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Weekend in Monza, what to do? Three tips to enjoy the best of the city

A weekend in Monza is an excellent idea to discover the beauties of an Italian city which holds marvelous treasures, from an artistic, naturalistic and entertainment point of view. To make a weekend in Monza profitable and unforgettable, there are at least three things to see and do: a visit to the historic centre, a walk in the famous Monza Park and the adrenaline-pumping experience of the equally iconic Autodromo, where every year the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix. Here is a brief guide for tourists who don't want to miss out on the best that the Lombard city can offer in a weekend.

What to do in Monza on a weekend? Hundreds of tourists, Italians and foreigners, ask each other every weekend. Although much smaller than nearby Milan, Monza is in fact a city capable of attracting visitors all year round . And to those who visit it even just for a weekend, the city offers numerous possibilities for recreation and entertainment, including monuments, nature trails and various types of attractions. The following is a very short guide for tourists looking for advice . Not an exhaustive list of everything that is possible to do in Monza , but a selection of three truly unmissable things, because they are what make the city unique. And these are activities that can be done in a weekend.

Visit Monza with the City Passport

A (walking) tour of the historic center

There is no doubt that a nice tour in the historic center of Monza should be at the top of the list of things to do for those visiting the city. Among other things, it is a rather intimate historical center, with the main monuments that are located a short distance from each other, so it can be visited all on foot with pleasure. The ideal is to start from the heart: the Duomo of Monza and its Museum of Treasures . From Piazza del Duomo, then, you can easily reach all the other sites of interest that make up the historic city centre. Here is a list (not exhaustive) of the main monuments of Monza :

• Arengario Palace ;
• War Memorial;
• Teodolinda Tower;
• Civic Museums ;
• Ponte dei Leoni on the Lambro river;
• Church of Santa Maria in Strada;
• Church of San Maurizio;
• Church of Santa Maria al Carrobiolo;
• Church of San Pietro Martire;
• Reggia di Monza or Villa Reale (slightly off-centre, but still reachable with a walk of just a quarter of an hour).

However, since a tourist does not feed on art and culture alone, it is worth pointing out that in the historic center of Monza you can easily find places and restaurants where you can eat , stopping for lunch or dinner, or simply for an aperitif. So even what to eat in Monza becomes a simple question to answer.

Read also: House to see in Monza

A walk in the Monza Park

Second stop, this time of a naturalistic nature: the Monza Park . It is truly a unique place (here a dedicated study ), which deserves to be experienced even with just a walk or a short bike ride . It is part of the Villa Reale complex and is the largest urban park in Europe, with over 700 hectares of extension that host a great variety of flora and fauna . In addition, the Park hosts real green monuments , centuries-old trees that represent a unique attraction. If you want to be sure not to waste your energy in front of so much potential, you can visit the Monza Park by relying on one of the pre-packaged tourist itineraries (also available on the official website ):

• The Reggia goes on stage;
• Two steps in history;
• Along the Lambro river;
• The green giants;
• On the paths of the gnomes;
• On the paths of knights and witches;
• From the king's hunts to the temple of speed;
• The Monza of the Savoy.

Find out more about the Monza Park

A lap of the track on the Autodromo Nazionale Monza circuit

After having nourished yourself with art and culture and having breathed in the beauty of nature, it's time to give yourself a rush of adrenaline and fun . And to do so, there is no better place than the Autodromo Nazionale Monza , which offers, among other things, the possibility of experiencing unique Driving Experiences . The Temple of Speed , therefore, opens its doors to all motor enthusiasts and also to those who don't understand much about cars but want to experience the thrill of the track at least once in their life.

