Milan stands 122 m. above sea level on the edge of the upper and lower plains, in a long privileged position on the main lines of communication linking the Mediterranean area to Central Europe. Undoubtedly the most important industrial and commercial centre in Europe (with political and cultural influence). Milan is a large metropolis extending over an area consisting of almost thirty municipalities. `Greater Milan' has over two and a half million inhabitants.
A settlement of the local Gauls as Mediolanum it became a busy trading centre in Roman times and, from 292 AD., was the seat of the Western Emperors. After the Barbarian invasions, when it lost some of its importance to Pavia, capital of the Lombards and Franks, Milan regained vigour during the comuni period and later under the Viscontis and Sforzas. After submitting to Spanish (1535-1714) and Austrian rule (1714-1859), it became part of the Kingdom of Italy, with the rest of Lombardy.
Despite its prevalently modern appearance, the city has a heritage of artistic treasures and famous monuments. Prominent is the Duomo, in the city centre, a magnificent building which took five centuries to finish (14th-19th century) without ever betraying the dictates of Gothic architecture, with its 135 spires and the famous gilt statue of the `Madonnina', the real symbol of Milan. Not to be forgotten are the Romanesque Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio (4th-12th century), the church of Sant'Eustorgio, also Romanesque, the Castello Sforzesco (15th century castle), today housing many museums, Ospedale Maggiore (15th century hospital), the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie (15th century) with Leonardo da Vinci's `Last Supper' in the adjoining monastery, the Baroque building of Brera and the Neoclassic La Scala theatre, by Piermarini.
Milan's economic sector, is immensely and productively dynamic, the result of the traditional entrepreneurial spirit and industriousness of the inhabitants. The city is the site of vast international industrial plants, but also has many small and medium-sized firms; all branches of industry are well represented, the engineering, steel, chemical, textile, printing and wood-working sectors being the most important.
With progressive expansion of industry, Milan has become a centre of international commerce. Over 60% of the active population is employed in the services sector, characterized by the presence of busy banks, finance and insurance companies, the head offices of the major Italian companies and the Borsa, Italy's main stock exchange.
Events: Fiera Campionaria (Trades Fair, April), Carnevale Ambrosiano (Milan carnival, with the Milanese Meneghino and Cecca masques), Fiera degli `Oh Bej! Oh Bej!'-second hand and antiques fair-(7th December in honour of Sant'Ambrogio, patron saint of the city), La Scala Opera Season, Festa dei Navigli (June).
Famous People: Cesare Beccaria (jurist, 1738-1794), Pietro Verri (man of letters and economist, 1728-1797), Carlo Porta (poet, 1776-1821), Alessandro Manzoni (writer, 1785-1873), Carlo Cattaneo (patriot and man of letters, 1801-1869), il Fiamminghino (artist, 1575-1640), San Carlo Borromeo (cardinal, 1538-1584), Luchino Visconti (film director, 1906-1976).
Cultural Institutions: Four universities (Statale, Cattolica, Bocconi, IULM), many museums and art collections (the Castello Sforzesco museums, Museo del Cinema, Pinacoteca Brera-art gallery-Galleria d'Arte Moderna, Museo del Risorgimento, Museo Manzoniano, Museo della Scienza e della Tecnica, Museo Archeologico), libraries (Ambrosiana, Comunale, della Società Storica Lombarda), cultural associations, foundations (Poldi Pezzoli, Carlo Erba, Feltrinelli), research institutes, various theatres (La Scala, Lirico, Manzoni, dell'Elfo, di Porta Romana, Piccolo Teatro, and so on).
In the Province: Cinisello Balsamo, Sesto San Giovanni, Lodi (dairy products), Monza (industry and art), Legnano (Palio del Carroccio), Rho, Bollate.
Situated on the edge of the outlying Orobic hills between the mouths of the Brembana and Seriana valleys, the town has two distinct urban centres: Bergamo Alta, the oldest and upper part of the town with a wealth of history and art, stands on a hill (365 m.) a hundred metres or so above the plain, where Bergamo Bassa (249 m.) lies, a busy modern industrial and commercial centre.
