• 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

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

Milan, following Leonardo’s footsteps

Pictorial suggestions and drawings. Machines and impressive hydraulic engineering works. In Milan, a journey in the wake of Leonardo
  • Art & Culture

House Museums of Lombardy: step inside the homes of renowned historical figures

Discover the history and culture of the Region of Lombardy through its historic house museums, from the homes of famous people and art collectors to artists' studios.
Case Museo in Lombardia - Villa Manzoni, Lecco
  • Art & Culture

Brianza Villas Itinerary

Villa Gallarati Scotti (Oreno di Vimercate)
  • Art & Culture

Wonder and Pleasure between Milan and Varese

Villas, gardens and water features: a journey to homes built to surprise with their art, nature and wonders.
(Ph: in-lombardia I Mille)
  • Art & Culture

Museums Mantua

Indelible traces of a past full of history and emblematic characters. Museums tell us about the rich biography of the territory
Museums Mantua, cultural hubs in Lombardy
  • Art & Culture

The festival of Saint Bassianus in Lodi

Head to the centre of Lodi to celebrate the city's patron saint and discover a variety of traditions and handicrafts
Fiera di San Bassiano_Lodi
  • Art & Culture

Castles Lodi

The history of a glorious past between the castles and fortresses of the Lodi area
Castles Lodi, a guide to Lombardy
  • Art & Culture

16th Olympic Games of Violin-making

  • Art & Culture

Cammino del Vescovado: vineyards and villages

A route in three stages to discover the Terre del Vescovado, amidst picturesque villages, charming hills and famous vineyards
Cammino del Vescovado: vineyards and villages - credits: terredelvescovado.it
  • Art & Culture

Theaters Lodi

Lodi is famous not only for its monumental beauties, but also for the lively cultural activity in its theaters
Theaters Lodi, culture trips in Lombardy
  • Art & Culture

Castles Bergamo

Bergamo saw in the past the proliferation of fortifications. Many, today, castles to visit
Castles Bergamo, discovering Lombardy
  • Art & Culture

A day in the life of Leonardo

Art and more: discover a world of intrigue and passions
Castello Sforzesco
  • Art & Culture

Bernardino Campi in Pizzighettone

Frescoes in the San Bassiano Church in Pizzighettone
  • Art & Culture

The Longobard heritage of Pavia

A journey of discovery to uncover the ancient civilisation of the Longobards through the history of the city of Pavia.
The Longobard heritage of Pavia
  • Art & Culture

The Ghost of Manigunda

In Varese the legend of the ghost of Manigunda to the monastery
Legends of Varese: the Ghost of Manigunda at the Cairate Monastery
  • Art & Culture

Festival of Ethical Photography

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

Theaters Brescia

Brescia will surprise you with the vitality of its theaters, where are staged prose, ballets and concerts
Theaters Brescia, culture in Lombardy
  • Art & Culture

Open museums in Lombardy: an ode to female talent 

Lombardy’s museums are once again welcoming the public, art lovers, and other visitors with a wealth of exhibitions dedicated to women: artists, works of art, and mythological figures who have inspired exhibitions and shows
  • Art & Culture

Monuments Milan

Milan is rich in historical and artistic monuments of the highest value that bear witness to the history of the Lombard capital
Monuments Milan, suggestions for visiting
  • Art & Culture