Lombardy accommodation from AU$176

Seen all there is to see in Milan? Well, don’t wave goodbye to Lombardy just yet, because there’s more to this historic region than just its capital. Beyond Milan you’ll find cities with striking medieval architecture, great art, the home of the Italian Grand Prix and the beauty of Italy’s lakes. Wot’s not to like about that? Book one of our Lombardy hotels and don’t let Milan be your final destination!

History

Lombardy’s history stretches back over 2,000 years, with the Etruscans, the Celts and the Romans all taking turns to conquer the area. Famous figures like Pliny the Elder and the epic poet Virgil were born in this region. Milan became the seat of the Western Roman Empire in 293 A.D, and in 313 A.D, Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, making all religions legal within the empire.

Lombardy covers less than one-tenth of the country’s entire area, but still has the largest population of any region in Italy.

Things to do

Brescia is Lombardy’s second largest city, making it the ideal spot to head after Milan. In this old medieval town you’ll find the very circular Duomo Vecchio, a Roman Catholic cathedral. You can visit the Teatro Lirico Giuseppe Verdi Opera House, or the Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo, a collection of paintings featuring works by Raphael and other artists from the 13th to 18th centuries. Wedged between Brescia and Verona you’ll find Lake Garda, Italy’s biggest lake, surrounded by mountains and fortified towns.

Drop into Bergamo, a hilltop town with superb views, baroque architecture, plenty of art, and the very European cafes of the Piazza Vecchia town square. Love racecars? Every year the Italian Grand prix is held at the Autodromo Nazionale in the commune of Monza, which also boasts a stunning collection of religious art and the grandeur of the Villa Reale.

Shopping and dining

Like most of Italy, Lombardy has shopping streets and outdoor flea markets, and shopping villages like the Franciacorta Outlet Village. Local favourite foods, from gelati and cheese to pasta and wine, are waiting for you in Lombardy’s cafes and restaurants.

Getting here

Book one of our cheap flights to Milan and get around to the rest of Lombardy by hire car, bus or train. If you want to spend some time in Milan before you head further afield, check out our Milan accommodation here. Book your accommodation outside Milan with us to enjoy every inch of Lombardy for less.

Image credit Franco Folini under Creative Commons