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On the weekend, it is nice to explore places surrounded by nature with interesting stories behind them. Taking a trip, or an excursion out of town enriches us and allows us to get out of the daily routine. Whether it is a trip to the lake, a visit to a city or a village, there are delightful places around Milan.
Lombardy, a land of lakes, mountains and plains, hides authentic medieval jewels that seem suspended in time, villages that date mainly from the 12th-15th centuries, a time when this region experienced considerable political and economic development thanks to its strategic position between northern Europe and the Mediterranean. To walk through the cobblestone streets of these places is to embark on a fascinating journey through history, where every stone tells centuries of events, traditions and legends that continue to enchant visitors.
So mark these beautiful places to discover, not too far from Milan.
Vigevano
Vigevano is one of the most charming medieval towns in Lombardy and Italy. This place is located in the province of Pavia and was one of the main centers of shoe production in the world. The Piazza Ducale, commissioned by Ludovico il Moro, is the first recommended stop. It was designed by Bramante and Leonardo da Vinci. Then don’t miss a visit to the Castello Sforzesco to discover the Casimiro Ottone Picture Gallery, the National Archaeological Museum of Lomellina, and the Pietro Bertolini International Footwear Museum. Its tower, at the highest point in the city, dates back to 1198. In short, you can learn about many stories related to the past here. The history of Vigevano is very ancient.
Castellaro Lagusello
Castellaro Lagusello, a hamlet of Monzambano, is best known for its heart-shaped lake. It is a very romantic medieval village where, in addition to the famous water basin, many stories can be discovered. In the village there is an ancient castle built by the Scaligeri family in the mid-12th century. The manor, now Villa Arrighi of the Toccoli counts, also includes the church of St. Joseph. If you want to take a dip into the past, you can admire the historic towers, city walls and medieval houses. This landscape has been declared a Nature Reserve and is protected by the Mincio Regional Park. It is located less than two hours from Milan.
Lovere
Lovere is a splendid medieval village overlooking the Bergamo side of Lake Iseo. Listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy,” this gem is about 100 km from Milan and offers breathtaking views with its colorful houses reflected in the waters of the lake. The Basilica of Santa Maria in Valvendra, a Renaissance jewel, holds valuable works of art, while the Tadini Academy houses a valuable gallery with works by Canova and Hayez. Walking along the picturesque lakefront you can admire the imposing Civic Tower, a symbol of medieval power.
Not to be missed is the “Burghì,” an ancient nucleus of the town with narrow alleys and stone houses that seem to tell stories of a distant time.
Morimondo
If you love nature, we recommend visiting Morimondo. This place is among the most beautiful medieval villages in Lombardy and Italy. It is located only 30 km away from the center of Milan. The best-known attraction is Morimondo Abbey, built in the Middle Ages by some French Cistercian monks, who came precisely from Morimondo.
In addition, if you like cycling this is the right destination for you. In fact, the place can be easily reached thanks to the bicycle path that runs along the Naviglio di Bereguardo (from Abbiategrasso to the Naviglio di Bereguardo).
Nesso
Nesso is a wonderful village on Lake Como, best known for its waterfall in the center of the village and the orrido. The Orrido di Nesso also attracted the attention of Leonardo da Vinci, who wrote in the Codex Atlanticus,“Nesso, terra dove cade uno fiume con grande empito, per una grandissima fessura di monte.”
Water is very important for this place, in fact during the centuries the water power of the streams has been exploited to carry out various activities. We recommend you visit the medieval bridge (Ponte della Civera), the setting for several films. It can be reached on foot, from the Nesso parking lot to the mouth of the streams. An undemanding descent will allow you to arrive on the shores of the lake to take a nice refreshing swim under the bridge that joins Coatesa and Riva del Castello.
Sabbioneta
An extraordinary UNESCO heritage town, Sabbioneta is a medieval village in Lombardy not to be missed. Less than two hours from Milan, it is a destination to consider. The town was built at the behest of Duke Vespasiano Gonzaga with the aim of realizing the Renaissance concept of the Ideal City in which art, architecture and urban layout represent the highest expression of classicism. A village, therefore, of incredible architectural and artistic merit. The Teatro Olimpico, Galleria degli Antichi and Palazzo Ducale are absolutely worth visiting.
Bellagio
Another destination near Lake Como is Bellagio, a village in Lombardy that retains some medieval features, as well as the Baroque and Renaissance style of its villas. Also reachable by train, it is a charming lakeside village. Among the most beautiful villages in the area. It is known for its cobblestone streets, elegant buildings and the Villa Serbelloni Park, an 18th-century terraced garden overlooking the lake. By ferry then you can get to Como, Varenna and other locations. Perfect for a weekend not too far from Milan (73km) and an immersion in nature in a wonderful setting.