First a Gallic settlement, then Roman, after the Barbarian invasions, it became a free municipality in the Lombard League (12th century) before submitting to the Visconti Signoria, and from 1428 to 1796 formed part of the Venetian Republic. In this period the town, surrounded by walls, underwent coinsiderable economic expansion. After the brief Napoleonic Cisalpine Republic (1797-1814), it became part of Lombard-Venetia until freed by Garibaldi's soldiers in 1859.
Monuments: The Colleoni chapel, masterpiece of the Lombard Renaissance (housing frescoes by Tiepolo), Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (12th century), Palazzo della Ragione (12th century, altered in the 16th century), Duomo, Torre del Comune (tower). Though gravitating towards nearby Milan, Bergamo's economy is characterized by the presence of a well-defined industrial sector, active in engineering, textiles, chemicals, food and building materials.
Events: International jazz festival (March-April), opera season at Teatro Donizetti, international piano festival (April-June), Baroque music concerts (Autumn), `Rogo della vecchia' (Lent).
Famous People: Gaetano Donizetti (musician, 1797-1848),
Costantino Beltrami (explorer, 1779-1856), Andrea Previtali (artist, 1470-1528), Gerolamo Tiraboschi (man of letters, 17311794), Bartolomeo Colleoni (military leader, 1400-1475), Pope John XXIII (the famous `Papa Giovanni', 1881-1963).
Cultural Institutions: Accademia Carrara (gallery with paintings by Mantegna, Bellini, Tintoretto, Raffaello and others), Museo Donizettiano, Museo Archeologico and Museo del Risorgimento (museums), libraries, the university.
In the Province: Dalmine (steel industry), Lovere (steel industry), Foppolo (tourism), San Pellegrino Terme (thermal spa), Treviglio, Sotto il Monte (birthplace of Pope John XXIII).
Situated at the edge of the Prealps 149 m. above sea-level on flat ground at the mouth of Valtrompia, Brescia has the second largest population in Lombardy.
It was an important chief town of the local Gauls, then a Roman municipium called Brixia; after the Barbarian invasions it became a free municipality (12th century) within the Lombard League. From 1426, after the Pallavicini, Scaligeri, Torriani and Visconti Signorie, it went over to the Republic of Venice, remaining part of that until 1797, the year in which the Napoleonic Cisalpine Republic was declared. In 1814 Brescia became part of Lombard-Venetia under Hapsburg rule, from which it attempted in vain to break free under the leadership of Tito Speri, demonstrating admirable courage during the `Dieci Giornate di Brescia' - a last, desperate attempt at resistance. It is for this episode that the town is called `the Lioness of Italy'. It was finally liberated in 1859.
Monuments: The most important monuments stand in the oldest part of the town: Piazza della Loggia, a harmonious complex of Renaissance buildings, the Rotonda or Duomo Vecchio (Romanesque, 11th century), Duomo Nuovo (17th-18th century), Broletto (12th century) and Torre del Popolo (11th century tower), many Renaissance and 17th century buildings (Maggi, Ganassoni, Martinengo Cesaresco), the majestic remains of the Tempio Capitolino and Teatro Romano (1st century AD.).
Together with a well-developed industrial sector (engineering, steel, food and textiles) the town's economy has a highly organized, busy commerce of the products of local industry and agricultural produce from the fertile surrounding area. Banking also has a certain importance together with tourism.
Events: Mercatino delle curiosità (curio market every last Saturday and Sunday of the month), international piano festival (April-June), opera season.
Famous People: Arnaldo da Brescia (political thinker and reformer, 12th century), Nicolò Fontana also known as `il Tartaglia' (mathematician, 1506-1557), Tito Speri (patriot, 1825-1853), Giuseppe Zanardelli (jurist, 1826-1903), Veronica Gambara (poetess, 1485-1550), `Il Romanino' (artist, 1484-1566).
Cultural Institutions: Archivio di Stato (state archives), Museo delle Armi (Arms Museum), Museo dell'Età Cristiana (Museum of the Christian Age), Pinacoteca Civica Tosio-Martinengo (includes paintings by Raffaello, L. Lotto, Romanino, Carracci, Veneziano), Museo Romano, Winged Victory statue, (1st century AD.), Museo del Risorgimento, libraries, university.
