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On the weekend it is nice to go exploring places surrounded by nature with interesting stories behind them. Taking a trip, or a outing enriches us and allows us to get out of the daily routine. Whether it is a ride to the lake, a visit to a town or village, there are lovely places around Milan. Then in Lombardy there are medieval villages that are gems.
Lombardy is a region rich in wonderful natural locations. If you are looking for some adventures to embark on, here are ten villages to discover. Try new flavors, get carried away by local stories, take great photos “instagrammable” and have fun. Ready?
Vigevano
Vigevano is another of the most fascinating medieval towns in Lombardy and Italy. This place is located in the province of Pavia and has been 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. Also not to be missed is a visit to the Sforza Castle to discover the Casimiro Ottone Picture Gallery, the Lomellina National Archaeological Museum 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 Scaligeris 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.
Morimondo
If you love nature, we recommend visiting Morimondo. This place is among the most beautiful medieval villages in Lombardy and Italy. It is 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 from Morimondo.
Also, 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).
Nexus
Nesso is a wonderful village on the lake Como, best known for its waterfall in the center of the village and the gorge. The Nessus Gorge also attracted the attention of Leonardo da Vinci, who wrote in the Codex Atlanticus: “Nessus, land where a river falls with great emptiness, through a very great cleft of mountain.”
Water is very important to this place; indeed, throughout the centuries the water power of the streams has been harnessed 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 creeks. An undemanding descent that will allow you to arrive on the shores of the lake to take a refreshing dip 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 is a destination to consider. The city was built at the behest of Duke Vespasiano Gonzaga with the aim of materializing the Renaissance conception 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 Olympic Theater, the Galleria degli Antichi and the Ducal Palace 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 village on the lake. Among the most beautiful villages in the area. It is known for its cobblestone streets, elegant buildings and Villa Serbelloni Park, an 18th-century terraced garden overlooking the lake. By ferry then you can get to Como, Varenna and other places. Perfect for a weekend not too far from Milan (73km) and an immersion in nature in a beautiful setting.
Tremosine sul Garda
Also deserving of mention is this village listed among the most beautiful in Italy. In the province of Brescia, overlooking Lake Garda. With its breathtaking overhang on Lake Garda, the Terrace of Thrill and the Strada della Forra, Tremosine sul Garda will leave you speechless. Nature and beauty will surround you, offering spectacular views. By the way, it is also perfect for a bicycle ride. The Gorge Road is walkable and really pretty with its sheer cliffs, tunnels in the dark, gorges, and climbing plants. It’s like being in a fairy tale. Chosen as the set of many movies and TV commercials (for example, the movie 007 – Quantum of Solace) it is very striking and unique. Two and a half from Milan is worth marking for the next trip.
Mount Island
Monte Isola is an Italian municipality in the province of Brescia that covers the island of the same name of 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 Mount Island, the “Capri of the North.” From the Port 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 areas of the island are Olzano, in the upper part, a place where “witches” used to meet for the Sabbath ritual. There is evidence of villas from Roman times 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
It 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 small houses overlooking the lake and the natural spectacle all around. Well worth a visit.
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 testimonies: the imposing Rocca Sforzesca fortress, the interesting Museum of Printing, the Churches and historical palaces, 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 little you visit it. Break for lunch at one of the local establishments on site that will know how to 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 capital city of Milan, 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 “The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.”