DK Travel : Milan and the Lakes

Milan is Italy’s economic powerhouse, a bustling city of finance and industry, media empires and fashion houses, backed up by an impressive cultural heritage of important art galleries and ancient churches. Yet a 40-minute train ride takes you to the azure pools of “the lakes”, lined with fishing villages, villas and laid-back resorts.

Alessandro Volta (1745–1827)

This Como physicist invented the battery in 1800 and gave his name to the electrical unit.
Alessi

Tea kettles, silverware settings and other gorgeous items crafted by the top names in international industrial design, all manufactured in Lombardy.
An Evening on the Navigli

Milan’s southern district of canals and warehouses has been converted to a lively evening area of restaurants, pizzerias, bars, pubs and funky shops (see I Navigli).
Ancient

From prehistoric rock etchings dating back to the 12th century BC to sophisticated Roman villas of the 5th century AD.
Andrea Mantegna (1431–1506)

Mantegna’s classical mode of High Renaissance painting differed from but was as ethereally beautiful as that of his brother-in-law Giovanni Bellini. In 1460 he became court painter to the Gonzagas of Mantova, where he left masterful frescoes on the walls of the Palazzo Ducale. Milan’s Pinacoteca di Brera houses his remarkably foreshortened Dead Christ (see ).
Antica Agnello, Lake Orta

Cosy taverna serving lake fish, local game and creative regional dishes. Always the freshest ingredients.
Antica Hosteria del Vino Buono, Bergamo

Hearty bergamasco fare and some good tasting menus in the simple rooms of a wedge-shaped medieval palazzo .
Antica Locanda dei Mercanti

This converted apartment between the Duomo and Castello is a wonderful home-away-from-home. The quiet rooms have floral draperies, matching headboards and the occasional exposed beam. The more expensive terrazzo rooms have small terraces and canopy beds.
Antica Locanda Solferino

Milan’s most eccentric hotel is beloved by fashion gurus and film stars. What it lacks in amenities such as minibars and large bathrooms, it makes up for with its flower-fringed balconies, homey mismatched furnishings and breakfast-in-bed.
Antonio di Pietro (b. 1950)

The Christian Democrat party collapsed in 1992 following this magistrate’s investigation into political corruption.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under €110
- €110-€160
- €160-€210
- €210-€270
- over €270
Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €20
- €20-€30
- €30-€40
- €40-€50
- over €50