In the Province: Gardone Val Trompia (firearms manufacture), Vobarno (steel industry), Chiari (dairies), Sirmione (tourism), Desenzano del Garda (Museo della Battaglia-battle museum), Salò (`Museo Storico del Nastro Azzurro' foundation), Gardone Riviera (`Il Vittoriale degli Italiani' foundation), Capo di Ponte (Centro Camuno di Studi Preistorici-prehistoric study centre, antiquarium), Breno (Museo Civico Camuno-civic museum of the ancient inhabitants of Val Camonica), Lonato (Ugo da Como foundation), Ponte di Legno (tourism).
Situated 201 m above sea level on the south-western tip of the Lake of the same name, Como is 5 km from the Ponte Chiasso border between Italy and Switzerland.
It was probably a Gaul settlement, becoming a Roman colony (1st century BC.) with the name of Novum Comum: its present urban structure still follows the outline of the ancient castrum. After the Barbarian invasions it became a free municipality, often at war with, and destroyed by, Milan in 1127. It then shared the vicissitudes of the Lombard capital, that is, the Signorie, Spanish and Austrian rule, the Cisalpine Republic and the unification of Italy.
Important Monuments: Duomo (14th-17th century) with Gothic-Renaissance façade; Basilica of San Fedele (12th century); the churches of Sant'Abbondio (11th century) and Sant'Agostino (14th century); the Broletto (13th century)-Romanesque-Gothic; Villa Olmo (Neoclassical); remains of the Roman walls and Porta Praetoria.
Favoured by its position on important lines of communication, Como was already renowned in the 16th century for the spinning and weaving of silk and wool. These two activities still play a prime role in its economy, making it one of the leading producers world-wine. Other industries present are engineering and printing. Many banks and finance companies, together with shipping and transportation make for an important services sector. There is also considerable tourism.
Events: Autunno Musicale (musical autumn), winter opera season.
Famous People: Alessandro Volta (scientist, 1745-1827), Pliny the Elder (Latin scholar, 23-79 AD.), Pliny the Younger (Latin writer, 61-112 AD.), Paolo Giovio (historian, 1483-1552).
Cultural Institutions: Archeological museum, Società Archeologica Comense (archeological society), Fondazione Somaini (foundation), Tempio Voltiano (museum of the life and works of Alessandro Volta), Museo Storico G. Garibaldi (historical museum), silk museum (at Garlate).
In the Province: Cantù (furniture industry), Lecco (industrial town, archeological museum, Villa Manzone), Cernobbio, Bellagio, Tremezzo (Museo di Villa Carlotta-museum), Campione d'Italia (casino), Barzio (winter sports), Erba (archeological museum).
The town stands 45 m. above sea level on fertile plains near the left bank of the Po River, just past its confluence with the Adda River.
Of Gallic origin, it became a Roman colony (218 BC.). After the fall of the Empire, it was subject to Barbarian invasions before becoming a free municipality in the 11th century, often at war with the other Lombard towns; it fell to Visconti rule in the 14th century. From then on, for brief intervals, Cremona formed part of the Duchy of Milan, sharing its destiny, and after the Lombard-Venetia period, it was involved in the Italian Risorgimento.
Monuments: Duomo (12th-14th century), Lombard-Romanesque, Torrazzo (13th century, 111 m. high, the highest bell tower in Italy), Romanesque baptistry, Palazzo del Comune (13th century), Loggia dei Militi (13th century), Palazzo Foari (Renaissance), Chiesa di Sant'Agostino (14th century church, Lombard-Gothic), Palazzo Affaitati (1561).
Unlike most Lombard towns, the economy of Cremona is based on flourishing agriculture and animal husbandry, facilitated by the fertility of the surrounding plain. Industry is closely linked to the primary sector with food production (pasta, salami, cheese, cakes) and engineering (construction of farm machinery). The manufacture of musical instruments is a tradition and the lute workshops have been world-famous since the 16th century. Cremona also has a river port of some importance.
Events: Opera season at Teatro Ponchielli, musical and theatrical celebration in September-October.
Famous People: Claudio Monteverdi (musician, 1567-1643), Nicola Amati (lute-maker, 1596-1684), Antonio Stradivari (violin-maker, 1644-1737), G. Antonio Guarnieri (lute-maker, 1683-1745).