Find out more about Driving Experiences

The original contents of this article are produced by an external service without any involvement of the press office of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza.

by principe

What to see in Monza: 5 unmissable tips, among historical monuments, natural views and modern attractions

Visiting Monza is a comfortable and pleasant experience. The Lombard city, a few steps from Milan, has a long history of culture and traditions and offers artistic jewels of inestimable value. The following is a brief guide on what to see in Monza, designed for those who want to discover the beauty of the capital that gave birth to the famous Nun Gertrude, whose story is told by Alessandro Manzoni in the Promessi Sposi. Are you getting ready to visit Monza and want to understand what to see ? This article can really give you a helping hand and help you better organize your time in the city. It is a brief guide to Monza that shows you the 5 monuments or places that you really cannot miss , because they deeply characterize the Lombard city. Monza, in fact, has a lot to offer culturally, both in historical and artistic terms, and nothing to envy to the nearby Milan. And then, it is a place with an extremely modern soul, it is no coincidence that it hosts the most famous Italian car circuit , namely the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, known throughout the world as the Temple of Speed. But let's proceed in order, and begin this little journey through the streets of Monza, divided into five stages.

Weekend in Monza? Here is a ready-made itinerary

Monza Cathedral and Museum of Treasures

The route starts from the undisputed king of the city: the Monza Cathedral (whose official name, however, is the Minor Basilica of San Giovanni Battista). A monument that deserves to be at the top of the rankings, because it would also rightfully enter the even narrower list of things to see in Monza in just one day. The Cathedral was built between the fourteenth and seventeenth centuries and houses some timeless masterpieces, including the Tree of Life by Arcimboldo and the wonderful Teodolinda Chapel . The latter takes its name from the Lombard queen who converted the monzese to Catholicism and who is still a much loved figure in the capital (the picturesque historical procession that animates the streets every year at the beginning of July is dedicated to her). Furthermore, the so-called Iron Crown is also preserved in the Cathedral, with which for centuries various kings were crowned, including the Kings of Italy. Attached to the building, there is also the Museum of the Treasure and Cathedral of Monza , whose relics cover over 1400 years of history.

Read also the in-depth analysis on the Cathedral of Monza

Monza historic center and Lambro river

Once you exit the Duomo, you find yourself in the beautiful square of the same name, the heart of the historic city center. From here you can start a walk that touches the fundamental monuments of Monza : Palazzo dell'Arengario , the War Memorial , Torre Teodolinda (her again!) and Ponte dei Leoni over the Lambro river . The Palazzo dell'Arengario is the most important building in Monza after the Duomo (from which it is just a two-minute walk away). It is a former municipal building, located in an area where the main city streets cross, including via Italia , the artery that connects the center of Monza with the heart of Milan. Currently, the Arengario hosts art and photography exhibitions. Not far from the Cathedral of Monza and the Arengario there are also Piazza Trento Trieste , site of the war memorial , and the Tower of Teodolinda , from the Middle Ages. A visit cannot be denied even to the Ponte dei Leoni, which straddles the Lambro river and which owes its name to the four statues placed at its ends. Finally, the historic centre of Monza is full of small churches that are worth a mention (and maybe a look, since you are there), such as Santa Maria in Strada , San Maurizio (where legend has it that the nun from Monza took her vows), Santa Maria al Carrobiolo and San Pietro Martire .

Read more about the historic center of Monza

Royal Villa (or Royal Palace of Monza)

Slightly off-centre with respect to the other important monuments, about a quarter of an hour's walk from the Cathedral, stands one of the symbols of Monza, which cannot be missed: the Royal Villa (also known as the Reggia ). Born as a ducal palace in 1777, at the behest of Ferdinand of Habsburg , it was subsequently acquired by the royal family, who made it a luxurious summer residence . The Royal Villa bears the signature of the architect Giovanni Piermarini , a pupil of Vanvitelli . Not surprisingly, the classic and clean style that characterizes the external architecture is very reminiscent of two famous works by Vanvitelli: the Royal Palace of Caserta and the Teatro alla Scala in Milan . Internally, the Palace is divided into two sections: the royal apartments and the state rooms, both extremely fascinating.

