Known among literature lovers, thanks to the story told to the whole world by the brilliant Italian writer Alessandro Manzoni in the novel “The Betrothed,” and among sports fans, thanks to the National Autodromo, one of the fastest in the world, where the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix takes place annually, Monza, first of all, is a city with a rich history, artistic heritage, literally immersed in greenery. This city, a real “treasury” of architecture, however, is unlucky with its neighbors, because tourists often do not come here, preferring to stay longer in the glorious business and fashionable city.

Today we will try to dispel stereotypes and save you all from the often repeated mistake: so, let's go to Monza!

Monza (Italian Monza, local dialect Monscia)- the administrative center of the province of Monza e Brianza, considered a northern suburb - a city full of life, history and splendor. Just think, in the city, located just 15 minutes from the capital of Lombardy, there is a completely un-Milanese, so to speak, atmosphere: the atmosphere of a “slow city”, where there is no place for the eternal rush and chaos of the metropolis.

Ancient Modicia, which existed during the heyday of the Roman Empire, received its greatest flourishing during the seventh century, when the city was chosen as the summer capital of the Kingdom of the Lombards. It is with the period of Lombard rule that the most interesting and exciting historical evidence is associated, which you can still admire and admire while walking along the streets of Monza.

We invite you to take a virtual tour of this glorious city with a rich history right now!

Evening Monza. Photo pinterest.com

How to get to Monza?

By plane

Linate airport

Linate Airport is located on the eastern outskirts of the city, about ten kilometers from the center of Milan and 25 km from Monza. It is connected by frequent shuttles to Milan Central Station, with trains to Monza.

Malpensa Airport

Milan Malpensa Airport is located 50 km from Monza. You can get to Milan railway station from Malpensa by the Malpensa Express bus, from there you need to transfer to the train to Monza.

Or from Malpensa to Monza you can take the direct Alimonza shuttle.

Orio al Serio Airport

Orio al Serio International Airport is approximately 5 km from Bergamo, 45 from Milan and 40 from Monza. From there, take a taxi or ATB bus to the train station, and then take the direct Bergamo-Monza train.

By train

Monza train station is located at Via Arosio, 14

Ticket offices are open from Monday to Saturday.

Villa Reale. Monza. Photo thinkstock

By car

From Milan: Milano Strada V.le Zara to Monza

From Turin(A4): A4 Turin-Milan and then take the Milan-Venice branch and exit at Cinisello Balsamo-Sesto San Giovanni-Milano Viale Zara, then see above

From Bergamo and Brescia: A4 Milan-Venice, Northern Ring Road (Tangenziale Nord) to Svincolo Monza Centro.

From Lecco: Highway SS 36 to Monza.

From Genoa (A7): A7 motorway to Milan, then Western Ring Road towards Venice, after Eastern Ring Road and exit to Monza.

Where to stay in Monza?

Arengario or City Hall

The Arengario di Monza or City Hall is one of the most important historical buildings, a symbol of the autonomy of the city's political power. The Town Hall was built in 1293 to become the main seat of the city council, about 100 meters from Monza Cathedral. The unusual name, Arengarium, comes from the German expression "hari-hriggs", "circle of warriors": indeed, the hall where the city rulers gathered was shaped like a ring.

The Arengaria building is made in the Gothic style, with a balcony for broadcasting speeches to the people. Adjacent to the palazzo is a bell tower, which was added to the Arengaria plan in the 14th century. The building has a gallery under arched vaults, where shopping arcades were located in ancient times.

Currently, significant art exhibitions are held in the town hall building.

Arengarius. Photo pinterest.com

Royal Villa in Monza

Commissioned by Empress Maria Theresa of Austria for her son Ferdinand between 1776 and 1780. in the immediate vicinity of the medieval city, the Royal Villa served for many years as the summer residence of the Habsburgs.

Between 1806 and 1808 Ferdinand ordered the development of a park around the villa: a green area of ​​750 hectares was intended for royal hunting. A few decades later, a magnificent rotunda and theater were added to the villa, built under Napoleon by the architect Luigi Canonica. In 1790, greenhouses and a huge rose garden appeared near the residence.

