• Art & Culture
    • Active & Green

11 addresses for villas and parks

Relive the charm of the past between villas, parks and castles in Lombardy

Castles, parks and villas. Where the fascination of the past is brought back to life. Amidst towers, frescoes, ballrooms.

Lombardy has a very rich history and it is still possible to appreciate it inside the fascinating residences of the well off people of this region.

A blast from the past to live, once again, the charm of the old times, losing yourself in those beautiful places where culture and nature join together in harmony.

1. In the Oratorio di Villa Suardi, in Trescore Balneario (Bergamo), face to face with the naïve beauty of the frescoes by Lotto.

2. Where life is inimitable: at the Vittoriale degli Italiani in Gardone Riviera (Brescia), in the museum house of the poet D'Annunzio.

3. The enchantment of a home with a literary vocation, which was the set of Star Wars. The address: Villa del Balbianello in Tremezzina (Como).

4. At the court of Leonardo's "Dama con l'ermellino" at Villa Medici del Vascello in San Giovanni in Croce (Cremona).

5. Agaves, African palms: two kilometres of exotic vegetation on the lake side in the gardens of Villa Monastero in Varenna (Lecco).

6. A journey through the history of bread and Lombard agriculture in the Musei del Castello Bolognini in Sant'Angelo Lodigiano (Lodi), where Giacomo Casanova once slept. 

7. Among nature, leisure and history. In the magnificent Palazzina Gonzaghesca of Bosco della Fontana, in Marmirolo (Mantua).

8. Façade by Piermarini and eclectic furnishings: all the beauty of Villa Cusani Tittoni Traversi in Desio (Monza e Brianza).

9. From aristocratic residence of Gian Galeazzo II to cultural centre. The Castello di Belgioioso (Pavia) and its many lives.

10. A plunge in the 14th century. In Montagna in Valtellina (Sondrio), the Castel Grumello is a single fortress made up of two twin buildings.  

11. Among frescoes and rose gardens, a baroque ‘garden of wonders' featuring a theatre, stairs, statues and fountains surrounds Villa Della Porta Bozzolo in Casalzuigno (Varese).

On the same topic

Amaryllis Fleming Cello

A new masterpiece at the Violin's Museum
  • Art & Culture

Top 10 must see works of art in lombardy

Palazzo Te, Mantova
  • Art & Culture

The Lombard seigniories: key figures, history and places

Gonzaga, Visconti, Sforza: a journey through cities steeped in history and culture
Gonzaga - Palazzo Ducale Mantova - ph: analisidellopera.it
  • Art & Culture

Diocesan Museum

Pre-view of the exhibited art-works
  • Art & Culture

The villages of the Lower Valtellina between adventure and relaxation

  • Art & Culture

Pezzotti from Valtellina

Perhaps the most famous artisan product from Valtellina, the “pezzotto” is a very resistant fabric made using scraps of fabric, hand-woven at the loom.
  • Art & Culture

Monuments Bergamo

Bergamo and its province offer monuments of rare beauty. Discover the main monuments to visit
Monuments Bergamo, choose what to see in Lombardy
  • Art & Culture

What does a Brazilian do at La Scala?

The affairs of Brazil's greatest composer and his connection with La Scala Theater in Milan
What does a Brazilian do at La Scala in Milan?
  • Art & Culture

Bergamo Città Bassa

Glimpses of ancient villages along the main communication routes between the upper city and the territory
Bergamo Città Bassa (Lower City)
  • Art & Culture

Welcome to Cremona!

Cremona is for everyone
  • Art & Culture

Theatre: what’s on stage in Lombardy 

In Lombardy, theatres are opening up safely: here are some of the must-see shows and festivals
Teatro: chi è di scena in Lombardia
  • Art & Culture

THE ISLAND OF THE MONASTERIES

  • Art & Culture

Insider Mantua

Insider Mantua
  • Art & Culture

5 medieval monuments in Lodi

A journey of discovery through the Middle Ages, from Borghetto Lodigiano to Lodi.
Palazzo Rho_Borghetto Lodigiano
  • Art & Culture

A day at the National Museum Leonardo da Vinci

One of the largest science and technology museums in Europe
Museo della Scienza
  • Art & Culture

Urban sculptures and works of art: Lombardy's open-air museum

Lesser known statues, monuments, and works of art, concealed within the streets and piazzas of Lombardy's cities: a prestigious artistic heritage is waiting to be discovered 
Opere e sculture urbane: il museo a cielo aperto della Lombardia
  • Art & Culture

Festival of Ethical Photography

Responsible photojournalism: The Festival of Ethical Photography
Festival della Fotografia Etica
  • Art & Culture

Museums Monza

From the Treasure of the Cathedral to the MEMB, there are many museums where you can discover local history, art and culture
Monza musei
  • Art & Culture

11 addresses for villas and parks

Relive the charm of the past between villas, parks and castles in Lombardy
Magical places in Lombardy
  • Art & Culture

Mantua Culture Capital 2016

Mantua city of art, capital of culture
Mantua Culture Capital 2016, discover its wonders
  • Art & Culture