Lombardy is an economic powerhouse — and its capital Milan often takes the crown from Rome when it comes to job prospects and quality of life. The industrial hinterlands may not offer much to the traveling aesthete, but head further out and you’ll find glittering lakes, pristine mediaeval towns and world-class art, architecture and gastronomy. This Lombardy travel guide will introduce you to the best things to see and do in and around Milan.

It has been said that Lombardy resembles Germany and France more than its adjacent Italian regions. Lombardy, in fact, was ruled by both French and Austro-Hungarians, and gets its name from the Scandinavian-Germanic Lombard tribe who ousted the Romans. Today, elegant cities, excellent public transportation, and old-world glamour make Italy’s richest region intimidatingly beautiful and beguiling.