Park of the Royal Villa. Photo pinterest.com

After the overthrow of the Habsburgs, until 1859. The royal villa belonged to the Savoy dynasty. The residence was especially loved by the son of King Vittorio Emanuele II, Umberto I, who was killed by anarchists in Monza in 1900 during the closing ceremony of sports games. After the incident, the new king ordered the villa to be closed and most of its treasures moved to the Palazzo Quirinale, in Rome. In 1934, the king donated the villa to the city.

The project of the Royal Villa was developed by the famous architect Piermarini according to the canons of the Royal Palace of Caserta and, therefore, the French Versailles.

The decor of the villa's façade is quite strict: rationalism permeates the entire design of the villa and is also evident in the organization of the interior spaces.

Royal Villa. Photo by Thinkstock

In the interiors of the villa you can admire the executive rooms, apartments of Umberto I and Queen Margaret of Savoy. Opposite the Royal Villa is the English Garden, also designed by Giuseppe Piermarini.

Chapel of Redemption (Cappella Espiatoria)

The Chapel of Atonement, located near the Villa Royale, was built by the king of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele III, in memory of the murder of his father Umberto I by anarchists, by the architects Giuseppe Sacconi and Guido Cirilli. Work on the construction of the monument was completed in 1910, on the tenth anniversary of the death of Umberto I. The chapel was erected on the very spot where the king was killed.

The chapel is a 35-meter stone stele on a high pedestal, which is decorated with two transparent crosses made of alabaster mined in the caves of Algeria. At the foot of the chapel there is a bronze sculptural group reproducing the Pieta by Michelangelo, and at its top lies an urn with a cushion on which are the scepter, the Supreme Order of the Holy Annunciation and the crown of the Savoy rulers.

Chapel of Redemption. Photo pinterest.com

Inside the pedestal of the monument there is a crypt, the walls of which are covered with multi-colored marble and Byzantine-type mosaics.

Every year on July 29, the deceased ruler is commemorated in the chapel: on this night, the alabaster crosses seem to glow from within.

Monza Park (Parco di Monza)

The luxurious green park of Monza surrounds the equally beautiful Royal Villa. The park covers an area of ​​approximately 688 hectares, making it the largest walled park in the world.

Monza Park was founded at the beginning of the 19th century at the will of Napoleon's stepson, Eugene Beauharnais, who at that time was the first Viceroy of Italy. The development of the green zone project was entrusted to the famous architect Luigi Canonica.

Monza Park. Photo by Thinkstock

After Napoleon was expelled from Italy, the villa and park passed to the Austrians, and then to the Savoys. King Umberto I loved the villa and the park most of all the rulers; here the monarch loved to relax and hunt. After the death of his father, King Vittorio Emanuele III abandoned his residence in Monza, transferring the property and park to the state.

Over the next decade, the municipalities of Milan and Monza ordered the construction of various sports facilities in the park - golf courses, an autodrome and a racetrack (it was later abolished).

Historical buildings in the park include water mills and a bridge over the Lambro River, built by Canonica in 1820. In addition to the Royal Villa, the park is adjacent to the Mirabello and Mirabellino villas, estates of the noble Milanese Durini family, which we also recommend not to ignore.

Church of Santa Maria in Strada

Just 150 meters from the Duomo of Monza, there is another beautiful 14th-century church with a striking terracotta facade, the architecture of which harmoniously combines Gothic and Romanesque styles. The Church of Our Lady of the Road arose on the site of an ancient Franciscan monastery and was a strict single-nave religious structure until 1756, when the famous Italian architect Giovanni Batista changed the church, rebuilding the altar in marble and gilded bronze, adding decorative columns, densely decorated with stucco, and several intra-church chapels.

Photo by Thinkstock

Church of St. Peter the Martyr (Chiesa di San Pietro Martire)

To the north of Monza Cathedral stands the majestic Cathedral of St. Peter the Martyr, built in the late Gothic style at the end of the 14th century.

This church is especially interesting for its interior, where you can admire the beautiful frescoes of the 14th century and, under the altar, see the urn with the remains of the holy martyr Prospero, which were transported to the temple of Monza from the Roman catacombs by St. Agnes of Rome.

Photo by Thinkstock

Monza National Circuit

The largest and oldest circuit in Italy is located approximately 2 kilometers from the Royal Villa of Monza. Several major auto and motorcycle races are regularly held here, including the Italian Grand Prix and the World Superbike Championship.

