Lombardy takes its name from the Lombards, a Germanic people who dominated the region from the sixth to the eighth century A.D.
Since the first Iron Age Lombardy was a crossroads and a meeting point between the cultural areas of the Mediterranean and the continent. During the fifth and fourth centuries B.C. various Celtic tribes migrated into the region. Around 400 B.C. the Insubri people founded Milan.
In 222 B.C. was the beginning of Roman rule in Lombardy. Major monuments of the Roman era can still be seen in Brescia, at Sirmione, Como and in Milan.
Following the collapse of the Roman Empire: in 493 A.D. came under the rule of Theodoric, king of the Ostrogoths. In the second half of the sixth century A.D. the Lombards arrived and established their government at Pavia.
1176-Battle of Legnano: the Lombard communes, united under the banner of the League, defeated Frederick I Barbarossa
In the era of the communes 2 great dynasties: the Viscontis in Milan, the Gonzagas in Mantova.
1454: Francesco Sforza was proclaimed as duke of Milan; golden age of the Renaissance (Leonardo da Vincis stay in Milan).
Followed form French rule and Spanish who dominated until 1700.
1815-The Congress of Vienna: Lombardo-Veneto Kingdom was instituted the under Austrian rule with capitals in Milan and Venice.
The Risorgimento era: in 1859 Lombardy was annexed to Piedmont and after 1861 -constitution of the Italian State- Lombardy becomes part of Italy

-Milan: details about Milan...
-Bergamo: the upper city wall medieval town16th century; city centre lie the cathedral, baptistery and the Colleoni chapel, the 12th-century seat of government, Palazzo Vecchio, stands overlooking the piazza, Church of Santa Maria Maggiore (fine example of Romanesque). In 1167 Bergamo was one of the Lombard League towns. more...
-Como: many examples of Mediaeval architecture, important manufacturing centre with its famous silk industry. Its most outstanding architectural treasures are the Romanesque chuches of S.Abbondio and S.Fedele, the cathedral, Tempio Voltiano (Volta temple), Villa Olmo and the Palazzo Volpi art gallery.
-Mantova: is a city with ancient origins and a rich artistic and architectural heritage (the Gonzagas dinasty) Famous artists and painters like Mantegna, Pisanello and Giulio Romano.
-Pavia: is an agricultural, and industrial centre, is well-known also for the important University of Pavia. Its most important architectural treasures are Castello Visconteo (Visconti castle), the university, the cathedral and the S. Michele church. more...
-Brescia lies along the banks of Lake Garda. Second largest city in lombardy, important centre for manufacturing, commercial and crafts industries. Vineyards and olive trees on the hills of Franciacorta.

Wonderful natural scenarios, from north to south: from glaciers, rocky peaks, to the most beautiful lakes in Europe, hillsides covered in woods, vineyards and olive trees

Famous theatres (Scala), concert halls, exhibition areas provide venues for opera, concerts, plays, recitals, ballet, and sports events