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The Region of Lombardia (Lombardy)
From Jesse's Journeys in Italy
Population: 9,032,554
Area:
23,863
kmē
Capital City:
Milan
Provinces:
Bergamo, Brescia,
Como, Cremona, Lecco, Lodi, Mantua, Milano,
Pavia, Sondrio, Varese, Monza e Brianza
(effective in 2009)
Official website:
Lombardia
Wikipedia:
Lombardia
Map:
Lombardia
Lombardia - or Lombardy -
was named for the
Longobard tribes that swept down from the
North during the declining days of the Roman
Empire.
Lombardia is the northern most region of central
Italy, lying between the Swiss Alps and the
River Po. It is flanked on its east side by the
Regions of
Trentino and
Veneto, and on its west by
Piemonte. To its south is the Region
of
Emilia Romagno.
The region, a rich prize in its own right, but
also on the route to
Tuscany,
Umbria and other territories which were the
subject of imperial ambitions, has been invaded
and fought over from every direction from time
immemorial, and it is not surprising therefore
that it is a Region, that boasts
one of the most complicated histories and
cultural backgrounds in all of
Italy, indeed in the whole of Europe.
The landscape of Lombardia, which the traveler
will delight in, and sometimes marvel at, varies
from the mountainous alpine regions on its
northern frontier, to the exceptionally fertile
plain in its central area. There are
numerous lakes and rivers, marshes, swamps,
forests, rolling hills, and a plenitude of
inhabited places, from the smallest villages, to
Italy's largest city, Milano, or Milan as it is
known to English speakers.
With over 9 million people (6.5 million of whom
live in metropolitan Milano), Lombardia has the
largest population of all Italy's regions, and
the greatest population density.
The traveler should not make the mistake of
thinking that a visit to Milano is a visit to
Lombardia. There is much - much - to
see and do outside the metropolis, particularly
for those who are weary of city noises and city
air.
Lombardia, taken as a whole, is exceptionally
rich pickings in every way: historically,
culturally, socially, spiritually, artistically,
politically educationally, architecturally,
anthropologically, recreationally, and
gastronomically. It is a feast to the mind
and senses.
Come with mind open, and a readiness to absorb.
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