The Monza Autodromo was built in 1922 in the park of the Royal Villa of Monza for the Milan Automobile Club. The circuit originally had two permanent tracks for high-speed racing, but after an incident in 1928 when a driver crashed into a grandstand, killing 20 spectators, the two tracks were combined into one to reduce the speed.

The Monza circuit “remembers” several more terrible accidents that have gone down in history: in 1961, the legendary Ferrari driver Wolfgang von Trips crashed here: the incident claimed the lives of twelve more spectators. Nine years later, in 1970, racing driver Karl-Jochen Rindt, who was leading in points at the time of his death, died here. This incident was a unique event for Formula 1: Rindt was posthumously awarded the championship title.

Photo by Thinkstock

Of course, all of the above attractions of Monza are just a small part of the treasures that you will discover while leisurely strolling through the streets of the city. For lovers of religious architecture, we advise, in addition to the above-mentioned cathedrals, to visit other beautiful temples of Monza, such as the church of Santa Maria al Carrobiolo and, especially, the monastery church of San Maurizio, where Marianna de Leyva, known to fans of Manzoni’s work as the Nun of Monza.

What to try in Monza?

The traditional dishes of the province of Monza e Brianza can be tasted in any restaurant and any tavern: here they sacredly honor and preserve their own customs, always offering visitors delicious specialties of Lombardy, prepared from typical products of the region.

Among the first courses, I would like to highlight the Brianz soup (minestrone alla brianzola), which is prepared for long hours, resulting in a very appetizing and aromatic brew, as well as risotto with luganega pork sausage (risotto con la luganega).

Meat lovers will probably really enjoy the cassoeula, a roast made from pork feet, ribs and verzitt sausages. All this must be served with hot polenta. Gourmets are invited to try the local roast rabbit, pork ribs with sausage and grilled trout caught on Lake Como. The best wines to accompany your order will likely come from the fertile slopes of Montevecchia.

Photo flickr.com

Those with a sweet tooth should definitely try the sweet "firun", a typical Monza biscuit made from chestnuts.

Events in Monza

Feast of the patron saint - Sagra di San Giovanni

Every year on June 24, Monza residents celebrate the feast of the city's patron saint, John the Baptist. The city praises its patron saint with a series of cultural and sporting events (Lambro River Regatta, Monza - Resegone Marathon), which begin 2 weeks before the holiday. On Patron Saint's Day, a procession in historical costumes passes through the streets of Monza, and the Medieval Market sets up tents in the main square. The celebrations culminate with a grand fireworks display in the gardens of the Royal Villa.

The city of Monza, located on the Lambro River, began its history around the 6th century. Having previously been a small village, Modicia (former name) fell in love, thanks to its location and climate, with the Lombard people, led by their ruler, Queen Theodolinda.

Through the efforts of the latter, the half-abandoned village turned into a full-fledged city with highly developed culture, education, and industry.

Now it is the “capital” of the administrative district of Monza e Briara. In the Middle Ages, special attention was paid to the development of religious trends, which led to the construction of several picturesque churches and town halls on the territory of the administrative center.

If you are going to the country of Italy and on your way to the fashionable capital - the city of Milan, then be sure to visit its northern suburb of Monza. For what?
The most beautiful medieval sights of Monza, Italy, seem to be concentrated in a small area of ​​the province:

• Cathedral. Located in Piazza del Duomo, 800 meters from the residence of the royal family of Theodolinda, the temple, whose facade is decorated with noble marble, was built in honor of St. John the Baptist.

  The cathedral was built in honor of St. John the Baptist

  As legend has it, the pious queen prayed to this saint for a new addition to her family, and a dove she saw while walking gave a sign that it was time to begin building a church. Here the queen christened her first-born. In the 14th century AD, having undergone restoration at the behest of the local Visconti rulers, the exterior of the basilica received a luxurious finish made of precious stone of several colors.

  At the same time, 2 chapel towers appeared on the territory of the temple opposite each other.

  The interior of the cathedral is striking in its richness of paintings depicting the lives of saints. The church is open to visitors every day from 7-30 to 12 o'clock, after a break from 15 to 18-30 o'clock. The museum at the temple can be visited from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., after lunch from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. inclusive;

• Royal Villa. Located relatively close to the Cathedral. The former residence of the royal family of Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, who wished to erect a majestic building in honor of her son Ferdinand in the 18th century.

