City: Lombardy
Top Things to do in Lombardy
Top 10 Architectural Buildings in Lombardy, Italy
Lombardy (/ˈlɒmbərdi/ LOM-bər-dee; Italian: Lombardia [lombarˈdiːa]; Lombard: Lumbardia, pronounced: (Western Lombard) [lumbarˈdiːa], (Eastern Lombard) [lombarˈdeːa]) is one of the twenty administrative regions of Italy, in the northwest of the country, with an area of 23,844 square kilometres (9,206 sq mi). About 10 million people, forming one-sixth of Italy's population, live in Lombardy and about a fifth of Italy's GDP is produced in the region, making it the most populous and richest region in the country and one of the richest regions in Europe. Milan, Lombardy's capital, is the second-largest city and the largest metropolitan area in Italy.
Restaurants in Lombardy
1. Villa del Balbianello
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,348 reviews
Built in the late 16th century, this magnificent Villa is known for its picturesque gardens, which exclusively feature flowers and trees the colors of the Italian flag: green, white and red. ATTENTION ALL VISITORS In implementation of the Decree issued by the Ministry of Health on 8th March 2020, we would like to inform you that Villa del Balbianello shall remain closed to the public until April 3rd, in order to contain the diffusion of COVID-19 virus. Updates shall be published on Social Media and on the FAI's Official Website.
Reviewed By Mairwen1
This was absolutely our best day at Lake Como. The area is not short of beautiful historic villas and gardens so you will have probably find yourself having to choose which one to visit. For my money, this is the one. HIGHLIGHTS * James Bond Casino Royale & Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones chose this villa for filming – that alone tells you how outstanding it is * gardens and lake views are breathtaking – it’s a paradise for photographs * unlike some villas, both the gardens and the house are open to the public (house tour is included in ticket price) * It has the best story of any of the grand villas. The villa passed into the hands of Guido Monzino, heir to a vast fortune who knew how to burn through the family money. Monzino funded explorations to Everest, the North Pole, Greenland & the Sahara and amassed huge collections of artefacts, antiquities, books, maps etc. They all ended up here. * it is crammed with books, maps and collections and everything is exactly the same as when the owner died so it feels like a ‘living history’. * There are secret passages, hidden panel and escape routes in the house (he was a bit paranoid) TIPS * It is closed on Mon & Wed. Closed over winter & opens mid-March – mid-Nov. * Make sure to do both the gardens and villa (€10 for gardens only, €20 for both). It is a little pricier than some other villas but so worth it * Villa tours are also offered in English. The ticket desk can tell you what time the English tours start. * Afterwards, we walked back Lenno and had lunch at Hotel Plinio, on the waterfront. A great finish to a magical day. GETTING THERE Take the ferry to Lenno. We walked from the ferry. Most people do so it’s easy to follow others. It’s a 20 min walk along the lake, across a park and up the long driveway. There’s also a taxi boat if you don’t want to walk.
2. La Citta Alta
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8,014 reviews
Reviewed By 537gwynethr - Altrincham, United Kingdom
Cita Alta, Bergamo's old town, is the most amazing place. I spotted it whilst travelling from Bergamo airport to the train station and cut short a visit to Milan to go and see it and I am so glad that I did. It is the most wonderful old town, full of cobbled streets and a wonderful piazza with wonderful historical buildings. A great place to wander around and sit and have a drink and watch the world go by. Very atmospheric. It's worth a detour to visit if you fly into Bergarmo and very easy to get to. Just take the No.1 bus (first bus stop as you leave the arrivals hall and signposted Bergamo. Get off at the Funiculare stop ( just ask anyone) and then take the funicular train up to the old town. Depending on traffic this takes 20-30 mins from the airport. You can leave your luggage at the airport but do not follow the left luggage signs as that takes you on a detour. From the arrivals hall cross straight into the carpark and then on the left you will see the carhire office. The left luggage facility is part of that building.
