 Introduction
Southern Lombardy, in the plain of the Po and the flat pre-Alpine uplands, is one of Italy's wealthiest and most highly developed industrial regions (chemicals and pharmaceuticals, metal-working, car manufacture, engineering and light engineering, textiles, leather goods) as well as one of its most productive agricultural regions (corn, rice, maize, market gardening, fodder crops). The hill regions are mostly devoted to dairy and pastoral farming. Tourism makes a major contribution to the economy in the area around the beautiful Alpine lakes (lakes Maggiore, Como and Garda) and in the mountains (winter sports, climbing). The population is mainly concentrated in the densely settled conurbations centered on Milan, Brescia, Pavia and Varese.
For this reason, it is one of the most surprising destinations of any tourist. Most people don't expect to find such an extraordinary cultural, artistic and natural heritage. From the cities of art to the small villages, from the unmistakable atmosphere of the lakes to the impressive Alpine valleys, not to mention the vast variety of food and wine on offer, all of which surprise and fascinate visitors.
History and Culture
Places in the Region of Lombardy
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. Milan is the Italian economic and financial engine and the city that dictates trends in Italy, from technological innovation to design, fashion or lifestyles. Milan is also one of the most important cultural centers in Italy with a first-class artistic and architectural heritage. 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 “Citta 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.
Lombardy is one of the regions offering most variety in Italy. From Valtellina, rich in history and tradition, to the huge peaks of Bernina, Ortles and Adamello, or the famous ski resorts of Bormio, Madesimo, Aprica, Livigno and Ponte di Legno. Nature lovers will find more than 133 protected areas in Lombardy, from parks to reserves and protected sites, the best of which include Stelvio National Park and Adamello Park. Extraordinary land composed of glaciers, valleys, woodland and waterfalls and a natural habitat for animals at risk of extinction, such as the ibex and brown bear.
Even though Lombardy doesn't touch the sea, it still has 400 Km of riverbank this is composed of the famous lakes of Lombardy, Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, Lake Garda and Lake Iseo, where one can breathe the romantic atmosphere of the Belle Epoque among the magnificent, noble villas.
Events
On December 7th and 8th, during one of the festivities to honor Sant'Ambrogio, the patron saint of the city, the Fiera degli “oh bei, oh bei“ is organized around the Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio that is one of the most moments of the year that any decent Milanese person eagerly awaits. During these two days there are market stalls of all kinds, some of them similar to the ones from Senigallia, flower stalls and sweet and cake stalls, all full of color that attract and amaze. The name of the fair comes from term that the stall owners used to catch the attention of the people passing by.
Craftsmen's Fair - December - Milan
This fair was started up in 1996 and was immediately a success. Attracting visitors that wanted to look for original ideas for their Christmas presents. Craftsmen's skills are the main attraction of this market fair: products coming from all over Italy, and from Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America too. the fair is a huge one and fully deserves its title as the largest event worldwide for craftsmen's products: 100,000 square meters of exhibition space, with representation from about 90 countries.
The Salone del mobile (Furniture fair - April/May - Milan
The Salone del Mobile takes up an exhibition area of more than 255,000 square meters inside the Milan Trade Fair District. It represents the products of more than 3100 of the most dynamic, creative companies on the international market and receives 260,000 visitors including economic and commercial operators, with more than 130,000 coming from 150 countries overseas. Alongside the trade fair, The Salone also promotes important side events, whose main aim is to enhance the role of design and to spread culture, and also to protect our artistic heritage.
La Scala Theater - from December to November - Milan
Opened in 1778, the La Scala Theater is one of the oldest, most important cultural institutions in Milan. It is still considered to be the temple of opera music today. During the theater season, it is possible to see operas, ballets and concerts.
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Lombardy Travel Guide
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