Cultural Institutions: Museo Stradivariano (museum), Museo di Storia Naturale (museum of natural history), Fondazione Monteverdi, civic museum, lute school (the only one in Europe), Museo della Civiltà Contadina della Valpadana (peasant museum).
In the Province: Crema (agricultural and industrial centre), Soncino (Sforza stronghold, printing museum), Pandino (Visconti castle), Soresino (dairy produce), Pescarolo and Uniti (linen museum).
This town stands 19 m. above sealevel on the right bank of the Mincio River, at the point in which the river bends, widening to form Lakes Superiore, di Mezzo and Inferiore. Probably of Etruscan origin, it was occupied first by the local Gauls and then by the Romans in the 3rd century BC. After the fall of the Empire, it was subjected to various periods of Barbarian rule, and became a free municipality after forming part of Matilde di Canossa feudal dominions (11th-12th century). In 1328, Gonzaga rule began and was to last for four centuries; under the Gonzagas the town grew in political importance and became the seat of one of the richest and most refi ned of the Renaissance courts. In 1707 Mantua passed to the Hapsburgs who, in 1844, made it one of the linchpins, with Verona, Legnago and Peschiera, of the famous `quadrilateral' defence system. Then followed the Italian Risorgimento.
Monuments: Palazzo Ducale or Reggia dei Gonzaga (13th-18th century, with the Mantegna frescoes in the bridal suite and other works of art), Sant'Andrea (Renaissance church by Leon Battista Alberti), Duomo (16th century), Palazzo Tè (the Gonzagas' summer residence), Castello di San Giorgio (castle with frescoes by Mantegna), Broletto (12th century), Torre dell'Orologio, Piazza Sordello, Piazza delle Erbe.
The economy of Mantua is still based on the marketing of farm produce from the surrounding plain. In recent decades, however, the chemical, mechanical, textile and food sectors have developed. Tourism linked to the artistic heritage of the town is important.
Events: Fiera di Sant'Anselmo (March), Good Friday Procession, Festa dei `Madonnari' delle Grazie (15th August).
Famous People: Virgilio Marone (Virgil, Roman poet, 70-19 BC.), Pietro Pomponazzi (philosopher, 1462-1525), Teofilo Folengo (poet, 1491-1544), Giuseppe Bazzani (artist, 1690-1769), Giovan Battista Bertani (architect, 1516-1576), Enrico Tazzoli (patriot, 1812-1852).
Cultural Institutions: Museo del Risorgimento, Museo di Palazzo Ducale, Mantegna's House, Museo dei Burattini-(Puppet museums, Gallery of Modern Art Palazzo Tè), Accademia Virgiliana (Academy of science, letters and arts).
In the Province: Sabbioneta (works of art), Gonzaga (birthplace of this dynasty), Castiglione delle Stiviere (Museo Storico Aloisiano-historical museum), Suzzara, Viadana, Ostiglia, San Benedetto Po (Museo Civico Polironiano-civic museum), Revere (Museo del Po, museum), Virgilio (Museo Virgiliano-Virgil museum).
The town stands on the left bank of the Ticino river, 77 m. above sea level, approximately 6 km. before it meets the Po.
Originally the Roman town Ticinum, increasingly important after the fall of the Empire, when the Lombards made it the capital of the `Regnum Italicum', which it remained until the 11th century. Later a free municipality, it was often at war with Milan and, from 1359, under Visconti rule, sharing the fortunes of the Lombard capital. In 1525, at the Battle of Pavia, fought near the town, François I, King of France, was captured by Charles V.
Monuments: Duomo (15th-16th century), Basilica di San Michele (12th century, Romanesque), San Teodoro (12th century, Romanesque), Castello Visconteo (14th century), Ospedale San Matteo (15th century), San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro (12th century), Piazza della Vittoria, the covered bridge over the Ticino River.
The local economy is still mainly based on farming or agriculture related activities. Industry has developed in the mechanical engineering, chemical and textile sectors. In the service sector, the town has numerous banks, finance companies and commercial centres. Pavia is the seat of an important and prestigious university.
Events: In September-October, music and theatre; Autumn in Pavia (fairs and wine and food festivals); Pavia-Venice motorboat race (beginning of June).
