In the northwest corner of Italy, at the foot of the magnificent Alps, there are three regions of extraordinary beauty. Nearest the coast is Piedmont, known for its picturesque rolling hills, spectacular mountain views, and charming capital of Turin, home of the enigmatic Shroud. Farther inland is Lombardy, which boasts the breathtaking Lake District and the dazzling metropolis of Milan, Italy’s second largest city. To the north, tucked between Piedmont and Switzerland, is the tiny region of Valle d’Aosta, whose stunning landscape includes some of Europe’s highest peaks.
History
The area was first settled during the Bronze Age by Celtic and Ligurian tribes, then conquered by the Romans in the third century BC. In 313 AD, Emperor Constantine issued his famous Edict of Milan, granting religious tolerance to all in the Empire. Barbarian invasions and political strife dominated the following centuries. In the 1200s, commerce began to flourish, and Lombardy rose to prominence as Europe’s economic center. Milan and Mantua were major cultural centers during the Renaissance. Piedmont also prospered, and Turin became capital of Italy during the reign of the House of Savoy. Valle d’Aosta, isolated by geography and extreme weather conditions, remained relatively autonomous until 1870. Many beautiful fortified castles built during the Middle Ages adorn its hillsides.
Arts & Museums
Numerous exceptional museums and galleries are located in Milan, including the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, Museum of Ancient Art, Brera Gallery and Museo Poldi Pezzoli. Hidden away in the refectory of the Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie is Da Vinci’s legendary painting, “The Last Supper.” Turin is famous for its groundbreaking modern art scene; the Galleria Civica d’Arte Moderna e Contemporenea and Museo d’Arte Contemporanea specialize in contemporary art. Also in Turin is the exceptional Egyptian Museum and the Galleria Saubada.
Nightlife
With the La Scala opera house, dozens of theatres, and countless nightclubs, live music bars and bistros, Milan is a mecca for those seeking entertainment. Turin’s nightlife centers around the Murazzi del Po district, which features a variety of clubs and bars.
How to get there
Milan’s Malpensa airport serves international flights, while the Linate airport handles domestic. Milano Centrale, the main train station, links Milan to destinations all over Italy as well as international connections. Turin is also served by air, bus and train. Valle d’Aosta can be reached by train via Turin, and bus from Turin, Milan, Courmayeur, and points in France.