the rest of the inhabitants of Italy. Besides the fact that they love delicious food, as in all other regions so that it is satisfying, there is some influence of more northern Austria and Germany. In Lombardy, meat dishes are in high esteem, the preparation of which most often includes veal, poultry or game, rice dishes (for example, Risotto alla Milanese), and of course a huge number of various cheeses (mascarpone, provolone, grana padana, gorgonzola). It is worth noting that even olive oil has been replaced here with butter (do not forget that there are alpine meadows in the region).

As for vegetables, asparagus and pumpkin are most popular in Lombardy. They are used to prepare filling in casseroles or ravioli. Back in Lombardy, they came up with the world-famous vegetable soup with bacon and rice called Minestrone.

Also in Lombardy, the preparation of culinary dishes from fish is developed, which is most often served in restaurants located on the shore of lakes. Families prepare a cupcake for Christmas in almost all of Lombardy Panettonewhich is a traditional Lombard dish. In addition to the usual ingredients, this cake contains raisins, candied fruits and lemon peel.

As for the wine, the most famous among the Lombard is the Franciacorta sparkling wine. The technology for creating this wine is exactly the same as that of Champagne wines.

Ski resorts in Lombardy

The most in this region are Saint Catherine, Madesimo, Bormio, Livigno, Valdidentro and Aprica. It is also worth noting that the Lombardy region also includes the territory of Alta Valtelina, which is 70% National park Stelvio.

Tourism, entertainment, excursions and attractions in Lombardy


The first thing to visit in Lombardy is. Not only because fashionable and stylish clothes are sold in this city, but also because here is the center of cultural values \u200b\u200bof all Europe and the world. Cathedral, Opera Theater, Church of Santa Maria delle Grazia, where the greatest painting of all time "The Last Supper" painted Leonardo da Vinci, as well as the Sforzesc castle - this is just what catches the eye right away, and if you look, you can immerse yourself in the most beautiful setting and atmosphere of the city for a long time. To see the city from another beautiful side, you need to go to the Naviglio Canal. It is filled with cafes, restaurants, shops, art studios, delicious ice cream shops, as well as literary performances and dance shows.

As for other towns in Lombardy, Crema is famous for making violins, which are valued all over the world. Crema is also very interesting in terms of architecture.

The ruins of castles from the 6th-7th century can draw your attention to a small town called San Colombano.

IN Brescia, you should pay attention to the local museums. They are presented in two forms: antique and historical. Also the city is verybeautiful architecture.


Bergamo Is a city of two parts. This is what the locals think, because the so-called “ upper town»Is surrounded by a fortified wall, and the lower town is considered newer, built relatively recently. While in Brescia, be sure to take a funicular ride and see the city. The spectacle is very beautiful and unique.
I would also like to mention the four lakes of Lombardy. The least known among visitors is Lake Izeo, the surroundings of which are famous for a huge number of vineyards and the Franzakorta winery. From this lake you can swim to the largest lake island in Europe - Monte Isola... The most popular and favorite lake of celebrities Como, which today is completely surrounded by the villas of show business stars. Do not forget about lake Maggioreand also about the most big lakecalled Garda. Maggiore is one of the most picturesque lakes, bordered by Switzerland.

The very attentive and careful attitude of local residents to their wonderful architecture and nature should also be noted.

The cost of visiting a particular place in all cities of Lombardy depends on the popularity.

Holidays and other events Lombardy

Almost every day, Milan hosts international exhibitions that touch on all sorts of achievements. These are the textile and auto industries, electronics and know-how, culinary exhibitions.


At the end of November, a motorsport competition is held, which is called - Rosa di Inverno. This event is organized by the Milan Motorcycle Club.

At the beginning of December, namely on the 7th, the celebration of Saint Ambrose of Mediolan, who is the patron saint of the city, takes place. The whole holiday takes place on a huge scale, and mainly on the St. Ambrose Square. Also, on December 7, the Teatro alla Scala begins its operatic season.

I would like to point out that carnivals are held in Lombardy. So in Creams the February carnival takes place. At the same time in Perscarollo hold a historical costume parade.

Do not forget about the races of rare cars, which are held with cars manufactured before 1957, every year in May in the city of Brescia. And in Legnano, costume balls and horse races are held in the same month.

