Discovering Lombardy
Arcumeggia (VA): the town with the walls painted by important contemporary artists.
Valvestino (BS): the Castle of Vezio, situated on a small hill overlooking Varenna, is found here; it is a medieval fort with an extraordinary view of the lake.
Susa Valley: suggestive and winding road that ascends from Gargnano, on Lake Garda, with panoramic views where nature’s beauty is absolutely enthralling.
Vigevano (PV):the Ducal Square, one of the most beautiful in Italy, conceived by Bramante, and the Shoe Museum, with 300 models from all over the world.
Other villages: Belgioioso, Castiglione Olona, Clusone, Chiari, Morbegno, Orzinuovi, Pizzighettone.
Tastes and flavors in Lombardy
Braised snails: speciality of Cremona, browned, shelled, re-cooked in tomato sauce and onion, with herbs, broth and red wine.
Sciat: cheese fritters made with buckwheat dough, characteristic of Valtellina.
Bergamo-style ‘strangolapreti’ (literally ‘priest chokers’): spinach and herb ‘gnocchi’, baked in the oven and served with seasoned butter.
Pumpkin ‘tortelli’ (sort of ravioli): gastronomic symbol of Mantua.
Wines: Franciacorta, Moscato di Scanzo, Oltrepò Pavese, San Colombano.
Handicrafts in Lombardy
Furagn:in the Chiavenna district, ‘ollare’ stone containers with covers suitable for storing butter, meat and cheeses.
Pipes: historical product of the craftsmanship of Varese.
Vigevano shoes: the town is the most important Italian shoe manufacturing center
Printed silk from Como: the silk processing tradition in Como dates back to 1500.
Lombardy: events & exhibitions
Castiglione Olona: July – ‘Palio’ of the Castles. Three days of historical re-evocations and the famous “Corsa delle Botti” (barrel race).
Como: between late August and mid-September - Baradello ‘Palio’. The city relives 15 days of celebrations re-evoking the arrival of Emperor Federico Barbarossa in town.
Mantua: early September - Literature Festival. An event that transforms Mantua into the Italian literature capital for a week.
Milan (Cn): all year round, last Sunday of the month - Handicraft Market. Many stands wind along against the backdrop of the canals.