Hotels in Lombardy

Nestled in the heart of Northern Italy, the administrative region of Lombardia is not only home to the metropolitan area of Milan, but Lombardy, as non-Italians would know, is also the Italian region with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The region has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, being home to the country’s greatest historical figures such as Virgil, Caravaggio, and Antonio Stradivari. Other tourist destinations include the Venetian defense systems in Bergamo, San Salvatore in Brescia, and the breathtaking crystal-clear waters of Lake Garda.

How to Get There

The region can be accessed either by plane or train. Lombardia is serviced by three main airports, namely Milan Malpensa Airport, Milano-Orio al Serio Airport, and Milano Linate Airport. Milan Malpensa Airport is located in the province of Varese, 50 kilometres away from Milan, with the Malpensa Express connecting the airport to Milan.

Milano-Orio al Serio Airport, on the other hand, is only 5 kilometres from Bergamo, and is linked by the ABC city bus service. Milano Linate Airport is the nearest to Milan (8 kilometres) and serviced by different bus and car rental companies. Milano Centrale and Milano Porta Garibaldi are connected by Trenitalia and Italo Treno to all main Italian cities, as well as Paris, Munich, Viena, and Ticino.

Getting Around

Getting around the region is easy and accessible. The Regional Authority of Lombardia offers travel passes for all forms of local public transport with the area, such as inter- and intra-city travel, trams, subways, ferry boats, and cable cars.

Car sharing services are also available at the major airports and railway stations. Similarly, Lombardia offers bike sharing services, with some cities offering dockless services, in order to make travelling in cities easier for tourists and locals.

Top Things to Do

Lombardia offers tourists plenty of opportunities for fun and leisure. With its beautiful lakes and mesmerizing landscape, to its verdant and rustic country side and more cosmopolitan art cities, the region is sure to impress any discerning visitor.

Milan is the main tourist destination in the region. The city is modern, flashy and full of history and culture. Conversely, Bergamo offers a more rustic and charming atmosphere, being a historic center back in Medieval times. The walls of the city is not only a World Heritage Site under UNESCO, but also makes the area quite the alluring destination. Nestled by three lakes, the city of Mantua makes for a good excursion.Located in the heart of Lake Garda, Sirmione is a resort town, known for its thermal baths and the medieval Rocca Scaligera.

Home to the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites at 9, the region of Lombardia offers tourists a trip through time. The 15th century Renaissance is linked through the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. The church is also home to Da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Baroque architecture, on the other hand, is the Sacro Monte del Rosario di Varese and Sacro Monte della Beata Vergine del Soccorso, chapels that serve as place of worship and pilgrimage.

The region is also famous for its natural landscapes. Lake Como, which is the country’s third biggest lake, draws artists and poets for centuries because of its sheer beauty.

Additionally, the area is home to over 330 museums in total. Lombardia is also one of the biggest fashion centres, housing major brands, like Valentino, Versace, Prada, Armani and Dolce & Gabbana.

What to Eat

Lombardia is known for its rich and rustic cuisine. Almost, if not all, recipes are passed from generation to generation. Rice is quite popular in the region. Often, it is part of a soup, or even as risotti. Similarly, polenta is pretty common in Lombardia.

The region is known for producing cheeses, like the creamy and tangy Taleggio, the funky Gorgonzola and the nutty Grana Padano. Typical cold cuts produced in the region include Bresaola della Valtellina, Salame di Milano, Salame d’Oca di Mortara IGP or Coppa Mantovana. Lastly, special mention goes to the different wines produced in the region, like Moscato di Scanzo and Lambrusco Mantovano.

Where to Stay

The region attracts thousands of Italians and Europeans every year. As such, it comes as no surprise that Lombardia offers all kinds of accommodation options. Visitors can choose between living in the countryside or in the bigger metropolitan cities.

Located right on Lake Como, the Villa d’Este is a five-star hotel that pulls out all the stops with grand state rooms, chandeliers, private balconies and, even, private boats. Albergo Olivedo, meanwhile, is a 10-room townhouse that offers a more intimate atmosphere. Similarly, nestled on top of a hill near Lake Como and Lake Lugano, the Hotel Villa Simplicitas is a country house that charms guests with simple and warm bedrooms with spectacular garden views. Lastly, for those on a tight budget, Antica Locanda dei Mercanti in central Milan is a B&B that checks out all boxes.

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