Lombardy
Lombardy is one of the economically strongest regions in Italy and Europe. Enclosed by the Alps in the north, the vast landscape of the Po Valley opens up in the south.
The name comes from the Germanic rulers, the Lombards (Longbeards), who invaded Italy in 568 and expanded their sphere of influence from their capital Pavia. Before this, Lombardy had already been settled by Celts, Gauls, Byzantines and Romans. Traces of this long history can be found in many places. Lombardy, with its capital Milan, is divided into 12 provinces. The borders are: Switzerland to the north (cantons of Ticino and Graubünden), Piedmont to the west, Trentino, South Tyrol, Veneto to the east and Emilia-Romagna to the south.
Photo: © Thommy Weiss / pixelio.de
Lombardy food - a feast for the palate
Like all Italian regions, Lombardy also has its specialties.
specialties. The down-to-earth, often hearty cuisine has been strongly influenced by the
by its proximity to Switzerland and Austria, but also by Mediterranean influences.
influences. In contrast to other Italian regions, Lombardy's
Lombard cuisine was not characterized by poverty and austerity. The region has
always rich in ingredients, which the granary of Italy, the lush
meadows in the foothills of the Alps, the game in the forests and the fish in the rivers.
rivers. The population has always been rich thanks to trade.
rich. Unlike in poor, rural areas, the tables here were always
tables were always richly laid. To this day, Lombardy's cuisine still
prefer to use regional seasonal products. Frequent
ingredients in Lombard cuisine are veal and pork, but also frogs' legs, snails
but also frogs' legs, snails, geese, freshwater fish and crayfish.
Sights in Lombardy - Discover the diversity
Milan as the capital
of Lombardy is known as the center of fashion and design. This is where
important international trade fairs and all the major international
companies have representative offices in Milan and the surrounding area. In addition to the numerous archaeological finds in Lombardy, there are also numerous
museums, more than 300, covering a wide variety of subjects.
Some of the most interesting are the Accademia Carrara in Bergamo, the
Museum of Santa Giulia in Brescia, the Stradivari Museum in Cremona and
the National Museum of Science and Technology in Milan.
Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' is also of artistic interest.
Last Supper', which can be seen in Milan in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie
in Milan.
Shopping in Milan - More than "just" a shopper's paradise
Lombardy is a shopper's paradise. Milan in particular is an
Eldorado for all shopping enthusiasts. Italy has a long
experience in textile production and the Italian fashion designers are
are among the most renowned in the world. Numerous world-famous
designers such as Valentino, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Laura Biagiotti
and Gucci, have their ateliers in Milan. The less well-heeled will also find
also find an abundance of department stores, boutiques and delightful stores.
In numerous factory outlets you can buy designer fashion at affordable prices.
prices. The most fashionable shopping mall in Milan is the
covered Victor Emanuelle Gallery (Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II),
near the cathedral.
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