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.

1. Leonardo’s Last Supper

One of the largest and most ingenious works created by the ultimate Renaissance Man. It is in an advanced state of deterioration now, but even the shadow that remains of this great work can teach us volumes about Renaissance ideals.
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2. Milan’s Duomo

The world’s largest Gothic cathedral took more than 400 years to complete, a forest of stone pinnacles, flying buttresses, more than 3,500 statues and fantastic panoramas from its roof.
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3. Pinacoteca di Brera

Northern Italy’s greatest painting gallery displays masterpieces by Mantegna, Giovanni Bellini, Piero della Francesca, Raphael and Caravaggio.
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4. Castello Sforzesco

A sprawling 15th-century castle, now home to collections of tapestries, archaeological artifacts, paintings by Bellini and Mantegna, and sculptures that include Michelangelo’s final work, the Rondanini Pietà .
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5. Pinacoteca Ambrosiana

This cultural study centre founded in the 17th century contains works by Leonardo, Botticelli, Raphael and Caravaggio.
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6. Sant’Ambrogio

One of the oldest churches in Milan, it was founded by the city’s bishop and patron saint Ambrose in 379. It’s filled with mosaics and carvings dating back to the 4th century.
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7. Lake Maggiore’s Isole Borromee

Three verdant islands, one still dominated by a fishing village, the other two clad in the sumptuous villas and ornate gardens of the local ruling Borromeo clan.
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8. Certosa di Pavia

The pinnacle of the Lombard Renaissance, a vast monastery and church complex in the Po plains with an ornate marble façade, exquisite carved tombs, and some excellent paintings and frescoes.
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9. Bergamo

The perfect balance of small town charm and sophisticated culture, medieval streets and Renaissance buildings, chic boutiques and hearty home-cooking.
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10. Mantova

The ancient seat of the Gonzaga dukes – ringed on three sides by shallow lakes – boasts Renaissance palaces designed and decorated by the likes of Mantegna and Giulio Romano.
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