Top landmarks in Lombardy

Editor's Choice: Lombardy

This curated selection highlights Lombardy's architectural and historical diversity. It features Mantua’s Ducal Palace with its Renaissance frescoes and the ancient Roman ruins of the Grottoes of Catullus on Lake Garda. Lakeside elegance is showcased through the botanical gardens of Villa Carlotta, Villa Monastero, and Villa del Balbianello. In Milan, the list covers the neo-Renaissance Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery and provocative modern sculptures like Maurizio Cattelan’s L.O.V.E., alongside the historic Monza Circuit and local culinary staples like Luini’s panzerotti.

Editor's Choice: Lombardy — Map

A

Ducal Palace

Vast 14th- to 17th-century museum complex and former residence of the Gonzaga family featuring Renaissance architecture and masterpieces. The site spans 35,000 square meters and contains approximately 1,000 rooms, including restored halls and the Castello di San Giorgio.

if you could let me know about it / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Grottoes of Catullus

Ruins of an extensive Roman villa dating from the 1st century BC to the 1st century AD. The site features the best-preserved example of a Roman villa in northern Italy and includes an archaeological museum.

Fabio Alessandro Locati / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Monza Circuit

Historic high-speed motorsport circuit founded in 1922. It is the oldest purpose-built racing facility in mainland Europe and serves as the iconic home of the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix.

Geobia / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Villa Monastero

Historic eclectic villa featuring a botanical garden, a house museum with period furnishings, and a convention center. Originally a 12th-century Cistercian convent, it now serves as a significant cultural and scientific site.

Daderot / Public domain

E

Villa Carlotta

Historic 17th-century villa featuring an extensive botanical garden and an art museum housing Neoclassical masterpieces. The estate includes an Italian garden and a collection of rare plant species.

Pe-sa / CC BY 3.0

F

Scaliger Castle

Imposing 14th-century lakeside fortress and national monument featuring a unique medieval dock and a 47-meter-high keep. This well-preserved fortification serves as the entrance to the historic town center.

Sygic Traveler / All rights reserved

G

Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery

Historic 19th-century covered shopping arcade featuring luxury shops, a glass-domed roof, and neo-Renaissance architecture. It connects two major cultural landmarks and combines high-end retail with significant architectural and artistic elements.

Deror_avi / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Villa del Balbianello

Historic 18th-century villa and museum featuring terraced gardens and a panoramic loggia. It houses the Museum of Expeditions and served as a filming location for major international movies.

Sygic Traveler / All rights reserved

I

L.O.V.E.

Large-scale marble sculpture depicting a severed hand with the middle finger raised, symbolizing protest and cultural critique.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

J

Needle, Thread and Knot

Large public sculpture depicting a sewing needle with multicolored thread and a knot, symbolizing Milan's labor and metro system.

Michelle Pinhatari / CC-BY-SA

K

Luini Pastry Shop

Ever heard of panzerotti? If not, the Luini's is the best place to try this typical Italian pastry for the first time.

Other Lists

Lombardy Essentials Hidden Gems of Milan Lombardy's Most Stunning Churches Must-See Museums in Lombardy Castles and Fortresses Mountain Adventures Arts and Theatres in Lombardy