15 Best Things to See in Monza (Italy)

People frequently associate Monza with the renowned Formula 1 Grand Prix that takes place there every year, but this charming city has much more to offer and is a wonderful tourist destination in and of itself. With a population of about 120,000, Monza is the capital of the province of Monza and Brianza and is located about 9 miles northeast of Milan. Settlements in Monza have been dated by Roman artefacts to the third century BC, and the city has played a significant part in Italian history ever since. In reality, the Lombardy queens used Monza as a summer residence and on occasion as a military command centre. The city had numerous factional conflicts throughout the Middle Ages, and in recent times it has developed into a hub for business and industry. Although many people might think Milan dwarfs this little city, Monza should not be disregarded. It boasts some stunning historical buildings, such as the Cathedral and the Leoni Bridge, as well as the enormous Parco di Monza and, of course, the renowned Formula 1 Autodromo. Let’s examine the top activities in Monza:

Take a walking tour of the historic centre

The Via Alessandro Manzoni and the Via Azzone Visconti are thought to be the only remaining portions of Monza’s medieval city centre, despite their extensive size. The majority of the significant historical landmarks are located in this region, and a guided tour of the old town is an excellent opportunity to learn about the city’s past. You can start your journey from the Piazza Trento e Trieste and go to the Duomo and perhaps the Civic Museum. After that, you might think about crossing the Ponte de Leoni and then ascending to the Piazza San Paolo. From here, you can travel up to the Villa Reale in the north and then on to the enormous Parco di Monza.

Sample an authentic Italian meal at the Darmas restaurant

If you’re looking for a great restaurant in the heart of Monza, look no further than the Darmas Restaurant, which offers top-notch food, a warm ambience, and an overall terrific experience. This beautiful restaurant is situated close to the Corso Milano and the Monza train station, just outside the old city centre. You can select from a variety of Italian pasta and meat entrees on the large menu, as well as some delectable appetisers like the bread-board plate. Veal, spaghetti, lasagne, and a limited amount of seafood are just a few of the meals available. The foods are presented beautifully and taste as good as they appear.

Ponte Dei Leoni

One of Monza’s most famous bridges, it was built in the early 19th century as part of the construction of a military route to Lecco. The bridge, which is devoted to the King of the Lombard-Veneto Kingdom, was intended to be lavish and has several amazing design elements. The four marble lions that stand watch at either end of the bridge’s entry are unquestionably its most prominent feature. These beautifully sculpted beasts stare fiercely across the approaching highways. A section of the Lambro River and some of the lovely homes that line its banks may be seen if you look down the bridge.

Autodromo Nazionale Monza

One of the great draws of visiting Monza is to view the famed Autodromo and its racing grounds. It is one of the first purpose-made racing tracks and has hosted the Italian Grand Prix since the competition’s start. It was completed in 1922. In addition to the main Formula One track, which has designated seating, this magnificent facility also includes a 4.25km-long oval time-trial course with banked turns. Even if you are not a lover of motorsports, visiting this iconic track while touring the Parco di Monza grounds is a must-do on any trip to Monza.

The Expiatory Chapel of Monza

As previously mentioned, Monza is home to many historical landmarks, and the Expiatory Chapel of Monza is one such building that honours King Humbert I, who was actually assassinated there in 1900. Giuseppe Sacconi was the architect who constructed this monument/chapel in 1910. The chapel is set in lovely surroundings and has a big central column that is mostly covered by a large crucifix. The chapel is decorated with many symbols and iconography that depict the royal coat of arms, and there is a bronze statue of the well-known Pieta.

Duomo di Monza

This enormous cathedral is a magnificent masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture. It is unquestionably the most stunning place of worship in Monza. This cathedral, which began construction in 1300 but was not finished until 1681, shares a front facade with the well-known Florence Duomo and uses polychrome marble panels to give the building colour. The front facade is impressive and has a green and white striped pattern as well as multiple beautiful circular windows. The Rose Window, which is surrounded by a number of tiny marble statues and rose reliefs, is the most prominent window. Even more intricate details may be found inside the cathedral, where the ceiling and columns are lavishly embellished with Renaissance frescoes and stucco artwork. Last but not least, the Theodelinda Chapel honours the Lombard Queen and showcases some beautiful Zavattari artwork.

Travel to Milan

Milan, a vibrant city, lies only 9 miles south of Monza. One of the most well-known cities in Italy, this enormous one is full of attractions that are just waiting to be discovered. Excellent transportation options exist between the heart of Milan and Monza, with trains running every 12 minutes or so. The magnificent cathedral, with its Gothic façade, Sforza Castle, the opulent Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the Royal Palace are just a few of the attractions in Milan. In addition, Milan is a great destination for people who enjoy shopping at high-end fashion boutiques and department stores.

