Easily reachable by train from Milan, the center of Monza is perfect for a
relaxing day.
If you are staying in Milan but also want to explore the surroundings, you can jump on the train and find yourself in another city in just 20 minutes. Monza boasts a small historic center, where many shops and bars, but also historic sites and fascinating views are to be found. Despite its proximity to the frenetic Lombard capital, this city transmits serenity and relaxation, thanks to its green spaces and its calmer rhythm. Among the things to see here, we have collected the 5 main treasures, those absolutely not to be missed in your day in Monza.
THE ROYAL PALACE
Built by the Habsburgs as a private residence during the Austrian domination of the 18th century, this neoclassical Royal Villa dominates the city and its park. It later became the residence of the viceroy during the Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy and with the Savoy family it lost its function. Today the royal apartments can be visited, while some rooms are dedicated to exhibitions and displays. The Palace is open only on Saturdays and Sundays from 10.30 to 18.30; it is necessary to buy a ticket and book the visit via the website.
Tickets cost € 10 (reduced € 8) and include a path that winds through 28 rooms between apartments and halls, lasting one hour.
THE PARK
After visiting the Palace, a walk in its famous green space is a must, which, with its 688 hectares, is the largest enclosed park in Europe.
It was established in 1805 by the will of the Emperor Napoleon with the aim of creating a model agricultural estate and a hunting reserve. Today it remains a safe oasis for the many animal and plant species that inhabit it. The park can be explored on foot, by bike or even on horseback, following the main streets or being guided by the itineraries that the official website suggests.
THE CATHEDRAL
Officially denominated the Minor Basilica of San Giovanni Battista, it was built between the 14th and 17th centuries. Originally the palatine chapel was built here by the will of Queen Theodolinda in the 6th century, which was completely rebuilt in 1300. If on the outside the two-tone facade and the architectural decorations give elegance, the interiors decorated with portraits of kings and masterpieces of Gothic Lombard goldsmithing leave you speechless. The real treasure inside the Cathedral, however, is the Iron Crown. This relic became a symbol of the Kingdom of Italy, used for coronations, and today it is possible to admire it inside the Chapel of Theodolinda according to set
times, from Tuesday to Sunday. For more information and to book a visit, consult the official website.
THE ARENGARIO
The old town hall was built towards the end of the 13th century in the city center, a few steps from the Cathedral. The name Arengario derives from the Latin "arengarius", which indicates a "place for assemblies";. In fact, on the ground floor it has a large portico where exchanges and meetings once took place, while on the first floor it has a large covered hall where the assemblies were organised.
From here there is a small loggia balcony from which the decrees issued by the Municipality to the population were read. Today the upper floor is used as an exhibition space, while the portico remains open for a short visit during a quiet walk through the streets of the city center.
THE CIRCUIT
This internationally recognized car circuit is located within the Monza Park, and is the historic site of the Italian Grand Prix. Here the most important races in the world are held, such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Inside the circuit, real guided tours are organized, starting from the basic one aboard a minivan, up to the experience accompanied by a testimonial of motorsport. For more information visit the official website. For the more
passionate, however, there is also a semi-permanent kart circuit, with a track of 480 meters.
In addition to these jewels, the city also offers the opportunity to spend a day shopping, thanks to the many boutiques that fill the streets of the center. At the end of the day, however, a stop in the historic bars and restaurants is recommended in which to sip a good cocktail or taste the delicacies of traditional Brianza cuisine. This short guide ends here, but we invite you to leave us a comment below to let us know what, in your opinion, the other treasures of Monza are.
Itinerary Map
PS: Have you ever given up your plans for the last day of holiday only because you would have had to carry your heavy and bulky bags around? Did you know you could enjoy your last day in Milan without carrying this weight around the city? PotPot takes care of your luggage and transfers it from the Hotel to the airport or the train station.
PotPot, choose to be smart!
