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.
Angera, Lake Maggiore
Red tiled roofs in this pretty Roman town
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.
Events in Milan
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.
History & Culture in Milan
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.
Sights & Attractions in Milan
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.
Sights in Milan
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Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci (Museum of Science and Technology), Northwest Milan
Interactive museum that retraces Italy's scientific & technological evolution
This museum is a fitting tribute to Leonardo da Vinci, founded in 1953, it is the largest science and technology museum in Italy. Originally a 16th-century Olivetan monastery, it is named after Leonardo da Vinci, the renowned Renaissance intellect, painter, inventor and former resident of Milan.
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Galleria Ponte Rosso, Milan - Centre
Exhibition of local Lombardy artists
This gallery showcases the work of 19th and 20th-century local artists from the Lombardy region and the area around Venice.
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Galleria Pack, Southeast Milan
Art centre featuring a variety of contemporary works & installations
Opened in 2001, this beautiful gallery houses both Italian and international artwork, the well-established and the aspiring artist.
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Casa Museo Boschi-Di Stefano (Boschi Di Stefano House-Museum), Milan - Centre
Private collection of Antonio & Marieda Boschi Di Stefano
Husband and wife Antonio and Marieda Boschi Di Stefano collected over two thousand works of contemporary art. About three hundred of these have been selected for their quality and distributed in chronological order in the ten exhibition areas of the Boschi Di Stefano Museum-Home.
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Galleria Blu, Milan - Centre
First gallery in Milan, home to works by many prominent artists
This gallery is the oldest in Milan, originally founded in 1957, and initially focussed on post-war avant-garde.
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Museo Bagatti Valsecchi (Bagatti Valsecchi Museum), Milan - Centre
Private art collection of the Bagatti Valsecchi brothers
A private foundation, set up by the Bagatti Valsecchi heirs, to open the family's late 19th-century residence and collections of artworks to the public.
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Dining in Milan
Restaurants in Milan
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Armani Restaurant, Milan - Centre
Michelin-starred Italian fine dining with stunning views over Milan
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.
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Terrazza Gallia Restaurant, Milan - Centre
Gourmet restaurant near the train station in Milan
Located at the luxury Excelsior Gallia Hotel, this rooftop restaurant boasts a menu created under the consultancy of three-Michelin starred chefs Enrico and Roberto Cerea and the Lebano brothers. They serve modern Italian cuisine with a focus on the Lombardy region.
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Seta Restaurant, Milan - Centre
An Italian dining experience directed by renowned head chef Antonio Guida
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.
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VUN Restaurant, Milan - Centre
Michelin starred restaurant right in front of Galleria Vittorio Emmanuelle
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.
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Rubacuori Restaurant, Milan - Centre
Fine dining in Milan, inspired by Venice
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.
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Palazzo Parigi Restaurant, Milan - Centre
A sumptuous dining experience of classic Italian inspiration
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.
Nightlife in Milan
Bars & Clubs in Milan
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Mio Bar, Milan - Centre
Chic bar in front of Galleria Vittorio Emmanuelle II
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.
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Cuore Bar, Southwest Milan
Cocktail bar in the heart of Port Ticinese
Meaning "heart", this vibrant, friendly, atmospheric spot is worth seeking out down a side street for its changing interior, DJ sets and mixed clientele.
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La Chiesetta Bar, Northwest Milan
Old church turned atmospheric bar
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.
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Le Biciclette Bar & Restaurant, Milan - Centre
Art bar and bistro in the centre of Milan
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.
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Basso Bar, Milan - Centre
The origins of the Negroni Sbagliato cocktail
This historical Milan club is known for its cocktails, notably its 'Eat and Drink' ('Mangia e Bevi') cocktail, and claims to have invented the Negroni Sbagliato, made not with gin, but with spumante!
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Just Cavalli Nightclub, Northwest Milan
Famous bar & restaurant designed created by Roberto Cavalli
This club was created by the famous fashion stylist Roberto Cavalli and is located within the largest city garden, Parco Sempione.
Things to do in Milan
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.
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Idroscalo in Festa
Enjoy the summer sporting activity at Milan's 'beach'.
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.
Hotels in Milan
Hotels in Milan
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Duomo Hotel
5-star hotel located facing the Duomo cathedral
Situated in the historical centre of Milan, this hotel offer 14 rooms and suites inside a beautiful old building. All suites feature balconies with breathtaking views of the cathedral.
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Four Seasons Hotel
Luxury 5-star hotel in a historical 15th-century building
This indulgent hotel offers classical Renaissance charm, allowing you the chance to dream under the frescoes and vaulted ceilings of a former 15th-century convent. And it is located just steps from Milan's couture houses and financial district, on the exclusive Via Gesú, between Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga.
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Grand Hotel et de Milan
5-star luxury hotel in the centre of Milan
This is Milan's oldest hotel, opened in 1863, and then named the ”Albergo di Milano”. Its has been a sort of 'annex' to La Scala for many years - with some rooms even having adjoining doors to the theatre.
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Palazzo Parigi & Grand Spa Hotel, Milan - Centre
A majestic, five-star Milanese hotel experience
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.
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Armani Hotel, Milan - Centre
Luxury hotel in the centre of Milan
5-star hotel designed by Giorgio Armani located in the heart of Milan. Dine at the Michelin-starred restaurant with panoramic views of the city and relax in the luxury of the top-floor spa.
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3Rooms Hotel
Luxury apartment-style suites in this Milanese design institution.
The famous Corso Como 10 opened this intimate hotel in 2003, offering just three modern suites.
How to get to Milan
Transfers for Milan
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Scheduled/Shuttle Coach Airport Transfers
Direct shuttles from Orio al Serio to Milan, Bergamo & Monza
This company offers coach airport transfers from Orio al Serio airport to Milan central station, Malpensa airport, Bergamo and Monza.
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Scheduled/Shuttle Coach Airport Transfers
Airport shuttle from Malpensa to Milan centre
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.