Famous People: Gerolamo Cardano (mathematician, 1501-1576), Alessandro Rolla (musician, 1757-1841), Alessandro Guidi (poet, 1650-1712), Lanfranco di Pavia (theologist, 1005-1089), Liutprand (historian and Bishop of Cremona, 910-972).
Cutural Institutions: University (one of the oldest in Italy founded in the 10th century, reorganized by the Viscontis in 1361), Pinacoteca (also paintings by Correggio, V. Foppa, G. Bellini, Palma il Giovane), civic museums, State archives, civic library and historical archives.
In the Province: Vigevano (city of art, footwear industry), Voghera (industry, historical museum, paleontological museum), Mortara (industry, farming), Certosa di Pavia (majestic Renaissance Charterhouse), Casteggio (archeological museum).
Standing 307 m. above sea level in mid-Valtellina, near the confluence of the Mallero and the Adda rivers, at the mouth of Valmalenco, Sondrio is the smallest provincial chief town in Lombardy. Of Longobard origin, it fell to the Viscontis in 1336, then passed to the Sforza duchy. From 1512 to 1797 Sondrio formed part of the territory of the Grisons (Switzerland).
Monuments: Collegiata dei Santi Gervasio e Protasio (18th century paintings), Palazzo Pretorio (16th century), Madonna della Sassella (sanctuary, 15th century).
The local economy is based mainly on the service sector, the banks, commercial, and administrative offices, and haulage companies. Industries present are textiles and wine. Cattle and pig breeding is reasonably important.
Events: Agricultural fairs and gastronomical events are held throughout the year all along the valley.
Famous People: Antonio Caimi (artist, 1814-1878), Giovanni Ligari (artist and architect, 1686-1752), Pietro Martire Rusconi (artist, died in 1861), Cesare Ligari (artist, 1716-1770).
Cultural Institutions: Museo Valtellinese di Storia ed Arte (archeological finds and paintings), Civica Biblioteca (civic library), Consorzio Artigiano `Pietra Ollare' (stone used in local crafts), Museo Diocesano (diocesan museum).
In the Province: many tourist resorts such as: Bormio, Livigno (duty-free area), Chiesa in Valmalenco, Madesimo, Tirano (Renaissance buildings), Santa Caterina Valfurva, Chiavenna (Sagra dei `Crotti'-local celebration in September), Aprica (Museo Etnografico, ethnography museum).
This town lies 382 m. above sealevel on the gentle slopes of Sacro Monte and Campo dei Fiori (1,226 m.) descending towards the lake of the same name, approximately 10 km. from the Swiss border.
Probably of Gallic origin, it was, unlike the other main Lombard towns, of no importance in Roman times. From the Middle Ages, it belonged first to the Bishops of Milan, then to the Torrianis, the Viscontis and Facino Cane, coming into the hands of Francesco III d'Este, Duke of Modena, in 1765. Annexed to the Cisalpine Republic in 1797, it shared the vicissitudes of the Italian Risorgimento.
Monuments: Basilica di San Vittore (16th-17th century, paintings by Morazzone), Battistero (12th-13th century, Romanesque baptistery), Palazzo Estense (18th century with Italian garden), Villa Mirabello (18th century).
As far as the local economy is concerned, with one of the highest incomes pro capite in Italy, Varese is an industrial centre, the most important sectors being footwear, garments, household appliances and textiles. Its commerce prospers by the town's proximity to Switzerland and the excellent network of communications with Milan and other important towns in the Province. There is a significant tourist traffic, attracted by the nearby lakes.
Events: Theatrical performances and concerts in the Biumo villas (on the outskirts of the town).
Famous People: Gian Battista Grandi (artist, 1638-1718), Giuseppe Grandi (sculptor, 1843-1895).
Cultural Institutions: Civic museums (Museo del Risorgimento, Museo Archeologico), Russolo-Pratella Foundation, Istituto per la Storia del Risorgimento.
In the Province: Busto Arsizio (industry and commerce), Saronno (food industry), Gallarate (industrial town, modern art gallery), Ispra (Euratom Research Centre), Luino (resort), Castelseprio (archeological area), Angera (Rocca dei Borromeo), Laveno Mombello (Civica Raccolta di Terraglia).