Museo e Tesoro del Duomo di Monza

You must see the Museum and Treasure of the Duomo if you go to the Duomo di Monza. The museum is accessible from the church grounds and is situated behind the magnificent cathedral. The Duomo’s history, as well as some of the truly exquisite artefacts kept here, is the focus of this church’s collection of religious artefacts. The opulent Agilulfo Cross, which is made of solid gold and studded with precious gems, the Ferrea Crown, which is also encrusted with jewels, and the crown of Theodolinda, who was the Lombard Queen of this region. For anyone who enjoys history, this museum is a must-see because of the abundance of tapestries, chalices, statues, and manuscripts that are also present.

Sample a glass of wine at the Vineria Dei Tintori Monza

If wine is your indulgence, the Vineria Dei Tintori Monza is a great place to sample a glass or three and enjoy a quiet evening of fine drinks and great conversation. This quaint bar/restaurant is located by the riverfront and close to the stunning Ponte de Leoni. The establishment has some great little eccentricities, such as wine cork seats, and the contemporary decor is aesthetically pleasing. You can sample any of the many fine wines available on the far wall, which you can choose from. Along with a terrific assortment of drinks, there are a variety of meals and amazing appetisers to help the wine go down!

Watch the F1 Italian Grand Prix

The Formula One Italian Grand Prix has been held yearly at Monza since 1921 and has since been held every year with the exception of 1980, making it one of the competition’s longest-running events. Fans from all over the world travel to the historic Monza Autodromo to see this thrilling and fast-paced race, where their favourite drivers race at unbelievable speeds. It is a very fantastic experience to watch this competition, and the energy is electric. If you’re lucky, you might be able to observe the pit stops, watch the mechanics work on the vehicles, or just watch the race from one of the well-equipped stands. Anywhere in the Autodromo that you choose to watch the event will be an amazing experience.

Piazza Trento e Trieste

Although Monza has various lovely open spaces like the Piazza Roma and the Piazza del Duomo, the Piazza Trento e Trieste is the most fascinating. This square, which is close to the cathedral, is home to the Caduti Monument, which honours fallen warriors from Italy’s military history and the great wars. Additionally, this piazza is home to the magnificent Palazzo degli Studi and Commune di Monza. This square is an excellent starting point for a walking tour of the old city centre and is also a great place to explore.

Villa Reale

Located in the western part of the Parco di Monza, the Royal Villa of Monza was the original reason for the creation of the park and was used as a residence for the Viceroy of Italy, Eugene de Beauharnais. The Royal Chapel, the Teatrino di Cotre, the Orangery, and the Royal Apartments are all located inside this sumptuous complex. The main building is impressive and features a central structure with two protruding arms – at the front of the palace is a large pond and fountain. The gardens are very attractively laid out and have a wide variety of flowers and plants. It is possible to take guided tours of the staterooms and grounds, which will give you a wonderful understanding of this significant residence’s history.

Chiesa di Santa Maria in Strada

The Chiesa of Santa Maria in Strada is just as majestic and beautiful as the magnificent Duomo, which is why many visitors ignore it. The church, one of the oldest in Monza, was built in the middle of the 14th century and is just a short stroll from the Duomo and the Piazza Trento e Trieste. This church’s front facade is beautifully crimson and includes some intriguing decorations and stone figures. An elaborate operational bell tower is also located to the right. A variety of frescos representing holy scenes may be found inside the cathedral on the ceilings, arches, and other great pieces of art.

Parco di Monza

The Parco di Monza, which spans a whopping 688 hectares and is the largest walled park in all of Europe, is a true gem of the city. During the French colonisation of Italy in the 19th century, the stepson of Napoleon designed this magnificent garden, which at first functioned as an addition to the regal house. Several antique homes, including Cascina Frutteto, Cascina San Fedele, and the sumptuous Villa Mirabello, can be found on the park’s grounds. In addition, the park has broad, open lawns that are ideal for ball activities and sunbathing. Additionally, there are extensive wooded areas with walking pathways. Don’t forget to cross the lovely Ponte Delle Catene as you stroll along the River Lambro.

Arengario

The Palazzo dell Arengario, which formerly served as the town hall, is one of several intriguing buildings that have stood in Monza’s old town centre for hundreds of years. The Palazzo Della Ragione in Milan is rumoured to have been the inspiration for this structure, which has a massive bell tower and a number of elaborate arches on the ground level. This portico frequently has ivy and other vegetation growing on it, which makes it seem incredibly gorgeous in the summer. There is a loggia on the building’s southern side, where major speeches would have been delivered. The Arengario is a wonderful structure to admire while strolling through the old district.