Lombardy

Introducing Lombardy

With the exception of the Alpine north, much of Lombardy’s landscape is plain, densely populated and heavily industrial. But what the Lombard plain lacks in natural awe, it more than makes up in graceful living. Cities here are distinctly sophisticated, and the population displays an unwavering love for the finer things in life. There is no better example of this than Milan: a modern metropolis that lacks the colour and romanticism of other Italian cities, but has an irresistible attitude and pace-of-life. As one of the fashion capitals of the world, the stylish Lombard capital is a head-spinning party for the street photographer.

Other cities in the Lombard plain barely get a mention in travel literature. That is a great injustice. Places like Pavia, Lodi, Cremona and Crema are brimming with interesting sites. Mantua and Bergamo get a little more of attention thanks to their scenic urban fabric, and this is thoroughly deserved: their artistic and architectural treasures make fantastic photographic subjects.

Lombardy’s north is dominated by superb alpine lakes, Lakes Maggiore, Varese, Iseo, Garda and, of course, Lake Como – perhaps the most elegant and beautiful of all. The villas, gardens and waterside promenades of the great Italian Lakes the very definition of la dolce vita.

I have an extensive collection of photographs from Lombardy, including autumn shots in the Lombard plain cities, Bergamo and Brescia. I also have summertime and autumn photographs of Milan and Lake Como.

List of photographs of Lombardy available in my collection

MILAN ( November 2010, July 2011, October 2016, July 2021) – Cathedral (Duomo), La Scala Opera House, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Squares, churches, Ancient Basilicas (Sant’Ambrogio), quadrilatero della moda (golden mile, fashion stores), Street photography, (people, urban life, tramways), Parco Sempione, Central Railway Station, Da Vinci’s Last Supper.

BRIANZA (July 2021) – Monza (Duomo, Villa Reale), Saronno, Cesano Maderno (Palazzo Arese Borromeo), San Pietro al Monte, Desio (Villa Tittoni Traversi Cusani), Villa Arconati, Inverigo (Viale dei Cipressi).

PO DI LOMBARDIA – MANTOVA (May 2009) UNESCO-listed sites and historic centre, CREMONA (October 2016, December 2018) cathedral, violin workshops, Cremona gastronomic specialities, CREMA (October 2016), churches, squares, LODI (October 2016), historic centre, PAVIA (October 2016), historic centre, churches, university, Charterhouse.

BRESCIA (October 2016) – Historic centre, churches, castle, archeological areas, autumn images, Mille Miglia museum.

BERGAMO (October 2013) – Città alta, autumn images.

LAKE GARDA (June 2021) – Limone, Maderno, Gardone Riviera, Salò, Desenzano, Sirmione (Lombardy), Peschiera, Garda, Torri del Benaco, Castelletto, Malcesine (Veneto), Riva del Garda (Trentino-Alto Adige).

LAKE COMO (July 2011, October 2016, November 2017) – Lenno – Villa del Balbianello, Menaggio, Varenna – Villa Monastero, Tremezzo – Villa Mayer, Perledo, Griante, Varenna-Esino – Castello di Vezio, Campo – Villa la Cassinella, Tremezzo – Villa la Quiete, Cadenabbia, Ossuccio, Bellagio, Bellagio – Villa Melzi, Tremezzo – Villa Carlotta, Cernobbio, city of Como.

For photographs of Lake Maggiore, please see the Piedmont page.