Lombardy

Lombardy: from its origins to Roman domination

Lombardy, a land rich in history and culture, saw its first settlements with the Etruscans and Umbrians, before being occupied by the Insubrian Gauls in 400 BC. Its strategic importance was established with the Roman conquest in 222 BC, becoming a crossroads for the control of the Alpine borders. Mediolanum (Milan), elevated to the capital of the Western Roman Empire, already reflected the commercial and cultural vitality of the region at the time.

From the barbarian invasions to the unification of Italy

With the fall of the Roman Empire, Lombardy was the scene of barbarian invasions, until the arrival of the Lombards in the 6th century. The latter, promoters of an economic recovery, left an indelible mark on the territorial and cultural division of Italy. Their legacy was perpetuated until the intervention of Charlemagne, who in 774 integrated Lombardy into the Carolingian Empire.

The Middle Ages saw Lombardy as the protagonist of struggles for municipal autonomy against the Empire, culminating in the victories of the Lombard League. Subsequently, power was concentrated in the hands of the Lordships, among which the Viscontis and the Sforzas in Milan stood out, transforming the region into a fulcrum of Humanism and the Renaissance.

Lombardy came under the control of the French, Spanish and Austrians, experiencing periods of decline and rebirth, until its annexation to the nascent Kingdom of Italy in 1861. This process was accelerated by the wars of independence, with Milan the nerve center of the Risorgimento.

Contemporary Lombardy: between Economic Boom and Current Challenges

Since the unification of Italy, Lombardy has established itself as an economic and cultural engine of the country, witnessing notable industrial development and notable social and political movements. The region continues to be a national and international point of reference for economy, science, fashion and art.

Monuments and museums: custodians of history

The artistic and cultural heritage of Lombardy is preserved in iconic monuments such as the Milan Cathedral and in world-famous museums. These places not only preserve extraordinary works of art, but also represent meeting points for the dissemination of culture.

Lombard cuisine: a wealth of flavors

Lombard food and wine, influenced by various dominations, ranges from risottos to mountain cheeses, from cured meats to traditional desserts such as panettone. Lombard cuisine is an example of how the territory can influence and enrich the table with quality products.

Lombardy boasts excellent wine production, with denominations such as Franciacorta and Valtellina. DOP and IGP products, such as Gorgonzola and Bresaola della Valtellina, are ambassadors of Lombard taste in the world.

Parties and festivals: living traditions

Lombard traditions are renewed in the numerous festivals and festivals that celebrate typical products and local customs, helping to keep alive the link with the cultural and social roots of the region.