  

  Former residence of the royal family of Empress Maria Theresa of Austria

  The apartment consists of three combined laconic buildings, and the road from the villa leads straight to the city center. The whole style of the building speaks of wealth, and at the same time, the asceticism and severity of its owners. The royal descendant, having ordered the construction of a vast green grove around it, came here to hunt.

  For the relaxation of the august persons, a sophisticated rotunda was created, surrounded by fragrant roses, and later a greenhouse was built here.

  During the reign of Napoleon, the royal villa was supplemented by a theater built according to the design of the famous architect Luigi Canonica. You can visit the villa at: Viale Brianza, 1, from November to March - daily from 7 to 18-30 hours, from April to October daily from 7 to 20 hours;

• Chapel of Redemption. The construction was preceded by a tragedy in the royal family - the inconsolable ruler of the Italian Empire, Vittorio Emanuele III, ordered the construction of this monument in honor of his father, King Umberto I, who died at the hands of the rebels. It is a mournfully towering stele over the city with a massive cross made of transparent alabaster on the facade, and the same decoration on the back side.

  

  Chapel of Atonement - a monument in honor of the deceased King Umberto I

  The height of the structure is about 35 m. At the bottom of the monument there is a sad bronze composition created by the famous Michelangelo Buonarotti. Memorable relics are also placed there - the scepter of the deceased ruler, the crown and the Order of the Annunciation. The chapel was erected directly at the site of the murder of the royal person.

  The inside of the room is decorated with multi-colored marble and mosaic patterns, and the appearance of the dome represents the night starry sky.

  Every year, on the day of the death of King Umberto on July 29, ritual mourning services are held here. The sightseeing tour can be taken daily at Via Matteo Da Champione, from Monday to Friday: from 9 to 14 hours from September to April, and from 9 to 12 hours, from 14 to 17 hours from May to September;

• City Hall. Also called Arengario, this landmark served as the seat of the city's local council in the 13th century. Symbolized the consolidation and isolation of local government. The appearance of the building is quite ascetic, rectangular in shape.

  

  The City Hall served as the seat of the city's local council in the 13th century

  The first floor is decorative, made in the form of numerous arches, replaced by low columns, and on the second there are rooms where the city authorities met.

  On the south side, according to the architects' plan, an elegant balcony with marble trim was added.

  Now Arengarium serves as a venue for fine art exhibitions. Located in Piazzale Roma, information about opening hours and ticket prices will be provided upon request by phone: +39 039 323222;

• Church of the Holy Martyr Peter. Located 300 m from the Cathedral. The building was created in the Gothic style of the late period in the 14th century, dedicated to Peter of Verona, who accepted death for his faith from heretics. With a rather modest façade, mostly made of red brick, the interior is impressive with the art and colorful tiled images from the lives of saints.

  

  The Church of St. Peter the Martyr is dedicated to Peter of Verona

  The relics of Saint Prospero, brought from Rome, are kept here.
  Opposite is a commemorative sculpture of the famous artist Bianchi.
  Address: St. Peter the Martyr Square, 20900; Information about the reception hours for visitors and the cost of excursions can be found by calling: +39 039 323222;

• Treasury-museum of the Cathedral. Located in the basement of the temple. The Duomo Museum is truly a deep treasure trove of works by master jewelers who lived in the 4th to 19th centuries.
  

  The predominant items here are religious vestments, accessories for liturgies, vestments of clergy, parts of the clothes of holy martyrs, and ingots of metal that made up the lamps that burned in the cemeteries of the dead Roman martyrs.

  There is also a crucifix presented to Theodolinda for the baptism of her first-born, as well as the crown of the august queen, decorated with stones. Cathedral address: Piazza Duomo. Monday is a day off, and on the rest of the week, entrance to the museum (costs 6-8 euros) is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily;

• Autodrom. The local circuit annually hosts world car and motorcycle races, including the famous Italian Grand Prix, the Formula 1 championship and the world biker championship. The Milan Automobile Club, which existed at the beginning of the last century, became the founder of the circuit, equipped 2 km from the Royal Villa, in the 1920s. Initially it included 2 tracks for racing racers, but closer to 1928 it was combined into a single track due to an accident. which claimed the lives of more than 20 tiffozi (fans).

