Monza

Monza’s roots date back to the first settlements of migrant Celtic populations, but it was during the Roman period that it became an important centre of history and culture, with the name Modicia. Under the Longobards it gained further importance and power when Queen Teodolinda chose it as her place of residence. It is likely that her decision subsequently gave Monza the right to claim itself as the ideal destination for any journey for discovering art. To begin with, the Cathedral dedicated to Saint John, initially built in the VII century at the request of queen Teodolinda, who chose the white and green of the marble stone on the facades. The Basilica leads into the museum where several treasures are housed, such as relics from the Barbarian era, the ancient collection of Lombard silver and a large number of tapestries. Outside the charming medieval quarter of Monza lies the town’s real jewel: the ‘Royal Villa’, built by Maria Teresa of Austria, who then donated it to her son Ferdinando between 1776 and 1780. Among the amazing things to see inside are the great reception Hall, the apartments of Umberto I and ‘Margherita di Savoia’, the Royal Chapel, the Court Theatre and frescoed lobby. From the Imperial residence you can make your way through to the magnificent Monza Park with its lawns, century-old trees, ponds and stretches of water crossed by the river Lambro. Last and fast, Monza’s National race track, one of the finest on the Formula One circuit.