And, of course, it is necessary to remind about the existence in Milan of the most beautiful stadium San Siro, where football matches are held 2-3 times a week. Two of the most famous teams in Milan - Inter and Milan itself, which was owned by the former Prime Minister of Italy Silvio Berlusconi... You can see a completely unforgettable show, namely the meeting of two nemesis, two Milan clubs in a derby, which can be compared to the Spanish "classic".
Looking at everything that has been written above, I just want to add that the phrase "See Paris and die" applies not only to Paris, but also to all wonderful cities around the world, which are the cities located in the Lombardy region.

Lombardy video. Part 1

Take a boat ride in the shadow of the Alps to picturesque villages Bellagio, Varenna and Tremezzo - Lake Maggiore, Lake Garda and Lake Lugano.

The tiny village of Erbusco

Home of the award-winning wines Franciacorta and L "Albereta, the rustic inn of Gualtero Marchesi, one of Italy's finest chefs.

Moltrasio

Sirmione Peninsula

On south bank Lake Garda.

Caves of Catullo

The archaeological site of a former Roman villa is located at the far end of the peninsula.

Sirmione Spa

The largest private thermal spa in Italy.

Val Camonica

Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will see medieval towns, castles, see sacred art in churches, see a Roman temple and theater / amphitheater. There is also something to do for ski lovers.

Oltrepò Pavese

It is a wine region in the most remote southern part of Lombardy, 70 km from Milan, part of the province of Pavia. Medieval cities, castles, panoramic views are waiting for you there.

The region, with an area of \u200b\u200babout 24,000 square kilometers, is home to almost 10 million people. For Italians, Lombardy is associated with modernity and development, but at the same time boasts natural beauty and an artistic heritage of great importance.

The capital of Lombardy is Milan. In the north, it borders with Switzerland (cantons of Ticino and Graubünden), in the west with Piedmont, in the east with Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige, and in the south with Emilia Romagna.

Panorama of Milan from the roof of the Cathedral. On the right - the Velasca Tower skyscraper

The territory of Lombardy is almost equally divided between the plain (the famous Padan plain) and the mountainous regions (Prealps and Alps). Several dozen rivers flow here (including the largest river in the country, Po, Addu, Olo and Ticino). In addition, there are several hundred lakes of both natural and artificial origin in Lombardy (among them - Lakes Garda, Maggiore, Como, Iseo, Lake Luhansk and Lake Varese).

The climate of Lombardy is very diverse due to the various configurations of its landscape, where there are mountains, hills, lakes and plains. Usually in the lowland areas in summer it is rather stuffy (due to high humidity) and hot, there are often sudden thunderstorms. Winters are cold, long and humid here. In the mountains, the climate is typical of the Alps: fresh summers and long, severe and snowy winters.

The largest cities in the region are Milan, Bresha, Monza, Bergamo, Como.

Tourism

Lombardy is famous for its financial, commercial and industrial sectors. Its capital Milan is the heart of Italian business. it main city fashion and design in Italy and around the world. All major fashion brands present their new collections and open boutiques in the center of Milan. But Lombardy is not only Milan and not only business.

Magnificent city-museums that store masterpieces of art - Cremona, Mantua, Bergamo, Brescia, Pavia. Tiny medieval villages in the middle of the Lombard plain. Treasures of lakes and mountains - especially in the magnificent Valtellina Valley, especially loved by winter sports fans.

Cremona. Marconi Square. Violin Museum © UMB-O / Shutterstock.com

Of all the Italian regions, it is in Lombardy that the most objects of the tangible and intangible heritage of UNESCO are located: rock inscriptions in the Val Camonica valley, the Dominican church and the monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie with "The Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci, the factory village of Crespi d 'Adda, the "Holy Mountains" of Piedmont and Lombardy, Mount San Giorgio, Manutuya and Sabbioneta, the Albula and Bernina lines of the Rhaetian railway, the Lombard structures in Bresci, Castelseprio and Gornate Olona and prehistoric pile settlements in the Alps.

Valtellina. Lift in Livigno

Besides remarkable mountains, valleys, large lakes and rivers, Lombardy is rich in history, culture and art. Everything is there: wonderful castles, abbeys, villas and cities, ski resorts and golf courses operate all year round.

Food and wine

The wine and gastronomy of the Lombardy region boasts both classic products known throughout Italy (bresaola from Valtellina, Milano salami, grana padano, gorgonzola and crescenza cheeses, famous red wines from Valtellina and Franciacorta sparkling wine), as well as dozens of delicacies in techs known only the lands where they are produced. The cuisine of Lombardy to this day bears witness to its peasant origin and the times when Lombardy was closely associated with agriculture.