  Subsequently, the main Monza circuit saw a number of tragedies, leading to the death of the most talented racers Wolfgang von Trips and Karl-Jochen Rindt in 1961 and 1970. Currently, the circuit's operating hours are strictly regulated in order to protect the well-being of residents of the surrounding areas. Entrance to the circuit is paid, ticket price starts from 5 euros per person.

You can admire the sights of the city of Monza by watching the video:

There are a lot of events taking place in Mozza:

• The main annual event of the city is holiday dedicated to John the Baptist, celebrated annually on June 24th.
  

  2 weeks before the celebration, sports tournaments, various cultural events, as well as carnival processions in fancy costumes begin to take place here.

  The crown of the celebration is a grandiose fireworks display organized at the Royal Villa, in the shade of greenery;

• Various festivals are often held in the Royal Park, for example, in April of this year, an exciting Festival of Flight (aeronautics) was held here, hordes of multi-colored balls flew over Monza, and later an exhibition dedicated to the history of human conquest of the air was held in the Royal Villa;
• One of the biggest events in Monza is annual Formula 1 World Circuit Racing Championship, often held at the famous local speedway. The competition is held under the auspices of the International Motorist Federation. Therefore, it is not surprising that one of the main attractions of the province is the Autodrome.
  You can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of racing and look at the Autodromo nazionale di Monza track by watching the video:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJOa_WNDb-o

How to get to Monza

Airplane. From Milan Linate Airport (25 km to Monza) you can take a train that will take you to your destination. A little further, 50 km away, there is another Milan airport - Malpensa, to which the Malpensa Express transfer will take you. You can get to Monza by train. The Alimonza shuttle can also take you directly to Monza.
Orio al Serio Airport is located 40 km from Monza, 45 from Milan and 5 from. The main thing is to get to Bergamo train station, and from there there is a direct train to Monza.

Train.
There are several options for getting there by train:

• From Milan - train S11, travels slowly, about an hour on the way;
• Tirano FS trains - run frequently, about 4 times per hour, take about 15 minutes to Monza;
• The train in the Swiss direction runs according to the following schedule: 7:10, 8:10, 14:10, 16:10, 18:10. The journey can last up to 12-13 minutes;
• The train schedule moving towards the city of Zurich is daily at 11:21, 13:21, 15:21, 17:21, 19:21.

And if you need a ticket anywhere from Monza, then you should get to Via Arosio, 14 in Monza, and buy a ticket in the desired direction.

Just remember that the local box office is closed on Sundays!

Bus. From Milan to Monza there are regular bus routes 722, 723 and 724.

Automobile.
There are several main roads into the city of Monza:

• For example, from the city of Milan you can get to Monza by following Milano Strada V.le Zara;
• from the famous A4 motorway, subsequently changing onto the road leading from Milan to Venice, and then follow the Cinisello Balsamo-Sesto San Giovanni-Milano Viale Zara;
• from the province you can reach it directly by taking the SS 36 road, which leads directly to Monza;
• from Genoa in Italy you need to take the A7 motorway, and when you get to Milan, take the western ring road to Venice, turn onto the eastern ring road, which will take you to Monza.

Where to stay?

Here are some of the main hotels in Monza:

Weather in Monza

Monza, as can be seen on the map of Italy, is located on the Lambro River, so the local climate is quite humid and moderately warm.

Location of Monza on the map of Italy

The weather in this area does not skimp on precipitation and rain. The average temperature per year is approximately 13 °C. It is better to come here in the spring - in April and May, or during the velvet season - from August to October.

If you want to get cultural pleasure and at the same time explosive emotions of a fan, then you should definitely go to Monza.

Monza is a city replete with architectural monuments of the Middle Ages, the main “pearl” of which is the ancient famous race track, where the greatest racers from all over the globe strive to fight.

The capital is located just 12 km away, which makes the city convenient for visiting.
First of all, Monza is famous for its magnificent cathedral, which houses the iron crown and other treasures of the Lombards, the Formula 1 track and the royal residence.

