© Wikipedia
Red tiled roofs in this pretty Roman town
The lovely town of Angera dates back to Roman times when it was an important stopping point for boats transferring their wares to the road, and vice-versa. Sitting high above the town is the Rocca Borromeo, a fortress dating back to the 11th century.
Located in a gulf on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, the characterful town of Angera was an important spot, controlling the trade traffic in the southern half of the lake. That is the reason why the Borromeo family, influential merchants and bankers in the Duchy of Milan, decided to turn its fortress into a luxury residence in the 14th century.
From its beautiful lakeside promenade you can enjoy views of Lake Maggiore and of the uninhabited Isolino Partegora, a small islet that emerges from the blue waters covered with lush green vegetation.
There are many small festivals and events that take place in this town, mainly in the summer. Perhaps the most popular is a music festival celebrated in collaboration with other villages on the eastern part of Lake Maggiore called "Il Lago Cromatico" when concerts are organised along the lake's shores, together with gastronomic events, cycling routes, guided tours and much more.
The area of Angera was inhabited in prehistoric times, and artefacts from hunters-gatherers have been found in the cave of Tana del Lupo, on the road that leads to Rocca Borromeo. During Roman times it was an important lakeside port on a trading route for wood and stone via the Ticino river. The current layout of the town centre reflects the Roman town division into districts.
With the arrival of Visigoths in the year 411, Angera was destroyed along with Milan. In the 11th century, it was under the domain of the archbishop of Milan, who built the first fortress on the rock. The building was expanded by the Visconti in the 13th century, and finally became the property of the Borromeo family in 1449, who also bought the town for 12,800 lire. Angera was under Spanish rule for two centuries, and under Austrian government until 1861.
The main monument in Angera is Rocca Borromeo, an 11th-century fortress turned into luxury residence by the Borromeo family in the 14th century. A vital point of defense against the Swiss, you can now visit the castle which boasts wonderful 13th-century frescoes.
The local museum has artefacts from the Roman town, while on the lakeside promenade there is an uncompleted 17th-century sanctuary, Madonna della Riva.
This grand monument, reaching 25 metres in height, was built at the beginning of the 19th century and sits in the centre of Sempione Square. Its marked Neo-Classical style features ornamental marble statues.
La Scala is one of the most important opera theatres in the globe, where many of the most famous operas were premiered. It now stages concerts, recitals and cultural events as well as ballet and opera.
Carlo Maciachini built the Monumental Cemetery between 1863 and 1866. The 250,000 m2 cemetery grounds are home to an eclectic assortment of memorial headstones, sculptures and monuments.
The invaluable collection of the Museo delle Culture contains important artefacts belonging to other cultures, exhibited in a way that showcases how the Milanese society has viewed them throughout the centuries.
Located at an old industrial facility, this multifunctional space is managed by Milan Town Council and open to all. It has a gallery exhibition space and offices of 200m2.
The Castello Sforzesco is Milan's main attraction after the Duomo. The castle's popularity is due in no small part to the dozen museums and archives within its grounds, with exhibitions on subjects as diverse as Palaeolithic history to 1950s furniture.
Michelin-starred experience that draws on the experimentation of the Venissa culinary approach. The enchanting decor completes the tone for dining in a very unique setting.
This elegant and sophisticated restaurant is located in a luxury hotel right in the heart of Milan and has been awarded a Michelin star. They serve traditional Italian dishes with innovative touches using local fresh ingredients.
The 2-Michelin-starred Seta restaurant located in the Mandarin Oriental Milan hotel is a new kid on the block for the Milanese restaurant scene. An open-plan kitchen gives guests a peak of how the stunning dishes are prepared and a more complete experience to their choices.
The elegant style and furnishings, the neoclassical pieces of art decorating the walls and the hand-painted high ceiling is a dramatic yet fitting setting for the fantastic food of the Palazzo Parigi restaurant. And when the weather is fine, the relaxed atmosphere of the private garden terrace provides an alternative atmosphere for visiting diners.
Il Baretto has been running for over fifty years, delighting the great and the good of the city for half a century. The sophisticated, old English club house decor is host to a refined menu taking cues from Milanese and international cuisine.
Part of the Armani Hotel Milan, this Michelin-starred restaurant takes a modern approach to classic Italian wining and dining. The stylish decor has been designed to the smallest detail by Giorgio Armani himself.
Located in the historic centre of Milan, in front of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, this is one of Milan’s hottest and trendiest bars in the city at any time of the day.
This unconsecrated small church was built at the end of the 18th century and, in 2006, it was converted into a bar. With a unique atmosphere, this bar is specialised in beers, cocktails and shots.
Located inside the Dondup flagship store, this restaurant boasts a wonderful bohemian decor with light whitewashed wood, vintage furniture, lots of candles and linen tablecloths. They serve seasonal dishes based on traditional Italian cuisine.
Founded in 2005, this glamorous nightclub offers event 5 nights of the week characterised by elegance and fun.
Overlooking the cathedral, this first-floor terrace is a great place for a relaxed aperitivo enjoying one of Milan's most typical drinks, an Aperol spritz.
Located in south-central Milan, this former cycle shop is a funky art bar decorated with old bicycles and is a great place to enjoy an aperitivo, a tasty dinner or start your evening.
Apart from visiting the castle, a stroll along the lakeside promenade is a must when in Angera. Under the shade of the trees, you will be able to discover the town's dominating position on Lake Maggiore. If you go in the summer, you might catch the local antiques' market, on the first and second Sunday of the month.
This large lake, on the eastern side of Milan, was originally built for Mussolini as an airport for seaplanes. Now it is a park for sporting activities and a summer meeting place. Boasting a beach, swimming pools and plenty of open space for walking and cycling as well as other team games, its bursts into life in summer and is a perfect family afternoon with a picnic on a hot day.
Located in one of the fastest growing areas of Milan this 5 star hotel is in a great position for access to the Congress centre, Expo & the San Siro football stadium.
The Palazzo Parigi hotel is in an ideal location on the northern edge of the Brera shopping district. The luxury decor of the hotel is an ode to Milanese style and history, and the many top-drawer services and facilities will want guests wanting for little else.
Exquisite attention to detail and fantastical decor makes the Château Montfort a stand out place to stay in the centre of Milan. A stay here will conjure up any number of enchanting childhood tales.
Originally opened in 1932, the hotel has been completely renovated by renowned Milanese designer Marco Piva. An architectural jewel of Belle Époque grandeur, Piva has created an extraordinary new destination in the city of style.
A peaceful retreat in one of the oldest and most elegant districts in Milan, offering the same taste in its interior as its surrounding buildings.
The famous Corso Como 10 opened this intimate hotel in 2003, offering just three modern suites.
This company offers coach airport transfers from Orio al Serio airport to Milan central station, Malpensa airport, Bergamo and Monza.
Shuttle company offering regular services from Malpensa airport to Milan central train station via Milano Fiera, as well as to Milano Fiera Rho, Linate airport, Bergamo and Monza.
