Monza, Italy

Welcome to Monza, a historic city located in the Lombardy region of Italy. Situated about 20 kilometers north-northeast of Milan, Monza is the capital of the Province of Monza and Brianza and is best known for its Grand Prix motor racing circuit, the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, which hosts the Formula One Italian Grand Prix. Monza is also home to one of the largest urban parks in Europe, Monza Park, and hosts a Department of the University of Milan Bicocca, a Court of Justice and several offices of regional administration. Monza’s rich history dates back to the Roman Empire and can be seen in the ruins of the Ponte dArena, a Roman bridge near the Lions Bridge. During the Middle Ages, Monza was chosen by Theodelinda, daughter of Garibald I of Bavaria and wife of the Lombard king Authari, as her summer residence and founded an oraculum dedicated to St. John the Baptist. Monza was further fortified under Berengar I of Italy who located his headquarters in the city and constructed a fortified castrum. Monza regained its autonomy in the 12th century and was even visited by Emperor Otto II in 980. The Glossary of Monza, one of the earliest examples of the evolution of the Italian language, probably dates to the early 10th century. Monza Park, one of the largest urban parks in Europe, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and families alike. It boasts a variety of landscapes including forests, lakes, and gardens and is home to several notable buildings such as the Royal Villa of Monza, built by architect Giuseppe Piermarini for Empress Maria Theresa, and the Monza Eni Circuit, home of Formula One racing. Monza also has plenty to offer in the way of local cuisine, from classic Italian dishes like pasta and pizza to traditional Lombardy favorites like risotto alla Milanese and ossobuco. Come experience the beauty and history of Monza, the third-largest city in Lombardy and the most important economic, industrial and administrative centre of the Brianza area.