In the ancient Roman period, Monza was called Moguntiacum. During the Lombard kingdom it was the summer capital; in the 11th century the city became a satellite of Milan. In the 13th century, Monza was a free commune, in the 14th century it came under the rule of the Visconti, and then was under the control of the Spaniards and Austrians. In 1859, Monza became part of the Kingdom of Sardinia, and in 1861 it became part of a united Italy.

We present to your attention 6 places worth seeing in Monza.

1. The Cathedral and its treasury

When the Lombard queen Theodolinda chose Monza for her summer residence, she founded the basilica, which is now the Cathedral, around 595. The temple is dedicated to the patron saint of Monza, Saint John the Baptist. The facade of the cathedral is made of white and green marble, decorated with figures of saints and a magnificent rose window.
Inside is the Chapel of Queen Theodolinda, made in the Gothic style. The iron crown, which was a symbol of power and a masterpiece of Lombard jewelry, is kept here. The museum contains a rich collection of various treasures. Entrance to the museum and chapel is paid. Photography is prohibited.
Previously, the mummy of Estore Visconti, who was Lord of Monza from 1407 to 1413, was kept in the courtyard of the cathedral. The valiant strategist and brave soldier won fame not only during life, but also after death. Estore Visconti died in battle, her body remained in the waters of the Lambro River for three months and was then buried under the cathedral. Perhaps, under conditions of high humidity and complete bleeding of the body, embalming took place, but this was discovered only in 1698 during restoration work. For a long time, the body of Estore Visconti was in a vertical state in one of the niches, but in 2017 the mummy was taken away for study and it is unknown when it will return to its place.

2. Royal residence and park

The Royal Palace is considered one of the most important attractions of Monza. It was erected during the period of Austrian rule over the Duchy of Milan. The palace was built by order of Empress Maria Teresa of Austria in honor of her fourth son, Archduke Ferdinand of Austria, who lived in Milan and came to Monza in the summer. Work on the palace began in 1777. Nowadays there is a museum within the walls of the palace; from the top floor there is a magnificent view of the park, which is one of the largest in Europe. The park is definitely worth a walk; it consists of thousands of beautiful routes, architectural elements and cozy corners. The park was laid out according to the design of Luigi Canonica in 1806-08. The villa and park were often visited by Umberto I, but after his assassination the royal residence was forgotten.

3. Expiatory chapel in memory of the murdered King Umberto I.

Those interested in history may want to see the chapel in memory of the murdered King Umberto I, which is located near the royal palace.
On July 29, 1900, near the Royal Palace in Monza, the king of Italy, Umberto I, was killed by the anarchist Gaetano Bresci. There have already been attempts on Umberto I's life twice, the third time being the last.
Gaetano Bresci was born in Tuscany but immigrated to the United States, where he married and had two daughters. Breschi always fought for workers' rights and participated in the publication of an anarchist newspaper. In 1898, a peaceful demonstration was shot in Milan on the orders of Umberto I, and this prompted Gaetano to take decisive action; he returned to Italy to kill the king.
That day, Umbreto I was in Monza for the closing ceremony of a sports competition. He had no desire to be there, but the political situation required his presence to shake hands with athletes from the newly annexed Austrian territories of Italy.
Umberto I approached the athletes with the words: “I am glad to see you among the Italians.” The crowd cheered and burst into applause. Then he got into the car with two generals, and after a while shots were fired.
Gaeton Bresci was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment, and a year later he was killed in prison under unknown circumstances. All documents related to this case have disappeared.
Naturally, the murder of the monarch had a huge resonance. Umberto I was buried with honors in the Roman Pantheon.
Leo Tolstoy later wrote: “If Alexander II and Humbert (Umberto I) did not deserve to be killed, then the thousands of Russians who died near Plevna and the Italians who died in Abyssinia deserved it even less.” On the conscience of Umberto I is not only the senseless death of many Italian soldiers and a war that gave nothing to Italy, but also a stupid economic policy that led to the impoverishment of the south and increased immigration.

4. Autodrom

The race track is located within the park. It was built in 1922 and is the third oldest race track in the world. Numerous events take place here, including Formula 1 and the Monza Rally Show.

5. Arenarium – the building of the municipality of the free commune

The Arenarium is located in the central Piazza Roma, where the main pedestrian streets of Monza intersect. It is an example of Lombard architecture from the times of the free communes. Arenarius was the center of power at the end of the 13th century.