Medieval castle in Passirano, province of Brescia, Franciacorta

It can be noted that out of about 200 Italian products with a Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) and a Protected Geographical Indication (IGP), as many as 22 are partially or fully produced in Lombardy.

Over time, each of the regions of the region developed its own traditional dishes, associated primarily with peasant life and the gifts of the fields. Today, both individual cities and famous chefs of our time are rediscovering the main local products and old recipes, giving them new life. The most famous specialties of Milan are saffron risotto and Milanese schnitzel. In the cities of the Brianza region, traditional peasant dishes are still popular - stewed pork with savoy cabbage and tripe. The main Milanese dessert is panettone cake.


Risotto Milanese / Shutterstock.com

In Monza, cuisine is also closely linked to the peasant tradition. Here they prepare risotto according to a local recipe - with saffron, salsiccia and red wine), polenta with melted cheese and butter, and a milk cake with chocolate, raisins and pine nuts.

Cremona - the birthplace of halva torrone and mustard mostarda - also known for dumplings agnolotti (they are served in broth or without).
In Bergamo, all the traditional polenta dishes are added: sometimes salsiccia, sometimes poultry, sometimes cheese and vegetables are added to it. Another specialty is Bergamassian casonsei ravioli. Excellent wines are made between Almenno San Salvatore and Sarnico.

The most famous Pavia dish is the pavian soup made from broth, eggs, meat and cheese. They also like to feast on frogs: they are cooked with risotto, stewed or fried. Also in Pavia, you can try stews and agnolotti.

In Mantua, the kitchen seems to have frozen halfway between Lombardy and Emilia; it is famous for its pumpkin tortelli dumplings, salamella pork sausage risotto and sbrisolone crumbly pie.

The city of Varese, due to its proximity to the lake, is famous primarily for its fish dishes: for example, risotto with perch or lake eel. Another signature dish is brushitti, beef chunks with fennel seeds and red wine.

Brescia's specialties are similar to those served in Bergamo. These are polenta with poultry, kebabs and soups - for example, soup with flour and bread pulp, soup with cubes of wheat and corn flour, and soup with ravioli casonsei. The most famous wines of the area are Franciacorta and Lake Garda.

Sondrio is famous first of all for its pizzoccheri pasta - large tagliatelle made from buckwheat flour with butter, garlic, cheese, potatoes and vegetables. Another signature dish here is bresaola. The most famous wines are Valtellina Superiore and Sfurzat.

In Lecco and Como, primarily freshwater fish dishes - for example, dried herring missoltini - are prepared, as well as game, which is popular in the mountains.

Missoltini / Shutterstock.com

How to get there

By plane

Lombardy airports are very well developed, there are four of them:
The Milan-Malpensa Intercontinental Hub (MXP) is located in the province of Varese and is connected to Milan city center by the Malpensa Express and several bus routes.
Linate Airport (LIN) only accepts Italian, European and low-cost flights. It is located east of Milan.

Bergamo has the Bergamo Orio al Serio airport (BGY), which is used primarily for low-cost, charter and cargo flights.
Brescia has a small airport called Montichiari (VBS); European flights fly here.

By car

It is very easy to enter and navigate Lombardy by car, motorcycle or camper, as the road network is well developed here.

The following highways pass through the region:
- A1 (Autostrada del Sole) connects Milan with Naples, passing through Bologna, Florence and Rome.
- A4 ("Most Serene", Serenissima) connects Turin with Trieste, passing through Milan, Bergamo and Bresa, as well as the entire Padan plain).
- The A7 (Milan-Serravalle) connects Milan with Genoa, passing through Pavia and Voghera.
- Autostrada dei Laghi ("Lake Highway"). The section from Milan to Varese became the first motorway in the world: it was opened in 1924. It is divided into:
- A8, which leaves Milan with four lanes, and at Lainate narrows to three and continues on to Varese (A8), Genoa / Gravellona Tocha (A8 / A26).
- A9, which leaves Lainate and follows in two lanes towards Ponte Chiasso and Switzerland, passing through Como.
- The A21, or “Wine Highway”, which links Turin with Brescia via Voghera, Piacenza and Cremona.
- A22, or “Brennero Autostrada”, which links Modena with the Brenner Pass via Mantua.

