Lombardy

Lombardy (Italian: Lombardia, Lombard: Lumbardia) is one of the 20 Regions of Italy. The capital is Milan. One-sixth of Italy's population lives in Lombardy and about one fourth of Italy's GDP is produced in this Region. Lombardy is divided into twelve provinces: Bergamo, Brescia, Como, Cremona, Lecco, Lodi, Mantova, Milano, Monza e Brianza, Pavia, Sondrio, Varese. The area of current Lombardy was settled at least since the 2nd millennium BCE, as shown by the archaeological findings of ceramics, arrows, axes and carved stones. In the following centuries it was inhabited first by some Etruscan tribes, who founded the city of Mantua and spread the use of writing; later, starting from the 5th century BCE, the area was invaded by the Celt (Gaul) tribes. During and after the fall of the Western Empire, Lombardy suffered heavily from destruction brought about by a series of barbaric invasions. The last and most effective was that of the Lombards, or Longobardi, who came around 570s. The 11th century marked a significant boom in the region's economy, due to improved trading and, mostly, agricultural conditions. The restoration of Austrian rule in 1815, in the form of the puppet state called Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia, had however to contend with new social ideals introduced by the Napoleonic era. Lombardy became one of the intellectual centres of the process which led to the Unification of Italy. The popular republic of 1848 was short-lived, and Lombardy was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy 1859 as a result of the Second Italian Independence War. Starting from the late 19th century, and with a boom after World War II, Lombardy confirmed its status as the most economically developed area of Italy and Europe itself. Nature in Lombardy is very beautiful, but with the years the landscape changed due to industrial development and intensive urbanization of the territory. Mountain zones: Alps and Prealps. Thanks to its resources this part of the region was not depopulated and maintained the same level of inhabitants. Three main activities here are 1.production of hydroenergy using mountain waters; 2.some very specialized agricultural productions (wines of Valtellina, etc.); 3.tourism (skiing in Bormio, Livigno, Madesimo, Chiesa Val Malenco, Campodolcino, Aprica).

In pre-Alpine zones, more populated activity is based on excavation and usage of some mineral resources (iron, lead, zinc), which gave birth to numerous little artisan productions.

In mountain zones are located all Lombardian lakes: Maggiore, Como, Iseo, Garda, very much visited by tourist.

Hill and plain zones: this are the most populated and industrialized parts of the region, here on 1/6 of the whole Lombardian territory live 3/4 of the Lombardian population, especially around Milan, capital of the region. The hill parts around Cantu' and Varesotto are specialized in production of textile and furniture; while the area between Saronno, Busto Arsizio and Gallarate is occupied by important commercial centers and the seats of textile and mechanic industries. The industries on the territory around Bergamo are influenced by Milan's enterprises. Bergamo is the seat of Italcementi, the main Italian company in production of cement, moreover, this city is the second bank center in Lombardy after Milan. But the second place by population takes the city of Brescia, which obtained the ample autonomy thanks to highly developed industry, commercial, consulting and educational activities.

The lower parts of the plain zone are rich of fertile lands and water which permits intensive cultivation and successful functioning of agricultural companies.

The river Po and numerous artificial channels are used for irrigation of lands, navigation and transportation of goods.

Lombardy is divided in nine provinces: Milan, Bergamo, Brescia, Como, Cremona, Lecco, Lodi, Mantua, Pavia, Sondrio, Varese. Their territory is divided in 1546 communes. The metropolitan area of Milan causes creation of two new provinces: Lodi and Lecco, the first one includes 66 communes of Milan province, the second one has a strong economic (industrial and touristic) structure.

Lombardy airports and travel: The area is well-served by airports, with Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa and Milan Bergamo. Milan, as Italy's business capital, is well-connected to the rest of Italy by high-speed rail links. An efficient public transport network covers the rest of Lombardy.

Lombardy (Lombardia) is a wealthy and busy region, but between commerce and industry it also fits in an amazing number of prime tourist destinations. Located in northern Italy, encompassing the Alps, the Lakes and the Po Basin, Lombardy's scenery is varied and sometimes dramatic. The flat area around Milan is dotted with art cities, but for a glimpse of natural splendours, head for the edge of the mountains. Here the Alps tumble down into steep valleys and lakes, in a scenic feast which has enraptured travellers for centuries. Lombardy's regional capital is Milan; and the region's other provinces are: Lecco, Varese, Como, Bergamo, Sondrio, Brescia, Cremona, Mantova, Pavia and Lodi. Lombardy's cuisine includes dishes such as risotto alla milanese, frogs (in Pavia), ossobuco alla milanese, bresaola and polenta.

Lombardy Tourist Destinations

Milan is a big destination for business travellers, but many tourists also spend a day or more there before moving on. Art-lovers will not want to miss the masterpieces in the city's galleries. For longer, more tranquil holidays, huge numbers head for the Italian Lakes: Lake Como and Lake Iseo are entirely within Lombardy, while the region's borders run along one shore of Lake Maggiore (in the west) and one shore of Lake Garda (in the east).

Bergamo makes a great destination for a budget weekend in Italy, while Lombardy's other attractive art towns include Cremona, Pavia, Mantova and Brescia. Milan attracts the football fans, while Monza, just outside the city, is the home of the Italian Grand Prix. The region reaches up northwards to ski-centre Bormio and the Stelvio National Park.