Read also the in-depth information on the Royal Villa of Monza

Monza Park

The Royal Villa is nestled within the Monza Park , another attraction that cannot be overlooked and is an absolute must-see. With its 700 hectares of extension, it triples the size of the park of Versailles and is the largest urban park in Europe. Established in 1805, today Monza Park represents an essential green lung for the city, to be explored on foot or by bicycle.

Read more about the Royal Park of Monza

Monza National Circuit

Last but not least, on this list of things to absolutely see in Monza is a much more contemporary attraction than the previous ones: the Autodromo Nazionale Monza . The Temple of Speed, known and loved internationally, is located inside the Park , near the Reggia di Monza, giving life to an original combination of ancient and modern. On the other hand, the track is also a piece of history , having been, for decades, the setting in which the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix takes place.

Discover the Autodromo Nazionale Monza through unforgettable tours or get on the track with track days

The original contents of this article are produced by an external service without any involvement of the press office of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza.

by principe

Christmas in Monza, all the events and initiatives of the 2022 holidays

During the Christmas holidays, Monza lights up with numerous events and initiatives. For those arriving in the city as a tourist, therefore, there are many possible things to do, including markets, Christmas villages, walks in the historic center lit up and visits to the main monuments. Here are some tips. The Christmas season is coming, there is no way to pretend nothing is happening. The streets of all the most important Italian cities begin to be colored with decorations and themed lights and the shops begin to display decorations based on snow, elves and Santa Claus puppets. There are still several weeks to go, but everything is ready to celebrate the holiday season . It is time, therefore, also to plan any trips , made easier by the holidays and the closure of schools. And what better time than Christmas to rediscover the beauties made in Italy ? Not surprisingly, even Monza and Brianza, during the days ranging from Christmas to the Epiphany, are filled with tourists. This is why a short and updated vademecum that indicates the most important Christmas events among those scheduled in the city can be useful. A guide that answers the fateful question: What can you do at Christmas in Monza?

Find out what to do and what to see in Monza (apart from Christmas)

The Christmas markets in Monza

The first answer brings to mind a great classic: the Christmas markets , an unmissable traditional event. And Monza is no exception. From the end of November until the Epiphany, there are numerous opportunities that the city of Brianza offers its inhabitants and tourists to stroll among crafts and food and wine stalls. The first initiative on the calendar is Christmas Experience , an exclusive Christmas market hosted inside the Royal Villa of Monza , a place with a unique charm. The event is scheduled for 26 and 27 November , from 10 to 19 . Also from 27 November, the Christmas Village , the historic open-air market of Monza, returns to Piazza Carducci and Piazza San Paolo, with its load of stands and attractions for adults and children. Open until January 6th, every day (9.30am-7.30pm), the Christmas market also hosts the Magic Tree , a spectacular ten-metre high carousel .

The Christmas attractions of the historic center

Also very evocative are the rides in Piazza San Paolo (a faithful replica of a 19th century model, with wooden horses and carriages) and in Largo Mazzini (an electric train on rails), in addition to the Ferris wheel in Largo IV Novembre (open every day, 10am-12am). Another little train then crosses the entire historic center (departing from Piazza Roma ), immersing Monza residents and tourists in the beautiful city decorations. In Piazza Trento e Trieste , on the other hand, there is an ice skating rink : over 300 square meters for enthusiasts and amateurs. Christmas in Monza, however, is not concentrated only in the main streets but spreads throughout the districts, with sweet houses, attractions and lights. And for children who want to meet Santa Claus , there are two appointments:

• on 19 December at 4.30 pm at the Parchetto via Luca della Robbia ;
• on 20 December at 4.30 pm at the Varisco Park.

Discover the Christmas gift ideas for men signed by Autodromo Nazionale Monza

The other Christmas events in Monza and surroundings

Finally, here is a list (updated) of Christmas initiatives in Monza and its surroundings, suitable for adults and children:

• Santa Claus Village in the Bellusco donkey : a real Christmas village, set up from November 27 to January 8 inside a farm, populated by elves and other magical creatures and animated by workshops for children;
• The Christmas Village of Cavenago : a magical place, open from November 26 to December 18, with an ice skating rink, artisan markets, shows and many tasty sweet and savory delicacies;
• Track Days at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza : on November 20 and 27, the Temple of Speed welcomes those who want to experience the thrill of a lap on the track aboard a real racing car; two days of Track Days with some special surprises (find out more here ).

