Monza
Small city north of Milan, home to the famous F1 racing track
Located just within 15 kilometres north of Milan, this big but picturesque town, the third largest in the Lombardy region, has been transformed from a mainly industrial trade centre to a popular spot for good cuisine, pretty squares and of course the F1 Gran Prix.
Monza is the capital of the newly created Monza and Brianza province, and has a booming textile industry and publishing trade. The city is crossed from north to south by the river Lambro, which features an artificial fork at its entrance built during the 14th century for defensive purposes.
Nowadays, visitors come to Monza attracted by the famous Formula 1 circuit, as well as its historical streets, the huge Monza Park, one of the largest in Europe, and its world-renowned restaurants.
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History & Culture in [locality]
There are testimonies of the presence of humans in the area of Monza in the Bronze Age (2000 years B.C.), but its history as a town starts in the Roman era when it was called 'Modicia'. After the fall of Rome, during the reign of the Ostrogoth Theodoric in the 5th century A.D., Monza became the see of the royal palace.
However, the city's importance rose in the late 6th and early 7th century with the government of the Longobardi. Teodolinda, married to Agilulfo king of Italy, decided to move their summer residence to Monza where she built a royal palace as well as an oratory near the castle dedicated to John the Baptist in the year 595.
The town would rise to the status of capital once again in the 10th century with king Berengario, who built a fortified area and granted Monza a certain degree of independence with its own system of weights and measures. He also donated large quantities of artworks to the cathedral.
After a period of changes in the relationship between Monza and Milan in the Middle Ages, a city to which Monza has been continuously subjected and independent throughout history, it fell into the hands of the Spanish crown. Spain's dominance over Monza ended in the 18th century when it was assigned to the Austrian Habsburg house, before being conquered by Napoleonic troops.
During the 19th century, when the Italian independence wars and the unification were underway, Monza became an important industrial capital dedicated to the manufacturing of silk and cotton textile. In 1900, the city witnessed the assassination of King Umberto I at the hands of Gaetano Bresci, an anarchist who shot the monarch four times on July 29 when he was visiting Monza. A monument, the Cappella Espiatoria, has been erected in the exact spot the king was murdered.
Monza suffered under the First and Second World Wars like most of Italy. At the beginning of the 21st century, the city had 120,000 inhabitants, and in 2009 it became the capital of the newly formed province of Monza and Brianza.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
The history of Monza is long and prestigious, and it has left many monuments that can now be visited. The Duomo or Basilica of San Giovanni Battista lies in the centre of the city boasting a Romanesque-Gothic style. Also medieval is the town hall or Arengario, built in the 14th century, as well as the church of Santa Maria in Strada. But perhaps Monza is best known for it huge Parco di Monza, one of the oldest and largest urban parks in Europe which contains the famous Formula 1 circuit, the Autodromo, and the 18th-century Baroque Villa Reale.
Sights in Milan
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Musei dei Castello (Museums in the Sforzesco Castle), Northeast Milan
The Castello Sforzesco incorporates a whole host of museums inside with exhibitions that range from prehistoric and Egyptian archaeological materials to paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, manuscripts, furniture, musical instruments, stamps, coins, medals and much more.
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Arco della Pace (The Peace Arch), Northwest Milan
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.
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Teatro alla Scala (La Scala Theatre), Milan - Centre
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.
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Rocca Borromeo Castle, Angera
The fortified castle of Borromeo sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the town of Angera and is one of the best-preserved castles in the region. There are spectacular views of Lake Maggiore and across to the Alps, meaning it was an important strategic location.
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Padiglione d'Arte Contemporanea (PAC) (Contemporary Arts Pavilion), Northeast Milan
PAC is Milan's most important centre for the exhibition of contemporary art, located in the heart of the city, near Porta Venezia's park.
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Duomo (Cathedral), Milan - Centre
Located in the very heart of the city, the Duomo is the third largest cathedral in the world and Milan's most famous cultural landmark. Commenced in 1386, the cathedral was initially built in terracotta stone then continued in the white Condoglian marble (shipped from Lake Maggiore) that gives the building its striking crystalline beauty.