6. District of San Gerardino

The district of San Gerardino is located in the historical center.
The oldest street in the city, Via Lambro, starts from the Cathedral and heads towards the river. At the end of the street there is a tower house, we will pass under the tower, cross the river with lions and find ourselves in the San Gerardino area. The picturesque area contains old houses, churches and mills that were used many years ago. Now in one of the mills called Colombo there is an ethnographic museum.

Monza (Italian: Monza) - attractions

Category: Lombardy

Monza (Italian Monza, Latin Modicia) is an ancient Italian city located on the banks of the river. Lambro. One of the five largest cities in Lombardy, today Monza is considered a northeastern suburb of Milan.

This city is well known to lovers of classical Italian literature from the novel “The Betrothed,” written by the outstanding master of literary prose A. Manzoni, and to fans of Formula 1 auto racing due to the National Autodromo, one of the fastest in the world, located on its territory, where the Grand Prix is ​​played every year. -under the Republic of Italy. However, Monza is famous, above all, for its rich history, masterpieces of artistic heritage and architectural monuments immersed in greenery. Unfortunately, the proximity of Milan has its influence: many tourists prefer shopping in fashionable Milanese boutiques to visiting Monza. Of course, this is unfair: after all, in a city full of life, the very atmosphere of which is saturated with regal splendor, it is so pleasant to take a break from the constant chaos and rush of the metropolis, located just 20 minutes away!

Until the fifth century AD, Modicia was a remote village. The situation changed radically only after the Lombard queen Theodelinda erected luxurious palace chambers and a monastery here. During the Middle Ages, the city periodically sought independence from Milan. It withstood siege several times during the Italian Wars, but was destroyed by the army of Charles V. At the beginning of the twentieth century. here the tragic death of King Umberto I took place; to commemorate this event, a chapel was erected in 1911.

It is from the era of the reign of the Lombards that the most famous and attractive historical monuments are associated, which to this day evoke the admiration of everyone who walks the winding ancient streets of Monza.

Cathedral

Temple dedicated to the patron saint of the city, St. John the Baptist, is the central and most majestic architectural structure of Monza. Even though the cathedral is not officially considered a cathedral, it is headed by an archbishop. Needless to say, the mere mention of such a high rank cannot but give the church weight in the eyes of parishioners and guests of the city.

At first, where the cathedral now stands, there was a chapel building, erected under Theodelinda. In the 7th century The chapel was demolished, and in its place a church was created - a building, of which almost nothing remains today due to many subsequent reconstructions. In the thirteenth century, the former building became completely unrecognizable, and in the 16th century its interior was decorated with many additional frescoes.

Like any central temple, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Monza is full of pompous grandeur - a luxury that one cannot help but admire.

City Park

Modern generations, although they are aware of the exquisite beauty of ancient park ensembles, are still not appreciated to the same extent as in the old days. A century ago, the attitude towards parks was much more reverent - rich nobles invested huge amounts of money in their creation and decoration. In this regard, Monza Park is no exception - it is the true pride of the city.

The park was founded by the King of Italy, Beauharnais. The design was entrusted to the most famous architect of his time, Luigi Canonica.

After the historical defeat of Napoleonic troops, the park was for some time transferred to the ownership of Austria, but was soon returned to Italy. At the dawn of the 20th century, a hippodrome was built here, and later a wonderful racing track. In 1929, a large golf stadium was also equipped.

Monza's tourist popularity owes much to a number of these innovations. Thousands of tourists annually flood the magnificent park ensemble in order to indulge in a wide variety of entertainment and heartily enjoy the beautiful landscapes.

Royal Villa

The Royal Villa is one of the famous historical and architectural monuments in Monza, built in the late 1870s. according to the project created by the Italian architect Giuseppe Piermarini. At that time, Lombardy was still part of Austria-Hungary, and the luxurious complex, designed to emphasize the glory of the Habsburg dynasty, was built as a summer hunting residence of Archduke Ferdinand in the city surroundings, rich in forests and game.

