Archive for 'Lombardy'

If you are planning to enjoy a sunny holiday in the area of Milan in Northern Italy, you can’t pass by the opportunity to visit the famous Santa Maria delle Grazie church and convent in Milan city in which the original fresco of ‘The Last Supper’ by Leonardo di Vinci was painted onto the refectory wall!

Enjoy a welcoming stay in one of many exclusive holiday villas in Milan where you can base a trip to this historical building.

Began in 1463, this seemingly humble building was finished by some of the greatest architects and painters in Renaissance history. Donato Bramante, who was one of the first architects to work on St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, designed the apse and cloister of the church which can still be admired today. But it is Leonardo da Vinci’s famous ‘Last Supper’ fresco that continues to draw thousands of tourists to this church year after year.

A worthy day trip if you're spending your holiday north of Italy is to explore the majestic castles that surround the stunning Lake Como, in the province of Como in Lombardy. It’s regarded as Italy’s favourite lake to visit and is also the deepest one in the country.

There are plenty of vacation villa rentals in Como town to choose from which have breathtaking views of the lake.

The location of this lake, which was beside the main route of trade between central Europe and Rome in ancient times, made it a prosperous place to live. Many castles were built along its edge, most using the stretch of water as a clever protective boundary from frequent invaders.

Fortresses were built on its shores that date from the Middle Ages, through the 19th century and even from the beginning of World War I. Some are open for tourists to walk around and others, which are now hotels or homes in private ownership, can be admired from the hills that surround them.

One of the world's major fashion capitals and the financial center of Italy, Milano is modern, fast-paced, and unique from the rest of the country.

There are many sights to see within Milan, ranging from cultural institutions to churches and art galleries. The Duomo and Piazza are must-sees, for their classic design, for example. The Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie is home to the  famous "L’ultima cena" painting by Leonardo da Vinci.

You can also visit other notable sites such as the Milan Cathedral, and Teatro alla Scala, or simply relax in the city's notable ritzy cafes and lush parks.

Lago di Como, or Lake Como in English, has long been a popular retreat for the rich and the famous since Roman times. It has many stunning villas and palaces along its banks, with the likes of Madonna, George Clooney, Richard Branson, and Sylvester Stallone owning property there today. It is the third largest lake in Italy, with a depth of over 1320 feet. Along its banks is thecity of Como, which not only offers easy access to the lake and the surrounding Alps but also to a number of gardens, museums, artworks, palaces, and churches.

The Mille Miglia is an open-road endurance race that is held in Italy.

The original race was started by Franco Mazzotti Bianchelli and Vount Aymo Maggi di Gradella after their hometown of Brescia lost the Italian Grand Pix hosting bid to the rival city of Monza.

The original track extended from Brescia to Rome in a figure-eight shape. It covered a distance of about 1,500 km, which is equivalent to 1,000 Roman miles. The route and distance of the race changed over the years. The original series lasted from 1927 to 1957.

The race was held 24 times during this period but was terminated subsequently after a fatal crash involving a 4.2 liter Ferrari, and another one with Triumph TR3. The race was again revived in 1982.