Milanese

<< Lombardy

The Milanese is the territory around Milan, which includes numerous populous suburbs of the capital of Lombardy. Most of the towns in this area developed in the 20th century as industrial centers, but some host various historic sites and interesting attractions.

Arese

Arese is a town located northwest of Milan. A small settlement of ancient origins, it developed as an industrial center since the 19th century.

✪ Alfa Romeo Historical Museum

The Alfa Romeo Historical Museum (Museo Storico Alfa Romeo) is a museum of Alfa Romeo cars and engines located in a former factory of the famous car manufacturer. The exhibition includes numerous vehicles and products that showcase the long and prestigious history of Alfa Romeo.

Bollate

Bollate is a town located north of Milan, which exprerienced a huge development as an industrial center in the 20th century.

Villa Arconati

Villa Arconati is a large rural palace located in the countryside north of Bollate, in the hamlet of Castellazzo. The villa was erected between the 17th and 18th century and adorned with numerous Baroque decorations and lush gardens. The palace also features various richly frescoed halls.

Lainate

Lainate is a town located northwest of Milan, best known for the large historic villa that dominates its city center.

Villa Visconti Borromeo Arese Litta

Villa Visconti Borromeo Arese Litta (or simply Villa Litta) is a 16th-century palace located in the center of Lainate. Adorned with various Baroque decorations over the centuries, it is surrounded by a garden. The villa is best known for its elaborate nymphaeum.

Legnano

Legnano is a city northwest of Milan, close to Busto Arsizio. Inhabited since prehistoric times, the town rose to prominence in the Middle Ages. This was the site of the famous Battle of Legnano in 1176, in which the Lombard League defeated the army of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. In the 19th and 20th century, it developed as an industrial center.

Visconti Castle of Legnano

The Visconti Castle of Legnano (Castello Visconteo di Legnano) is a historic fortification located along the Olona river in Legnano. Originally erected in the 13th century, it was later expanded various times, especially under the rule of the Visconti family. The castle was partially abandoned over the following centuries. Now restored, the castle can be visited and sometimes it is used to host events.

Basilica of San Magno

The Basilica of San Magno is the main religious site of Legnano. The church was built in Renaissance style during the early 16th century, while its bell tower was erected in the 18th century. The interiors of the church host a rich series of beautiful frescoes, among various other artworks and decorations.

Museo Fratelli Cozzi

Museo Fratelli Cozzi is an automobile museum in Legnano, featuring a collection of Alfa Romeo cars. The museum hosts various historic cars, including some unique pieces, as well as numerous posters, pictures, documents, and trophies.

Guido Sutermeister Civic Museum

The Guido Sutermeister Civic Museum (Museo Civico Guido Sutermeister) is an archaeological museum in Legnano. Its collection features a series of findings and ancient artworks ranging from prehistory until the Middle Ages, including numerous Roman artifacts.

San Giuliano Milanese

San Giuliano Milanese is a town located southeast of Milan, which quickly developed in the second half of the 20th century thanks to its proximity to the capital of Lombardy.

Viboldone Abbey

The Viboldone Abbey (Abbazia di Viboldone) is a historic abbey in the hamlet of Viboldone, near San Giuliano Milanese. The complex was erected between the 12th and 14th century. Suppressed in the 18th century, it was reopened in 1941. The abbey features various Gothic elements and a series of 14th-century and Renaissance frescoes.

Melegnano

Melegnano is a town located in the countryside southeast of Milan. Contested between local powers, it was an important center during the Renaissance, and the site of a famous battle during the Italian Wars in 1515.

Melegnano Castle

The Melegnano Castle is a fortress built between the Late Middle Ages and the Renaissance in Melegnano. The castle was the residence of the local lords for centuries and it hosts various richly frescoed halls. Now restored, it can be visited.

Morimondo

Morimondo is a small town in the countryside southwest of Milan, best known for its historic abbey.

Morimondo Abbey

The Morimondo Abbey (Abbazia di Morimondo) is a historic religious complex in the village of Morimondo. Founded in 1134, it was completed in 1296 and at the time it was among the most important abbeys in the region. The complex features various Romanesque and Gothic elements and some interesting artworks, including a 16th-century wooden choir.