Construction work began in 1778. Situated among the vast parklands of Monza, the villa is compositionally an ensemble that includes a central building and two side extensions. In addition, the palace complex included the buildings of the royal chapel of the Capella Reale, the stables, the Appiani rotunda, the Orangerie and the compact theater. The premises on the first floor are a number of spacious halls for officialdom, as well as the chambers of the King of Italy Umberto I and Queen Margaret of Savoy. In front of the main facade of the villa there is a garden, stylized in the traditions of English landscape and park architecture.

Address: Monza, Italy.

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) existed already in the Roman era, although today the only witness to that time is the Roman bridge Ponte dei Leoni.

History of the city of Monza

During the Roman era the city was called Modicia. In the Middle Ages, the city of Monza was first an independent commune, and later became dependent on the Visconti family. True, before becoming part of the Duchy of Milan, Monza experienced a significant rise, and was even the residence of the Holy Roman Emperor in Italy. In that era, the inhabitants of Monza enjoyed great rights. They had the right to their own system of measurement, minting their own coinage, and could even issue credentials in their own name. In 980 the Emperor stayed in Monza Otto the Second, and in 1000 Emperor Otto the Third became the defender of the city.

Development of Monza

The prosperity of the city in the 10th and 11th centuries actually became the reason for the confrontation with Milan, which, as you know, is located only a few tens of kilometers from Monza.

In the 12th century population Monza numbered approximately 7,000 people. The main occupation of the city residents was agriculture, but at the same time, various crafts were developed in the city. In 1128 in the Church of St. Michael in Monza Conrad the Third of Swabia received the crown of Italy from the hands of the Archbishop of Milan. In the conflict that occurred between Frederick Barbarossa and Milan, Monza took the side of the emperor. No wonder. After all, in this way the city residents sought to weaken the ever-increasing influence of their powerful neighbor.

In 1325, after a long siege, Monza was occupied by the Duke's troops. Galeazzo I. Galeazzo decided to strengthen the city: renew the fortress walls and build another castle in the city. This castle also served as a prison. Interestingly, two years later the Duke himself was imprisoned in his brainchild by order of the Emperor and spent more than a year in captivity.

In 1354 Dad issued a special bull according to which any contender for the crown of Italy could be crowned exclusively in the Cathedral of Monza. True, Italy was disunited at that time, so this papal bull was more of a formality. In 1500 French King Louis the Twelfth captured Duke Ludovico il Moro, after which Milan, together with Monza, became a French possession. However, after the Battle of Pavia, which took place in 1525 and in which the French were defeated by the emperor's troops, the Spaniards established themselves in Monza for a long time. After the end of the War of the Spanish Succession at the beginning of the 18th century, it became part of the Austrian Empire.

During Napoleonic Wars Monza was part of the Cisalpine Republic. In 1805, the Crown of Italy kept in Monza was used by Napoleon during his coronation in Milan. Napoleon It was no coincidence that he chose northern Italy as the site of his coronation.

Let's remember the medieval history of Monza - it was the place of coronation of emperors Holy Roman Empire. After Napoleon's defeat in 1815, Austria annexed territories in northern Italy. A year later, Monza received city status by decree of Emperor Franz Joseph I. The next Emperor of the Austrian Empire, Ferdinand the First, also bore the title of King of Italy, and was therefore crowned with the Iron Crown of Italy in Milan.

During “5-day” uprising in Milan, directed against the Austrian occupation of Italy, the inhabitants of Monza supported the inhabitants of Milan and expelled the Austrian garrison from the city. For a short time, power in Monza passed into the hands of the “national guard”. In 1861, Monza became part of the united Kingdom of Italy. And in 1862, Giuseppe Garibaldi visited the city.

Sights of Monza

In total, Monza has withstood 22 sieges throughout its history. However, today only the city’s medieval fortifications have survived Porta d'Agrate gate. Other famous attractions of the city are Cathedral St. John's, which is based on a 6th century basilica.

The beautiful facade of the cathedral, decorated with black and white marble, was erected in the mid-14th century by the master Matteo da Campione. The cathedral's Campanile was erected in 1606 under the direction of Pellegrino Tibaldi.

Royal Villa in Monza

Monza is one of the most interesting historical monuments in northern Italy.

The villa was built between 1777 and 1780 as the summer residence of the Austrian imperial family. The surroundings of the villa are beautiful a park, which is one of the largest parks in Europe.

Monza on the map of Italy