Locality

The region of Lombardy is one of Italy's most geographically diverse regions. It starts from the Swiss border and the Alps (some of which peak at 30,000 metres) and stretches down to the flatlands of the river Po.

It's main city is the European' style capital: Milan.

It is also the home of Italy's main industries plus it offers the attractions of the beautiful Lakes of Como, Maggiore and Garda.

History

The area was invaded by the German Lombard tribe nearly 1,500 years ago, which gives the region it's name. The area has always been properous due to it's prominence in Italy industry.

Attractions

Lake Como is a beautiful, tranquil area.

Lake Maggiore lies half in Italy and the other half in Switzerland, it is surrounded by gentle slopes where stunning palms thrive. It offers easy access to ski resorts.

Lake Garda is Italy's largest lake and is situated half in the region of Veneto.

The Stelvio national park open during the summer and winter months.

Mantova's magnificent Palazzo Ducale.

The gardens and villas surrounding Lake Garda can be enjoyed on a steamer.

Lake Como's water and mountain views are stunning from one of Bellagio's cafes.

The waterfall and gorge at Orrido di Sant'Anna just on the outskirts of Cannobio on Lake Maggiore.

Milan houses Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper". It also has the Duomo: third largest Gothic cathedral in the world. An opera at the Teatro is worth experiencing. Milan also has stunning catwalk shows during the Milan Fashion week and an excellent shopping arcade called Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Food and Drink

The cuisine of this region is founded on buckwheat "polenta" and risotto. The dish "risotto alla Milanese" (with saffron) originated here. Beef and pork are also very popular. More substantial food in popular in the mountain areas, in particular buckwheat pasta "pizzoccheri" and freshwater fish from the lakes, especially carp and perch. The area is also famous for cheese: mascarpone, crescenza and gorgonzola. Sweet specialities include sweet chestnuts, "sbrisolona" (an almond cake) and fruit pastries.

The region also produces wine, including Valtellina Superiore DOC. The province of Brescia produces very good white wine and excellent sparkling wine.

Major airports in the Lombardy and Lakes region

Milan has two airports: Linate and Malpensa.