Monza

Travel Guide
Photo by Veronica Sala
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!

Hotel Berna
Hotel Berna
4 out of 5
Via Torriani Napo 18, Milan, MI
The price is P7,761 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
P7,761
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Milan. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,015 reviews)
"close to Milan central station"

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2024

Hotel Berna
UNAHOTELS Galles Milano
UNAHOTELS Galles Milano
4 out of 5
Piazza Lima 2, Milan, MI
The price is P9,119 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
P9,119
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Milan. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
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Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

UNAHOTELS Galles Milano
UNAHOTELS Century Milano
UNAHOTELS Century Milano
4 out of 5
Via Fabio Filzi 25 B, Milan, MI
The price is P10,169 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
P10,169
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Milan. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
"Beautiful room. Clean."

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2024

UNAHOTELS Century Milano
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.
Residenza delle Città
Residenza delle Città
4 out of 5
Via Mauro Macchi 79, Milan, MI
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly residence in Milan. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (961 reviews)
"The property is a 10 minutes walk from Milano Centrale so as shopping center and nearby restaurants. Our room was available upon arrival and it is clean and spacious. The staff are nice and pleasant. Coffee, tea, and water are available in the lobby so as in our room. Thank you."

Reviewed on Mar 20, 2024

Residenza delle Città
Duomo Hotel & Apartments
Duomo Hotel & Apartments
Via San Paolo 13, Milan, Lombardia
Stay at this business-friendly apartment in Milan. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (930 reviews)
"I would definitely stay here again. The property is in a prime location and was very comfortable and modern. We had no complaints"

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2024

Duomo Hotel & Apartments
Torre Galfa Milano | UNA Esperienze
Torre Galfa Milano | UNA Esperienze
Via Alfredo Campanini 12, Milan
Stay at this business-friendly apartment in Milan. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Cathedral of Milan and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (121 reviews)
"Excellent property. Close to everything."

Reviewed on Feb 15, 2024

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.

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