From the Alps to the enchanting shores of Liguria and the Venetian lagoon, Northern Italy holds some of the most beautiful and attractive cities in Europe. In this article, for example, we will explore Milan, Verona and Turin, authentic treasures that narrate centuries of history through their monuments, museums and historic districts. If these locations catch your attention, you should know that they can be included in a fascinating Northern Italy tour, organized by experienced professionals who can create a unique and immersive experience among natural landscapes and archaeological remains of enormous value.
Milan: Capital of Fashion & Art
Milan is an Italian city that perfectly represents modernity and innovation, but at the same time retains a considerable historical and artistic heritage. There are many beauties in the city, ranging from the Gothic spires of the imposing Duomo to the opulent Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an elegant urban living room symbolizing Milan’s vibrant soul, and from the Castello Sforzesco to the overwhelming modernity of Citylife.
However, this city is also known for its art masterpieces, such as Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, housed in the cenacle of Santa Maria delle Grazie, the Pinacoteca di Brera, as well as the Porta Nuova district and the Fondazione Prada, which represent Milan’s evolution as an international hub of modern art and fashion. It is no wonder that Milan attracts visitors from all over the world, also since it is an ideal starting point for an artistic tour of northern Italy.
Turin: Elegance & Royal Majesty
About an hour by train from Milan is Turin, Piedmont’s capital city that surprises with its elegance and aristocratic charm. Capital of the ancient Reign of Savoia, Turin is a refined artistic and cultural center, distinguished by its regal palaces and squares. Piazza Castello is the beating heart of the city, surrounded by historic buildings such as the Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Madama, while its Egyptian Museum is the second most important in the world after Cairo, and is a must-see for archaeology enthusiasts. Among the arcades and boulevards, elegant cafes and renowned art galleries, strolling through the streets of Turin provides a relaxation of yesteryear, with the extraordinary backdrop of the Alps.
Verona: Romance & Timeless Art
Moving to the east, there is Verona, another of northern Italy’s gems, known for its association with the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet. In addition to the famous House of Juliet, which attracts millions of tourists each year, Verona is home to one of the best-preserved Roman arenas in the world. The Arena of Verona is also a celebrated stage for internationally renowned opera performances, making the city a cultural center of the highest caliber. The historic center of Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a maze of medieval streets and picturesque squares, such as Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori, surrounded by palaces and towers that stand as evidence of the city’s importance over the centuries.
Venice: The Serenissima
There is no tour of Northern Italy that would be complete without a visit to beautiful Venice, a city suspended over water with a unique history. From the gondolas gliding along the canals to the sumptuous Gothic and Renaissance architecture, Venice is a living work of art. St. Mark’s Square, with the Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, is the nerve center of the city and one of the most iconic places in the world, while its network of canals and lanes make it a unique city in the world. Intensely visited throughout the year, it has its greatest moment of fame during the Venice Biennale, a major international art exhibition, as well as during the Venice International Film Festival, when the city is transformed into a catwalk for national and international VIPs who flock to the festival from all over the world.
