The final region of Italy we explored was Lombardy – to the east of the Piedmont. Lombardy is located between the Alps to the north and the Po River to the south and is the most populated region of Italy, as well as the first place many visitors arrive because of the Milan Malpensa International Airport (like us!). We have been in and out of Milano 5 times on our trip so far as we’ve either flown into the airport or picked family up from there.
Magnificent Milano
Milano hardly needs anything else written about it so I’ll be brief and just say that this is a graceful, gorgeous town with a glorious Duomo di Milano, a gigantic Sforvesco castle and the most charming Galleria Vittoria Emanuel II shopping arcade in Italy. Yes, it was very crowded when we visited in the sun and the rain in June and July so we tried to head to some of the more off the beaten path streets and amongst our wandering came across some delicious focaccia bakeries and bought out almost the entire contents of a gluten free bakery for our daughter who has coeliac disease!
Bold Old Brescia
Brescia an incredibly ancient city that dates back to 100 B.C and has a well preserved and presented UNESCO corridor of ancient Grecian ruins where you can see archaeological sites such as the area of Piazza del Foro square, the Capitolium temple, the Republican sanctuary, the ancient theatre, the Roman Basilica, and the monumental complex of San Salvatore – Santa Giulia. All magnificent in scale and years and with interpretive signs to add to your understanding of civilisation 2000 years ago! We also loved discovering all the amazing piazzas – you can’t miss Piazza Vittoria – as you have to pass under a suspended Rhino in Quadriportico della Vittoria as you enter. This sculpture by Stefano Bombardieri also turned up in the sculpture garden by the marina in Portofino. Another great square was Piazza Paolo and we enjoyed a delicious poke bowl at MoMo café watching the world go by. Finally, the Brescia castle is definitely worth a visit as is the nearby Chiesa di San Cristo where if you crane your neck you’ll find a fabulously frescoe’d ceilings that’s just – heavenly!
Sweet little Salò
This cute little town is situated in a natural inlet at the southern end of the Gardone Riviera and on the western side of Lake Garda It is a quiet town backed by mountains and with a lovely promenade along the lake. It was early Spring and still very cold still we had one of the best gelatos from a the hidden little La Casa Del Dolce in Piazza Duomo and walked along the marble paved waterfront admiring all the exquisite hotels and restaurants that we imagined would be packed come summer! We also strolled along the Via Gerolamo Fantoni and window shopped – glad it was Sunday and the stores were closed as they were super fancy and expensive! I even saw a pair of Veuve Clicquot (my fav drop) skis!