Clusone
Clusone, located in the Seriana Valley about 80km from Milan, is a charming medieval village that retains an atmosphere of yesteryear. Its most precious jewel is the Fanzago Planetary Clock, a 17th-century masterpiece of mechanical engineering that, in addition to the hours, indicates the phases of the moon and the signs of the zodiac with a single hand that turns counterclockwise. Not to be missed is the Oratorio dei Disciplini with its famous fresco of the “Dance Macabre,” an extraordinary medieval depiction of death sparing no one, from the poor to the powerful. The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta holds valuable works of art, while strolling through the historic center you can admire noble palaces decorated with frescoes.
Tremosine sul Garda
Also deserving of mention is this village listed among the most beautiful in Italy. In the province of Brescia, it overlooks Lake Garda. With its breathtaking overhang over Lake Garda, the Terrazza del Brivido and the Strada della Forra, Tremosine sul Garda will leave you speechless. Nature and beauty will surround you, offering spectacular views. Among other things, it is also perfect for a bike ride. The Forra Road is walkable and really pretty with its sheer cliffs, tunnels in the dark, gorges, and climbing plants. It is like being in a fairy tale. Chosen as a set for many movies and TV commercials (for example, the movie 007 – Quantum of Solace) it is very picturesque and unique. Two and a half from Milan is worth marking for the next trip.
Monte Isola
Monte Isola is an Italian municipality in the province of Brescia that covers the island of the same name on Lake Iseo. With a total area of 4.5 km², it is the largest lake island in Italy and among the largest in Europe. Just over 1,600 people live on Monte Isola, the “Capri of the North.” From the harbor it is only a few minutes to the center, where the ancient Martinengo tower is located. Siviano, the main hamlet, is characterized by houses with arches, loggias, stone jambs and little flowers. Among the most interesting parts of the island are Olzano, in the upper part, a place where “witches” used to meet for the sabbath ritual. There is evidence of Roman-era villas on the island. In a scant two hours by car it can be reached. A similar duration by train, to Siviano and then continue and walk.
Orta San Giulio
This is the magical town on the Island of San Giulio on Lake Orta. Also among the most beautiful villages in Italy, it is truly enchanting. Located 400 meters from the shore and accessible by ferry. It is pure poetry with its little houses overlooking the lake and the natural spectacle all around. It is well worth a visit.
Bienno
Bienno, a jewel of the Camonica Valley, is known as “the village of the hammers” for its centuries-old tradition in ironworking. About 120 km from Milan, this charming medieval village in Lombardy is characterized by narrow alleys, tower-houses and old forges still in working order. The charm of the historic center is revealed among porticoes, stone stairways and flowered balconies that create glimpses of rare beauty. The Church of Santa Maria Annunciata preserves precious Renaissance frescoes, while the Museum Mill is an important testimony to the local manufacturing tradition. The village comes alive during the “Mostra Mercato” in late August, when artisans and artists enliven the streets with demonstrations of ancient crafts.
Water forges, fed by the Vaso Re artificial canal, allow visitors to witness the spectacular forging of iron using traditional methods.
Soncino
Joining the list is Soncino, in the province of Cremona. Soncino is a quiet and easily accessible medieval village, rich in evocative historical and artistic evidence: the imposing Rocca Sforzesca fortress, the interesting Museum of Printing, the Churches and historic buildings, which you can admire and discover. Worth mentioning is the Rocca, which represents one of the most classic and best-preserved examples of Lombard military architecture. In about an hour and a half you can get there. In a short time you will visit it. Break for lunch in one of the local establishments on site that will delight you and then it’s back. Easy, beautiful and fun!
Cassinetta di Lugagnano
Cassinetta di Lugagnano is a charming village in the province of Milan, along the banks of the Naviglio Grande canal. This town, located about 25 km from the Milanese capital, is known for its historical and natural beauty. Visitors can see its many 18th-century aristocratic villas built by Milanese nobles to spend the summer in peace and relaxation. It is part of “I Borghi più belli d’Italia.”
Gromo
Gromo, a charming fortified village in the Seriana Valley, is nicknamed the “little Toledo” for its ancient tradition of blade and sword making. Ninety kilometers from Milan, this medieval gem stands on a rocky outcrop dominated by Ginami Castle, a stately home dating back to the 13th century. As you stroll through the picturesque narrow streets of the historic center, you can admire the elegant Town Hall, the Church of San Gregorio with its Romanesque bell tower and the old courthouse of justice, evidence of the historic importance of this village. The Church of St. James and St. Vincent houses remarkable 15th-century frescoes.