Dining in [locality]
Restaurants in Milan
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Palazzo Parigi Restaurant, Milan - Centre
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.
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Seta Restaurant, Milan - Centre
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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Il Baretto Restaurant, Milan - Centre
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.
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Terrazza Gallia Restaurant, Milan - Centre
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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VUN Restaurant, Milan - Centre
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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Armani Restaurant, Milan - Centre
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.
Events in [locality]
The most important event in Monza is undoubtedly the Formula 1 Gran Premio d'Italia, which usually takes place at the beginning of September.
Things to do in [locality]
Things To Do in Milan
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Monte Tamaro
Monte Tamaro rises 1,961 metres above the lake and in this beautiful hilly area there are plenty of wonderful trails and hikes. Notably it is the starting point for the Tamaro-Lema hike. This peak is also worth visiting for the contemporary and innovative Santa Maria degli Angeli church designed by Mario Botta and painted by Enzo Cucchi. It sits on the edge of the hillside with amazing views. There is also an adventure park and mountain bike trails. Something for everyone.
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Trenino di Orta
The great little trains of Orta tour around this part of the lovely lake, taking in the main square of Orta San Giulio, the holy mountain of Sacramonte and its chapels, and the painted village of Legro. It's a great way of seeing this outcrop of land and is a big hit with children.
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Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Course, Lake Como
An Old England styled public golf course set prestigiously on the shores of Lake Como.
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Le Robinie Golf Course
Big-hitters will enjoy the generous width fairways but be aware of the lake-size water hazards.
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Lake Maggiore Express
This round trip by boat and train, taking in the main sights and towns is a fantastic way of seeing the area around Lake Maggiore.
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Iles Borromees Golf Course, Stresa
Golf Des Iles Borromées is an 18 hole course built in a natural and uncontaminated environment situated 500 metres above sea level. It has a southerly exposure, fresh in summer and sunny in winter, and from the 18th tee, you can often see the skyline of Milan and four lakes: Maggiore, Varese, Montae and Comabbio.
Nightlife in [locality]
Bars & Clubs in Milan
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Mio Bar, Milan - Centre
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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Alcatraz Nightclub, Northwest Milan
One of the most renowned music venues in Milan, at this nightclub you'll be able to see big live rock concerts during the week, while during the weekends it turns into a disco.
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The Club Nightclub, Milan - Centre
Founded in 2005, this glamorous nightclub offers event 5 nights of the week characterised by elegance and fun.
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Cuore Bar, Southwest Milan
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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Mom Cafe Bar
A casual, all-welcoming cafe offering a lively, homely ambience, tasteful rock tunes and hearty fare. Although this cafe is brimming with customers at happy hour, tables are quick to vacate in good weather as locals spill out to the adjoining park.
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Plastic Nightclub
With a number of different dancefloors, and known for attracting classic 80s pop icons, this is a fashionable gay-friendly club with a selective crowd.
Hotels in [locality]
Being very close to Milan and well-connected to the city, Monza has a mixture of classic city hotels and business accommodation, mainly boasting 3 and 4 stars. The most traditional one is the Hotel de la Ville, an old mansion perfectly situated in front of Monza Park. You'll find more modern establishments like the Helios Hotel on the road to Milan. Monza also has a selection of budget hotels and B&Bs in the centre.
Hotels in Milan
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Palazzo Matteotti Hotel
The Palazzo Matteotti Milano is a luxury design hotel located in the heart of Milan's fashion district.
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Excelsior Gallia Hotel, Milan - Centre
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.
Price: €5,346
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Pierre Milano Hotel
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.
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Melia Milano Hotel, Milan - Centre
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.
Price: €3,272
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Town House 31/33 Hotel
The TownHouse 31/33 Gardens and Lounges boasts a hidden garden; a peaceful oasis of exotic palms decorated with small refined tables and pretty soft chairs. From 10am-10pm guests can enjoy the intimate candle-lit atmosphere.
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Grand Hotel et de 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.
Price: €8,700
How to get to [locality]
Transfers for Milan
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Orio Shuttle, Bergamo
This company offers coach airport transfers from Orio al Serio airport to Milan central station, Malpensa airport, Bergamo and Monza.
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Malpensa Shuttle
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.