Lombardy

<< Northwest Italy

Lombardy (Lombardia) is a region of Italy located at the center of the northern part of the country. The region features a diverse geography, divided almost in half between the Alps and the plains of the Po Valley. Many archaeological finds prove how Lombardy was inhabited by different peoples in ancient times, before being conquered by the Romans. The region became one of the richest in Italy and, in the early Middle Ages, it was at the center of the Lombard Kingdom, so much so that the area eventually became known as “Lombardy”. The region was later conquered by Charlemagne and, since the 11th century, Lombardy was divided among many free comuni. An alliance of cities in Northern Italy, called Lombard League, defeated the German emperors, and Milan emerged as the most powerful state in the area. Milan, and most of the region, was later ruled by France, then Spain, and later Austria, while eastern Lombardy was taken by Venice. During the Renaissance and Modern era, Lombardy was one of the most active artistic, cultural, and trade centers in Europe. After the Napoleonic Wars, the region became part of the Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia, under Austrian rule. After taking active part in the Risorgimento, the region became part of Italy. Lombardy is now the most populous region of Italy and it produces about a fifth of the Italian GDP, thanks to its high level of industrialization, developed services sector, and rich agricultural activity. The region is also known for the beautiful natural environment of the lakes and mountains to the north, and it houses many historic attractions and artistic masterpieces.