World Travel Guide

City Guide  - Milan  - Excursions
Excursions

For a Half Day

Certosa di Pavia : The Carthusian Monastery of Pavia is a living museum, an architectural treasure box containing prized artworks and run by the monks who produce excellent Chartreuse liqueurs. Located 140km (87 miles) south of Milan, 40km (25 miles) from the city of Pavia, in an idyllic setting, the monastery is best reached by car (or train). Duke Gian Galeazzo Visconti ordered its construction in 1386, the same year as Milan's Cathedral, as a monument to the Visconti dynasty. The Cistercian monks conduct tours in return for voluntary donations to the order, showing the cloisters, cells and beautiful frescoes by Pietro Perugino and Bergognone. The ornate marble façade by Amadeo is a masterpiece, famous throughout Italy. The monastery is open Tues to Sunday 0900-1130 and 1430-1800.

For a Whole Day

Bellagio:
The picturesque mountain and lake setting of Bellagio is an obvious tonic for the city weary. Visitors must have a car unless taking a train to Como and then catching one of the boats from Piazza Cavour quay. The town enjoys fantastic views and a temperate microclimate - hence its luxury villas nestling around its narrow streets. The Villa Serbelloni, owned by the Rockefeller Foundation, has wonderful terraced gardens, while the neo-classical Villa Melzi, where Franz Liszt and Stendhal once stayed, has beautiful landscaped gardens. Tourist information is available (tel: (031) 950 204); villas are open March to October and guided tours are available in English daily at 1100 and 1600.



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