Monza and Brianza

<< Lombardy

The Province of Monza and Brianza is located northeast of Milan. Centered around the historic city of Monza, this area includes some northern suburbs of Milan, as well as the southern portion of the hills of Brianza.

Monza

Monza is the capital of the Province of Monza and Brianza, located north of Milan. Inhabited since ancient times, Monza was a Roman town and, in the Early Middle Ages, it was one of the most important cities in the Lombard Kingdom. Later, Monza was a free comune, and was contested between local powers before being finally conquered by Milan in the 14th century. The city shared the history of Milan until the Italian unification, and then it became a major industrial center. In 2004 Monza became the capital of its own province.

✪ Duomo of Monza

Also known as: Basilica of San Giovanni Battista

The Duomo of Monza is the most important church in Monza, and a great example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture. The church can trace its origins to the Early Middle Ages, while the current structure was erected in the 14th century, with some later additions. The facade of the church features many elaborate Gothic decorations, and it is adorned with black and white stripes. Its interiors host a rich series of Baroque frescoes, paintings, and other artworks. The main attraction of the church is the Theodelinda Chapel (Cappella di Teodolinda), which is adorned with 15th-century frescoes and houses the Iron Crown (Corona Ferrea). This crown, dating from the Early Middle Ages, was used by the Lombard kings, and for century it represented the kings of Italy. Adjacent to the Duomo is the Museo e Tesoro del Duomo di Monza, a rich museum of religious art which houses several medieval artworks.

✪ Royal Villa of Monza

The Royal Villa of Monza (Villa Reale di Monza) is a large Neoclassical palace in Monza built by the Habsburgs in the 18th century, when they ruled over the Duchy of Milan. The villa was also used as a residence of the Viceroy of the Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy and later the Savoy family. However, the palace was abandoned after King of Italy Umberto I was killed in Monza in 1900. The villa has now been restored and it serves various uses. The complex features rich Neoclassical decorations and a large park hosting numerous attractions.

✪ Monza Circuit

The Monza Circuit (Autodromo Nazionale di Monza) is one of the oldest motor racing tracks in the world, built in 1922 inside the Monza Park. The track is the historic venue of the Formula One Italian Grand Prix, among many other international and local motorsport competitions and other events. The Monza Circuit is currently the track that has hosted the most races in the history of Formula One.

Monza Park

The Monza Park (Parco di Monza) is one of the largest enclosed parks in Europe, located north of Monza. Tha park starts from the gardens of the Royal Villa of Monza and it is crossed by the Lambro river. Various attractions and historic buildings are located in the park, which also hosts the Monza Circuit. The Monza Park also houses a rich flora and fauna, and sometimes it hosts concerts and events.

Arengario

The Arengario is the medieval town hall of Monza, adorned with a loggia and a civic tower. Originally built in the 13th century, the palace is a great example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and now it serves as an exhibition hall.

Civic Museums of Monza

The Civic Museums of Monza (Musei Civici di Monza) is a museum complex in the center of Monza. Its collection includes various archaeological findings and numerous paintings, mostly by local artists of the 19th and 20th century.

Church of Santa Maria in Strada

The Church of Santa Maria in Strada is a Gothic church erected in Monza in the 14th century, and later reworked various times until the 19th century. The facade of the church features eleborate decorations, while its interiors house various artworks and frescoes.

Expiatory Chapel of Monza

The Expiatory Chapel of Monza (Cappella Espiatoria di Monza) is a funerary monument erected in 1910 to commemorate the King of Italy Umberto I, who was murdered in Monza in 1900. The monument features a large cross placed on top of a chapel covered with Byzantine-style mosaics.

Vimercate

Vimercate is a town located northeast of Monza. Originally founded by the Romans, it was an important regional center throughout the Late Middle Ages and the Modern period, and it is still a relevant trade center today.

Museum of the Territory of Vimercate

The Museum of the Territory of Vimercate (Museo del Territorio Vimercatese) is a museum of local history in Vimercate. The museum hosts numerous archaeological findings, paintings, sculptures, objects, and documents that showcase the long history of the town from ancient times until today.

Cesano Maderno

Cesano Maderno is a town in the Province of Monza and Brianza, north of Milan. It is best known for the large villa in its city center.

Palazzo Arese Borromeo

Palazzo Arese Borromeo is a historic palace erected between the 16th and 17th century in Cesano Maderno. The palace features various Baroque decorations and a large garden. The interiors of the villa host a rich series of elaborate Baroque frescoes.