DK Travel : Milan and the Lakes : Editor's choice

Page
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Books

A catalogue of Milanese galleries, a glossy tome of lake scenes or a translation of local literary classic I Promessi Sposi (see I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)) might be a more treasured souvenir than a sheaf of postcards or trinkets.
Casa degli Omenoni

Sculptor Leone Leoni’s 16th-century home has a magnificent façade flanked by a Liberty-style tower.
Casa del Manzoni

Manzoni, Italy’s greatest 19th-century writer (see I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)), lived in this Neo-Classical palazzo , now a museum of “Manzoniana”.
Casoeûla

Somewhere between a soup, a stew and a main course, this mighty Milanese dish throws sausage and chunks of pork chops and rinds into a thick cabbage soup, with dollops of polenta on the side. It’ll stick to your ribs (and clog your arteries).
Ca’ Grande

This massive complex – originally a hospital, now part of the University of Milan – took 400 years to complete.
Cheeses

Lombardy is the land of Italy’s smelly king of blue-veined cheeses, gorgonzola, and its lesser-known cousin taleggio (no mould, just strongly-odoured goodness). It’s also home to grana padana, which is easily confused with parmesan. On the milder end of the scale are the popular bel paese and spreadable marscarpone.
Climbing

Rock climb in the mountains ringing the lake’s southeastern end.
Climbing and Paragliding

For adventure sports such as climbing and canyoning, head to Arco, just north of Riva, for the Guide Alpine or Multi Sport Centre, which can also hook you up with a paragliding run, as can Paragliding Club in Malcesine.
Cotoletta alla Milanese

For proof that the Lombards are Germanic at heart, look no further than Milan’s archetypal dish, a breaded veal cutlet which is, essentially, wienerschnitzel .
Dehor, Lonato

This disco spins house and 70s–80s pop and funk in a refined, Mediterranean-style club two miles off the autostrada. Once a month there’s a theme party night.