Monza

Travel Guide

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A holiday in Monza transports you to the heart of Brianza, on the banks of the River Lambro, a stone’s throw from Milan.

A city proud of its rich history and glorious past, Monza always takes visitors by surprise, particularly because of the entirely unique relationship there is between culture and the environment. The city is famous for one of the most important automotive events in the world: during the first week of September every year, Ferrari brings its “prancing horse” and red livery to the city’s squares and main streets, raising the hopes of the many fans who come to experience the excitement of the Italian GP, excited by the smell of the asphalt on the Monza Circuit and its magical atmosphere.

Queen Theodelinda turned Monza into the most important political, cultural and religious centre of Lombardy. Subsequently, the Lombard city became the darling of Barbarossa who, thanks to the ecclesiastical and economic power of the Umiliati, transformed it into a leading artisan centre for the processing of wool and fabrics, still one of the most important in Lombardy. The Duomo di Monza (cathedral) dates back to 595, when Queen Theodelinda had a basilica called the "Oraculum" erected close to her palace, dedicating it to St. John the Baptist, with black and white marble bands. The Duomo is undoubtedly one of the city’s most important historical buildings. The church features a Latin cross layout with three naves, supported by pillars and columns decorated with centaurs, sirens, eagles and wild animals. Arriving on Piazza del Duomo from Via Italia, the cathedral makes a strong visual impact: one cannot help being fascinated by the polychrome marble façade of the church, the rose window and the large porch. However, it is the interior that makes the elegant building particularly beautiful. To fully appreciate the historical and artistic importance of this splendid church, head for the the Chapel of Theodelinda, which is covered in frescoes restored by the Zavattari family of painters-restorers from Milan, regarded as the greatest example of a pictorial cycle from the late Gothic Lombard period. The Duomo is undoubtedly one of the finest examples of fourteenth century Campionese architecture.

In the city’s old town, there are further Roman and medieval architectural remains, including those of the Arena bridge (one the eight arches of which is still standing), now replaced by the more modern Ponte dei Leoni (Bridge of Lions). On Via Santa Margherita, near the church of San Maurizio, you can still admire the ancient door to the convent that housed the Nun of Monza, a famous character from "The Betrothed” by Alessandro Manzoni. From the Via San Gerardo dei Tintori towpath, a walkway leads to the eighteenth century Bridge of San Gerardo, which offers a wonderful view of the River Lambro. Another essential stop on your holiday in Monza is the elegant Villa Reale, which precedes the park and circuit, built between 1776 and 1780 by the Empress Maria Theresa of Austria for her son Ferdinand, and used for years as a country residence by the Hapsburgs. The plan of the Villa is characteristic of Roman villas, with a central building and two wings at right angles. The eastern façade, preceded by a flight of stairs, is the most important the main courtyard, which is located between the two arms of the building, is enclosed by a railing of golden spears, built after a popular uprising that brought the insurgents to the gates of the Villa. Noteworthy are also the Hall of Honour, the apartments of Umberto I and Margherita of Savoy, the Royal Chapel, the Court Theatre and the Rotonda, frescoed by Appiani in 1789 with episodes from the story of Cupid and Psyche.

A decidedly positive feature is the local food. Wholesome, natural and sophisticated at the same time, Brianzan cuisine is closely tied to the land and the traditions of the countryside. Local food is low on ingredients but rich in flavour: among the specialities, you must try polenta vonscia, polenta conscia, lardo soup and Luganega sausage. What are you waiting for? Take a look at our holiday packages to Monza today and get ready for your next unforgettable adventure!

UNA HOTELS Galles Milano
UNA HOTELS Galles Milano
4 out of 5
Piazza Lima 2, Milan, MI
The price is S$224 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
S$224
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Milan. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"great"

Reviewed on 23 Mar,2025

UNA HOTELS Galles Milano
c-hotels Atlantic
c-hotels Atlantic
4 out of 5
Via Napo Torriani, 24, Milan, MI
The price is S$270 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
S$270
includes taxes & fees
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Milan. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (152 reviews)
"Great if you’re traveling via Train to/from Central Station, only a 2 min walk! Front desk staff are super friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 23 Mar,2025

c-hotels Atlantic
ibis Milano Centro
ibis Milano Centro
3 out of 5
Via Finocchiaro Aprile Camillo 2, Milan, MI
The price is S$178 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
S$178
includes taxes & fees
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Milan. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,144 reviews)
"Very comfortable bed and a reasonable sized room. Nice bar and reception area where you can socialise."

Reviewed on 26 Mar,2025

ibis Milano Centro
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Residenza delle Città
Residenza delle Città
4 out of 5
Via Mauro Macchi 79, Milan, MI
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly residence in Milan. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,162 reviews)
"Lovely staff, greated very warmly and goven lots of helpful information. The coffee machine was free to use and made lovely espressos. Was also free water in a fridge which was lovely to have. Our room was very clean. Bed a bit hard but no big deal. Had a huge bath that myself and wife could both ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar,2025

Residenza delle Città
Casa da Suite Fraschini
Casa da Suite Fraschini
Via Fratelli Fraschini 3, Milan, MI
Stay at this aparthotel in Milan. Enjoy free WiFi, balconies, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Piazza del Duomo and Cathedral of Milan are located ...
7/10 Good! (152 reviews)
Good bargain
"The apartment is very spacious, and the mattress is very nice and soft. Not far from the tram station so transport-wise is alright. However, the overall cleaning requires improvement, especially for the bath tub. And the electrical compliance like desk light and kettle do not fit into the plug. Very ..."

Reviewed on 17 Mar,2025

Casa da Suite Fraschini
Duomo Hotel & Apartments
Duomo Hotel & Apartments
Via San Paolo 13, Milan, MI
Book a stay at this business-friendly apartment in Milan. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,106 reviews)
"This hotel was close to everything and the staff was very professional. I would stay here again."

Reviewed on 18 Mar,2025

Duomo Hotel & Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Monza

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 22%
4 - Good
7
4 - Good 78%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Sam

Try and look some Italian up before you go as Menus hard to read and not much English spoken in certain places

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Excellent coffee. Good location for F1. Restaurant on corner of square was very busy, under staffed and overpriced.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Went for a particular reason ( visit the circuit) but there was much more to do in the area, good place to go as a base if you want to tour the area

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Very welcoming people and the reason for my visit was to meet our distributor who could not do enough to make me feel welcome