By train

The railway network in Lombardy is very extensive: the total length of the tracks is 1,869 km, the number of stations is about 400, of which 95 are interchange points. The main railway lines are as follows:
Domodossola-Milan;
Luino-Milan;
Chiasso Milan;
Bypass road around Milan;
Milan-Bologna;
Milan-Venice;
Milan-Genoa;
Turin-Milan;
Underground railway line through Milan;
Pavia-Stradella.

Useful information for tourists about Lombardy in Italy - geographical location, tourist infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.

Lombardy is the most industrialized region of Italy and one of the three richest regions in Europe, located in northern Italy between the Alps and the Po Valley. One sixth of the country's population lives on the territory of this region. The capital is Milan, the largest city in northern Italy.

The name Lombardy comes from the name of the Lombard tribe, which came to the Apennine peninsula from the north and after two centuries, as a result of the influence of the culture of the defeated people, it turned from German to Italian. In the 9-10th centuries Lombardy was a bone of contention between the local dukes and the Burgundian kings, and only in 951, King Otto I made it part of the Holy Roman Empire. At the same time, the "Lombard Union of Cities" was formed with Milan at its head. This alliance, by the way, in the 12th century put up decisive resistance to Frederick I Barbarossa in his military campaigns in Italy.

The 12-13th centuries were the heyday of the Lombard cities, which developed and grew rich, not least thanks to the Crusades. And the same 13th century was marked by bloody feuds between the parties of the Guelphs and the Ghibellines. The Ghibellines belonged to the powerful Visconti family, who seized power in Milan and later turned their eyes to Pavia, Como, Piacenza, Cremona, Brescia and others big cities... I must say that the Visconti did a lot to develop education, literature and art in Milan, but at the same time they were very despotic rulers who did not disdain espionage, cruel torture and executions.

In the 15th century, the no less famous Sforza dynasty came to replace the Visconti dynasty, and in 1523 most of Lombardy was captured by the troops of Charles V, and the region became a Spanish province for many years under the rule of the Spanish viceroy. Only in 1714 did the Duchy of Milan pass to Austria as a result of one of the wars. Then, at the end of the 18th century, the Cisalpine Republic was formed on the territory of Lombardy for a short time, which in 1802 was annexed to the Italian Republic. In 1815, Lombardy and Venice formed a separate kingdom. And only according to the Zurich Peace of 1859, Lombardy was annexed to Italy.

Today Lombardy, spread over an area of \u200b\u200b24 thousand square kilometers, is the most industrially developed region of the country. A quarter of Italians employed in industry work here. The main industries are mechanical engineering, metallurgy, oil refining, printing, light and food industries, manufacturing building materials... Agriculture is also developed - wheat, rice, corn, vegetables are grown here, and viticulture is developed in some areas. In addition, Lombardy is one of the largest centers for cattle breeding and occupies a leading position in the country in the production of milk and meat.

You can get to Lombardy from anywhere in the world - most international flights land at Malpensa airport, 50 km from Milan. From there, by train or car, you can get to any locality region.

On the territory of Lombardy there is the Alta Valtellina ski resort with the world famous ski centers Bormio, Santa Caterina, Livigno, Madesimo, Aprica and Valdidentro, which can offer hundreds of kilometers of slopes of various levels. In summer, in the same mountains, you can climb the peaks, go for mountaineering and rock climbing, go for a walk on a mountain bike or on foot, or raft on a rough mountain river. On the lakes - Como, Garda and Maggiore - developed aquatic species Sports: sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, canoeing.

Each city in Lombardy is unique in its own way and has many attractions to offer tourists. Milan is the Duomo Cathedral, opera theatre La Scala, the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie with da Vinci's fresco "The Last Supper", the Sforzesco castle, dozens of museums and art galleries, as well as cozy cafes, shops, old streets. The city of Cremona, famous for its violin makers, has preserved monuments of medieval architecture, and in tiny San Colombano - the ruins of a 6th century castle. Brescia, the second largest city in Lombardy and one of the oldest, attracts the most interesting museums - historical and archaeological. And Bergamo consists of two cities - the walled Citta Alta and the modern Citta Bassa, which are connected by a funicular. The most beautiful Pavia, founded in the 6th century BC, has retained its medieval layout and appearance. Not far from this city is the famous monastic complex of Certosa di Pavia. Also in Lombardy it is worth visiting Mantua with ancient monuments of architecture, Varese, Vigevano and Monza.