3. Palazzo Bettoni
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By ginomas
It worth the stop: the palace belongs to the ancient family of Count Bettoni ; built in '700 from the ancestors of the actual Owner , countess Maria Teresa Bettoni, is viewable from the Bogliaco port ( from the lake) inner garden and front palace and from the main road going to Gargnano the Italian garden. The Italian garden was restored about 40 years ago in occasion of filming a movie and they left the lighting on the garden after filming. Particularly impressive at night. The visit to the palace is not admitted ( private home!)
4. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29,522 reviews
For sheer belle époque splendor, this extravagant 19th-century glass-topped, barrel-vaulted tunnel serves as a lively, noisy and colorful shopping mall, teeming with life and inviting you to people-watching from the tables that spill from the Galleria's many bars and restaurants.
Reviewed By briancB9323XM - Arlington, United States
Our stay began at a great B & B one block from the most beautiful outdoor shopping plaza in the world. Just a short walk from our B & B we came upon the stunning Vittorio Emanuele II magnificent shopping center of classical architecture lined with boutique restaurants and designer shops, including the 4 story Louis Vuitton glorious masterpiece. I design shopping centers and other urban design uses and none can come close to the perfection of this space. At the axis of the two colonnades is a glass dome that at Christmas time features a perfect tree and lights on the top of the dome, mesmerizing all who simply stood and stared at the lights above. This place is a cant miss on a trip to Milan with spectacular elegance.
5. I Giardini di Villa Melzi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,327 reviews
National Monument and Private Gardens This magnificent villa, built in 1808 for the Duke Francesco Melzi d'Eril, assistant to General Napoleon, is one of the most emblematic examples of neo-classicism in Lombardy.....The Gardens Are visitable March to October every day 9.30 am to' 6.30 pm
Reviewed By armankun - Athens, Greece
A definitely place to visit if you like gardens, trees, nature and walking, beautiful garden, very well cared.
6. Villa Carlotta
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,254 reviews
Villa Carlotta welcomes you with its magnificent botanic garden and art masterpieces in over 70.000 square metres of gardens and museum. The beautiful villa was built at the end of XVII century by the Milanese marquis Giorgio Clerici in a natural basin between lake and mountains, facing the dolomite Grignas and the peninsula of Bellagio.
Reviewed By 53Upp - East Midlands, United Kingdom
Beautifully maintained gardens. Plenty of plant details. Slightly hilly paths, but easily accessible. Signage good, different routes depending on how much time visitors have, which gives times to completion of visit. Toilets round site and good cafe. House visit also included in the entrance fee. Villa entrance opposite the ferry service.
7. Borromeo Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
A 17th-century palace featuring an Italian Baroque style.
Reviewed By TheJayGirl - Zurich, Switzerland
Being European we are spoiled with beautiful culture and historic castles in particular, so the bar was set relatively high when venturing out on the lake Maggiore to visit the most majestic castle on one of the 3 islands. It was a fantastic experience and I particularly enjoyed the detailed decorations in the lower part of the castle, making me feel like I was visiting the underwater kingdom of Neptune
8. Villa Olmo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 673 reviews
Reviewed By MGhazalah - Kuwait, null
it was a really nice walk around the Villa, admiring the landscape and the view . I recommend for all visitors
9. Teatro Sociale
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 188 reviews
Reviewed By 361erichs
I went to a performance of Verdi's Macbeth. The opera house was built over 200 years ago and has not lost its luster. The acoustics are some of the best that I have experienced anywhere. The orchestra may not be as tight as the Vienna Philharmonics but one senses that the members enjoy themselves. Their enjoyment is contagious. The Maestro Gianluigi Gelmetti conducted with heart and displayed sincere enthusiasm, showing emotions openly - the Italian way. The singers were excellent. The audience appeared mostly to be from the area which made the whole experience even more authentic. I went to La Scala last year and can honestly say that will prefer to return to a performance at the Teatro Sociale. Actually, I can't wait to come back.
10. Villa Monastero
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,340 reviews
Reviewed By LondonNefertiti - Greater London, United Kingdom
When you get off the ferry turn right and keep walking and you will reach these beautiful gardens in about 10-15 mins right on the shore of Lake Como. The wisteria will look stunning when it is in flower, probably even better from the Lake. A long thin garden which only had another couple of other visitors on a rainy October morning. Peaceful place to sit and contemplate.
