Archive for 'Lombardy'

  

Cathedral of St Ambrose, Vigevano
Continuing on from our last article, this piece will discuss some more of our picks for the Seven Wonders of Italy.

The Cathedral of St. Ambrose is a building in Lombardy with roots going as far back as the tenth century, though the present structure dates to the sixteenth. It is the seat of the Bishop of Vigevano and the current building was commissioned by Duke Francesco II Sforza in 1530.

Dedicated to St. Ambrose, it was designed by Antonio da Lonate and thought it was begun shortly afterwards, work was not completed until 1612.

With beautiful painted interiors, a newer Baroque façade and a famous treasury and museum inside, it is a typical Italian cathedral in many ways.     Read More

  

Pavia
Pavia is an antiquated town in Lombardy that is over 2000 years old, located not far from Milan that evokes fairytales, particularly the likes of Rapunzel, as it is populated by several medieval towers that reach towards the sky and look down upon modern buildings.

These thin, seemingly purposeless towers, once overwhelmed the town with their quantity and numbered a hundred. Today, far fewer exist but the town remains known as the “City of 100 Towers.”

In spite of their dwindling numbers, there are still plenty of other things to see and do in the town nowadays so why not find a vacation rental in Lombardy and pay a visit to beautiful Pavia?     Read More

  

Lake Iseo
Lake Iseo is located in Lombardy, northern Italy, between two larger and much more famous bodies of water: Lake Garda and Lake Como. While tourist guides might point you towards spending time in the latter two destinations, it is wise not to look past the lovely Lake Iseo, which remains a bit of a relatively hidden gem. Just find a vacation rental in Lombardy and explore this beauty.

You'll not only find a lack of tourist crowds and long queues but also a lake as stunning and with as many activities and sights to offer any visitor.

First of all, be sure to try and enjoy the wonderful local cuisine. As you might imagine, there are plenty of fish to be had and, as a result, delicious aquatic delicacies to try. There are also plenty of small vineyards, olive groves and chestnut groves in the area. All of this fresh local produce means that the food of the area is particularly rich, comforting and tasty.     Read More

  

Consonno, entrance
There are many ghost towns around Italy, all of which have been abandoned for one reason or another – natural disaster, a bad location, poor foundations or planning, or migration – but one of the most fascinating of all has to be failed Las Vegas of Italy, Consonno in Lombardy.

Although the town had ancient origins, its decline came after it was completely bought up and rebuilt in the 60s. This was a time of economic prosperity in Italy and in the spirit of fast cars, rock 'n' roll and glamorous lifestyles, entrepreneur Mario Bagno took it upon himself to transform the town.

He bought every piece of land in the area and forced locals to relocate before knocking everything down bar the church and a few houses.     Read More

  

Facade, Cappella Colleoni
Bergamo is a stunning city in Lombardy that is surrounded by captivating scenery and stuffed full of architectural and cultural gems. One of the most beautiful buildings in the whole city, however, has to the Cappella Colleoni.

Built between 1472 and 1476, it was constructed as a mausoleum-cum-chapel for the Bergamese mercenary commander Bartolomeo Colleoni. One of the most famous mercenary captains in Italy, he led Venice's armies in campaigns across northern Italy and was known as a fearless soldier.

With a charming exterior and stunningly lovely interior, his chapel is a must-see for visitors coming to the city. Just find a vacation rental in Lombardy and spend time exploring Bergamo and her architectural boons.     Read More