Monza

Travel Guide

Photo by Veronica Sala
Photo "Monza" by SirDiegoSama (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo "Monza" by MarkusMark (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo "Monza" by Cash2013 (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo "Monza" by Zhang Yuan (CC BY) / Cropped from original

A holiday in Monza transports you to the heart of Brianza, on the banks of the River Lambro, a stone’s throw from Milan.

A city proud of its rich history and glorious past, Monza always takes visitors by surprise, particularly because of the entirely unique relationship there is between culture and the environment. The city is famous for one of the most important automotive events in the world: during the first week of September every year, Ferrari brings its “prancing horse” and red livery to the city’s squares and main streets, raising the hopes of the many fans who come to experience the excitement of the Italian GP, excited by the smell of the asphalt on the Monza Circuit and its magical atmosphere.

Queen Theodelinda turned Monza into the most important political, cultural and religious centre of Lombardy. Subsequently, the Lombard city became the darling of Barbarossa who, thanks to the ecclesiastical and economic power of the Umiliati, transformed it into a leading artisan centre for the processing of wool and fabrics, still one of the most important in Lombardy. The Duomo di Monza (cathedral) dates back to 595, when Queen Theodelinda had a basilica called the "Oraculum" erected close to her palace, dedicating it to St. John the Baptist, with black and white marble bands. The Duomo is undoubtedly one of the city’s most important historical buildings. The church features a Latin cross layout with three naves, supported by pillars and columns decorated with centaurs, sirens, eagles and wild animals. Arriving on Piazza del Duomo from Via Italia, the cathedral makes a strong visual impact: one cannot help being fascinated by the polychrome marble façade of the church, the rose window and the large porch. However, it is the interior that makes the elegant building particularly beautiful. To fully appreciate the historical and artistic importance of this splendid church, head for the the Chapel of Theodelinda, which is covered in frescoes restored by the Zavattari family of painters-restorers from Milan, regarded as the greatest example of a pictorial cycle from the late Gothic Lombard period. The Duomo is undoubtedly one of the finest examples of fourteenth century Campionese architecture.

In the city’s old town, there are further Roman and medieval architectural remains, including those of the Arena bridge (one the eight arches of which is still standing), now replaced by the more modern Ponte dei Leoni (Bridge of Lions). On Via Santa Margherita, near the church of San Maurizio, you can still admire the ancient door to the convent that housed the Nun of Monza, a famous character from "The Betrothed” by Alessandro Manzoni. From the Via San Gerardo dei Tintori towpath, a walkway leads to the eighteenth century Bridge of San Gerardo, which offers a wonderful view of the River Lambro. Another essential stop on your holiday in Monza is the elegant Villa Reale, which precedes the park and circuit, built between 1776 and 1780 by the Empress Maria Theresa of Austria for her son Ferdinand, and used for years as a country residence by the Hapsburgs. The plan of the Villa is characteristic of Roman villas, with a central building and two wings at right angles. The eastern façade, preceded by a flight of stairs, is the most important the main courtyard, which is located between the two arms of the building, is enclosed by a railing of golden spears, built after a popular uprising that brought the insurgents to the gates of the Villa. Noteworthy are also the Hall of Honour, the apartments of Umberto I and Margherita of Savoy, the Royal Chapel, the Court Theatre and the Rotonda, frescoed by Appiani in 1789 with episodes from the story of Cupid and Psyche.

A decidedly positive feature is the local food. Wholesome, natural and sophisticated at the same time, Brianzan cuisine is closely tied to the land and the traditions of the countryside. Local food is low on ingredients but rich in flavour: among the specialities, you must try polenta vonscia, polenta conscia, lardo soup and Luganega sausage. What are you waiting for? Take a look at our holiday packages to Monza today and get ready for your next unforgettable adventure!

ibis Milano Centro

ibis Milano Centro

3 out of 5
Via Finocchiaro Aprile Camillo 2, Milan, MI
The price is P6,607 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P6,607
P8,109 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Milan. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,296 reviews)
"We liked our stay here, but the room was quite warm. The breakfast is great. The location is alright, Nàpiz pizza nearby is great. Few minutes walk to the main station. Some sketchy areas near the tram that we me sure to avoid at night."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

ibis Milano Centro
a&o Hostel Milano Ca Granda

a&o Hostel Milano Ca Granda

Viale Giovanni Suzzani 13, Milan, MI
The price is P3,426 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
P3,426
P4,236 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Milan. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.6/10 Good! (987 reviews)
"It was a pleasure stay. Room was clean and staff were helpful whenever we needed. Thanks"

Reviewed on Apr 21, 2025

a&o Hostel Milano Ca Granda
Uptown Palace

Uptown Palace

4 out of 5
Via Santa Sofia N.10, Milan, MI
The price is P10,686 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
P10,686
P12,689 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Milan. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"I like the view of the city on the top floor, I liked the food, room service except the TV, and not enough shampo and conditioner in the bathroom."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Uptown Palace
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Atelier Apartments Porta Romana

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Atelier Apartments Porta Romana

6 Via Presolana, Milan, MI
Stay at this aparthotel in Milan. Enjoy a fitness center, parking (surcharge), and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (258 reviews)
Excellent!!
"Great location just close enough to team stop But walkable into centre of city. Spacious apartments and friendly helpful staff."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Atelier Apartments Porta Romana
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Manzoni Apartments Torre Velasca

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Manzoni Apartments Torre Velasca

48 Corso di Porta Romana, Milan, MI
Stay at this aparthotel in Milan. Enjoy a fitness center, concierge services, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Cathedral of Milan and Piazza del Duomo ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (144 reviews)
"Great location and safe place to stay and staff service was excellent."

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Manzoni Apartments Torre Velasca
Torre Galfa Milano | UNA Esperienze

Torre Galfa Milano | UNA Esperienze

Via Alfredo Campanini 12, Milan, MI
Book a stay at this business-friendly apartment in Milan. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (301 reviews)
"It was an excellent experience stating there. We were at 17th floor so the view from all the windows was amazing. The train station looked so mesmerizing in the night from our window."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Torre Galfa Milano | UNA Esperienze
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do