Christmas holidays, an opportunity to discover Monza and Brianza

To enjoy Monza at Christmas, however, it is not necessary to dive into the colorful chaos of organized events. More simply, you can let yourself be conquered by the city and its beauties , taking advantage of the holidays to visit it. Decorated with Christmas lights, the historic center of Monza and its symbolic monuments acquire an even greater charm. Christmas, therefore, can simply become a good excuse to visit beauties such as:

• the Cathedral of Monza ;
• the Museum and Treasury of the Cathedral ;
• the Palazzo dell'Arengario with its exhibitions ;
• the Royal Palace of Monza ;
• the Park of Monza ;
• the Monza National Circuit .

The original contents of this article are produced by an external service without any involvement of the press office of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza.

by principe

Arengario di Monza, guide to the discovery of the ancient town hall

The Arengario of Monza is one of the symbolic places of the city. Formerly the seat of the town hall, the medieval town hall now hosts important art exhibitions and events. A short guide to learn more about its structure and history. The Arengario of Monza , located in the heart of the historic center , is one of the symbolic monuments of the Brianza city and deserves to be included among the points of tourist interest. And its history also deserves to be known, albeit briefly. In fact, the events that over time have transformed and shaped the old town hall of Monza , today the site of important exhibitions, tell us a lot about the medieval history of Italy.

Plan your visit to Monza following the right advice on what to see and what to do

A brief history of the Arengario: why it is called that and what it was used for

As in every self-respecting story, however, it is best to start from the beginning, that is, from the construction of the Arengario . According to the most accredited reconstructions (which must be trusted in the absence of certain data), the construction of the famous palace began towards the end of 1200 . A dating that seems to be confirmed also by an inscription above the entrance door, which refers to the year 1293 (expressed in Roman numerals). The then powerful mayor of Monza, Pietro Visconti , wanted the birth of the Arengario. But why did he build it? What was the Arengario used for? The triggering reason was the contrast between the power of the podestà and that of the church . Until the 13th century, in fact, the magistrates and the podestà used the curtain wall of the Cathedral for their activities, as they did not have a civil building that could house them. In 1250, however, the mayor was struck by excommunication and his stay near the main religious building in Monza became unwelcome. A confirmation of this struggle between civil power and religious power also comes from the place where the Arengario is located, a few steps from the Duomo, which it is also physically opposed to. At this point, however, it is legitimate to ask why the name of Arengario was chosen for the new town hall . What does this term mean? This is a word borrowed from German, meaning “ meeting place ”, to indicate the fundamental function carried out by the building, as the seat of the municipality, the court and the merchants.

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Structure and characteristics of the Palazzo Comunale of Monza

From the point of view of its structure and style, the Arengario is clearly inspired by the Palazzo della Ragione in Milan , built in the first half of the 13th century. The overall layout is longitudinal, with an open porch on the lower floor and a large covered room on the upper floor. Unlike the Milanese building, however, the town hall of Monza is flanked by an imposing bell tower . Furthermore, it should be noted that the current appearance of the Arengario does not correspond to its original state. In fact, between the end of the 1800s and the beginning of the 1900s, major renovations were planned and carried out, with a consequent reduction in the spaces of the complex, which previously also included the Palazzo Pretorio (demolished). A second major restoration project took place at the end of the 1960s, with the aim of supporting the Arengario's exhibition vocation.

Monza for children: find out more

The exhibitions of the Arengario

It is no coincidence that today the ancient town hall of Brianza is the venue for very important art exhibitions and events organised by the municipal administration. The permanent collections that it previously housed, on the other hand, have been transferred to the Civic Museums. To find out in real time about the exhibitions present in the Arengario, you can consult the website of the Municipality of Monza .

