Six destinations with surprises

Art, history and mystery always involve a large dose of charm and preserve their secrets in unexpected places, revealing legends and tales that continue to preserve their beauty over time.

Lombardy has plenty of immersive places where you can discover unexpected stories. Whether this is in the underground crypt of a basilica, or on a panoramic walk in parks, woods and natural oases, every detail can reveal a host of surprises, showing you curiosities about past and present.

Autumn is a season of mystery, a time to experience the thrill of discovery in haunted locations and peaceful panoramic scenarios alike. There are experiences to suit all tastes, accompanying visitors as they rediscover the area and experience the provinces of Lombardy with a spirit that combines fairytale scenery, enchanted atmospheres, and spaces steeped in thousands of years of history.

Vezio Castle (LC) — For lovers of mystery, local legends and stunning panoramic views, Vezio Castle is an unforgettable destination. Located on a cape overlooking Varenna, during the Middle Ages its walls surrounded the picturesque village as far as the lake. Today, the imposing fort dating back to Roman times can be reached by car or on foot.

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Parco del Castagno (Casale,BG) — Autumn is the perfect season for walks in the woods, where you can appreciate the magical foliage and spend time out in the open air, harvesting chestnuts with friends or loved ones. In Casale, a district in the municipality of Albino (province of Bergamo), the authentic link between people and nature can be rediscovered in a charming village, 700 metres above sea level.

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Ponte Coperto (Pavia) — The Pavese area, with its rice fields and poplar woods, offers incredible scenery to visitors who cross through on their way to Pavia, a city with plenty of historic charm and thousands of years of traditions dating from Roman times to the modern day. The artistic and architectural beauties here include the famous Certosa di Pavia, the Basilica of San Michele Maggiore and the Visconti Castle, and of course, everyone’s itinerary needs to include the Ponte Coperto or “Covered Bridge”.

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Torbiere del Sebino (Iseo,Provaglio d’Iseo,Corte Franca, BS) — Even during the autumn, you can take advantage of a sunny day to admire the beautiful views of Lombardy with a more sparkling temperature. The Riserva Naturale Torbiere in Sebino is an excellent destination for a day out in the reeds and lakes in the province of Brescia, on the southern shore of Lake Iseo, in an area whose history goes back billions of years.

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Basilica of Sant’Andrea (Mantua) — Have you ever been struck by the beauty of the religious buildings in Mantua? They are most definitely worth taking pictures off, perhaps in the low, red light of sunset and, why not, they also provide an excellent opportunity for a day out. Two of the most important churches in the city are the work of Leon Battista Alberti.

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Sentiero delle Espressioni (Monte Comana,Schignano, CO) — The province of Como, famous not only for its spectacular lake views, also offers a vast network of nature walks in its mountains. These include the outstanding Sentiero delle Espressioni, a trail through the Forest of the Intelvi Valley, through to peak of Mount Comana. Along the route, hikers will come across the surprising sculptures by the Associazione Maschera that add to the experience with their beauty.

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Take me here: Six destinations with surprises

The trail of memories and labours

This trail was dedicated to the memory of the inhabitants of Castione who, in the past generations, walked along this path carrying heavy pack baskets. The path linked the highest part of the town to the valley floor and allowed people to carry out farm works.

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Hiking with kids in Lombardy - Trails for tourists and athletes

Hiking is an excellent way to enjoy exercise, and Lombardy has some amazing trails for kids and adults to explore in winter. Find out more.

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Swim away from the crowds in Lombardy

8 little-known destinations to swim in Lombardy

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Where to harvest chestnuts in Lombardy

Forests, hills, panoramic viewpoints and plays of light: discover where and when to collect chestnuts in Lombardy, as well as other useful tips

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A green week in Valtellina

Escape to the mountains just a two-hour drive from Milan for a rural retreat with trekking, typical pizzoccheri pasta and towns that are absolute hidden gems