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Monza - Villa Reale
Within the ‘perfect’ triangle of Como, Lecco and Milan, the province of Monza and Brianza lies mostly on flatlands with a few hilly areas to the north and east, crisscrossed by the rivers Lambro and Seroso and by many canals.
Brianza lies in the middle of the Lakes region; the most important is the heart-shaped Lake Annone with the ‘Isella’ Peninsula in the middle dividing it in two.
Brianza is a land of agriculture and industry that was once home to Parini and Stendhal, who were inspired to write of its beautiful landscapes.
Lying at the border between Como and Milan, Brianza has historically been a holiday destination thanks to its verdant countryside and, as a consequence, is dotted with shrines and the homes of the nobility. The most important destination is Monza, a historic city and important industrial centre, whose historic centre preserves many monuments. The Cathedral, built in the thirteenth century, contains the famous Corona Ferrea, with its precious stones, which, according to tradition, was wrought from a nail from the cross of Jesus. The fascinating Museum Serpero hosts the treasures of the Cathedral. The Villa Reale, built in neoclassical style by Piermarini at the end of the eighteenth century, has a sumptuous interior with a court theatre, a ‘hemispheric’ room, a chapel and a ‘Hall of Honour’. The Pinacoteca Civica, or public art gallery, is located on the northern wing. A little beyond the Villa Reale is the entrance to a splendid park, one of the largest in Europe, traversed by the river Lambro and with numerous walkways dotted with stables, windmills, farmhouses, small temples, golf and polo courses and the circuit famously used for F1 Grand Prix. The Autodromo di Monza, (Monza race track) is the largest car racing circuit in Italy and is regarded as a significant technical achievement. It has been continuously updated and equipped with the latest infrastructure.
Ten minutes from Monza are Oreno and Vimercate. Oreno is famous for its courtyards and farmhouses that alternate with luxurious villas such as Villa Gallarati Scotti, in the historic centre, and Villa Borromeo, which houses a series of wall paintings from the second half of the fifteenth century.
Vimercate boasts the neo-classical Villa Sottocasa, the historical residence of Barbarossa and Bernabò Visconti.
Parks are another resource of the Brianza territory for those who are looking for a chance to relax, go for walks surrounded by nature and discover the natural treasures of this land. These include the Villa Reale Park in Monza, Groane Park, the Lambro Valley Park, to mention just a few. There are various itineraries to follow, linking these parks to neighbouring towns and ideal for a pleasant bike trip.
Those who want to see the beauty of Brianza close up are advised to follow the route of the Cammino di Sant’Agostino (the walk of Saint Augustine) which connects 25 Marian shrines and calls at the most important artistic and historic locations of the province, from churches to monuments and parks. Although of religious significance, the track can be appreciated by lay people as an opportunity for enjoyment in discovering a little known area by foot or bicycle.
The cuisine of Brianza is influenced by country traditions and is indubitably natural and organic.
Tradition has it that the inhabitants of these lands were always in a hurry to get to work, so they created quick dishes unique to local gastronomy. Dishes like Cazzuola with Polenta and Minestrone require long cooking times and were left on a low fire. One of the tastiest dishes is the Luganiga, a type of salami prepared with pork, excellent with risotto or to add flavour to the typical Michetta. Those with a sweet tooth should try the firun, a typical Monza dessert made of chestnut cooked in the oven and then strung together.
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