Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Milan & the Lakes
Why Go?
Sprawling between the Alps and the Po valley, Lombardy (Lombardia) has a varied land-
scape: industrious cities, medi-eval hill towns and lakeside resorts are interspersed with
powdered slopes, lemon groves, vineyards and rice paddies.
Dominating is Lombardy's capital and Italy's economic powerhouse, Milan. Home to the
nation's stock exchange, one of Europe's biggest trade-fair grounds and an international
fashion hub, it is Italy's second-largest metropolis.
Sparkling, glacial lakes are strung along the north of the region like a glittering necklace.
Wedding-cake villas set in tiered gardens adorn elegant towns and coquettish villages along
the shores. Further north still, the Valtellina and the Orobie Alps stretch into dramatic na-
tional parks, which hide sharp-sided valleys and wildly wooded mountain slopes.
South of the main chain of lakes, cities steeped in history include medieval Bergamo, the
age-old violin-making centre of Cremona and the Renaissance city of Mantua.
When to Go
May & Jun
Spring flowers, mild weather and concerts in Cremona herald the start of sum-
mer.