Visit the Arengario: contacts, where it is, how to reach it

As anticipated, the Arengario is located in the historic center, precisely in Piazza Roma . It is therefore easily reachable on foot from any of the other tourist sites ( Monza Cathedral and its Museum , Villa Reale , Monza Park ). The structure is open to the public every day, except Mondays, from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 7pm . For information, please call 039 329541 .

You can't pass through Monza without visiting the Autodromo Nazionale: discover all the guided tours

The original contents of this article are produced by an external service without any involvement of the press office of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza.

by principe

Discovering the historic center of Monza, an unmissable jewel

The historic center of Monza preserves some of the artistic and cultural treasures of the city of Brianza. In a few square kilometers, walking along well-kept streets, you cross centuries of history, letting yourself be conquered by symbolic monuments such as the Cathedral, the Tower of Teodolinda, the Arengario and the numerous churches scattered throughout. The historic center of Monza, therefore, is undoubtedly among the things to see if you decide to visit the area. If you are planning a visit to Monza , for one or more days, you should definitely include a walk through the historic centre in your calendar. In fact, this is undoubtedly the best way to get to know the city of Brianza , its history, its artistic heritage and its cultural background. In particular, there are some points in the historic center of Monza that cannot be ignored. Here is a short itinerary so you don't get lost.

The Duomo complex

This virtual tour cannot fail to start from the beating heart of the city: the Monza Cathedral , with all that it houses. In fact, inside the minor Basilica of San Giovanni Battista (this is its real name) there are some of the most precious pieces that Monza has to offer to tourists: the wonderful Theodolinda Chapel, theArcimboldo's Tree of Life, a rich series of prestigious frescoes , the Iron Crown and the Treasure Museum and Cathedral of Monza .

Find out what to eat in Monza

The Arengario palace

Just over 100 metres on foot from the Duomo, stands the other symbol of Monza: the Palazzo dell'Arengario , the ancient town hall. Its importance is also confirmed by its strategic position, as it overlooks Piazza Roma , the nerve center of the city, from which all the main streets branch off. Today, the building is used as an exhibition space , while the ancient collections that filled it have been transferred to the nearby Civic Museums , housed in the Casa degli Umiliati .

The Civic Museums of Monza

The distance between the Arengario and the Museums is truly minimal, less than 300 metres, once again passing close to the Duomo. To confirm that walking around Monza is very easy. The building where the museums are located was an old reception house for lay members of religious orders . Today, the two floors of the building house both archaeological finds and paintings from the 16th to the 20th century , as well as temporary exhibitions .

The Longobard Tower, the Teodolinda Tower and the Viscontea Tower

If, leaving the Civic Museums, you head towards the Lambro river , you have the opportunity to admire two towers, which are also very characteristic. They are the Lombard Tower , the only one from that period still intact, and the Tower of Teodolinda , from the Middle Ages. Also along the Lambro is the 19th century Torre Viscontea , but moved further south, approximately 500 metres from the other two.

What to do in Monza

The Ponte dei Leoni and the remains of the Ponte d'Arena

Near the Tower of Teodolinda, it is also possible to admire the Ponte dei Leoni , the most famous of those that cross the Lambro river. It was built in the mid-1800s, with the intention of enhancing the Austrian Empire. To make room for it, what remained of the old Ponte d'Arena was demolished, much larger but already partially destroyed by a flood, the last remains of which are still visible.

The churches and other monuments of the historic center of Monza

Finally and in no particular order, some other places of historical and artistic interest deserve to be mentioned, such as the monument to the fallen located in Piazza Trento e Trieste . The same can be said for the numerous churches scattered throughout the city, such as Santa Maria in Strada , San Maurizio (where legend has it that the nun from Monza took her vows), Santa Maria al Carrobiolo and San Pietro Martire .

Experience the emotions of a driver on the track of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza

by principe