rossifra

Engines to read: 6 books for car and driving enthusiasts

There are really many books for car enthusiasts and they represent an original gift idea. From biographical volumes that tell the deeds of the great racing car drivers to novels that put four wheels to one hundred and fifty. Some, however, are truly unmissable and deserve to be present in the library of those who love engines.

Passion for cars and engines is something that affects all aspects of life. It ends, for example, also in the readings . Those who love engines, in fact, also find pleasure in reading books that tell the thundering world of four wheels . Not surprisingly, the list of books for car enthusiasts gets longer every year. A full-bodied catalog, made up of biographies of famous drivers, of historical reconstructions of the most prestigious brands, but also of novels that put cars at the center, with all their wealth of emotions and suggestions. Many titles for as many gift ideas. The following list does not pretend to indisputably identify the most beautiful novels for car lovers, but offers about five really special texts, which deserve to enter the home library of those who dream of a life as a driver.

Here are other gift ideas for car enthusiasts

On the road - Jack Kerouac

Let's start with a timeless classic of American literature , as well as a milestone among the novels of the late twentieth century. In 1951, by publishing "On the road" (original title: "On the road"), Jack Kerouac gave life to the symbolic book of the Beat Generation . Thus it was that an autobiographical tale turned into the manifesto of an entire youth movement. The novel tells the travels of Sal Paradise , the alter ego of the same author, who crosses the United States far and wide, aboard his car, sometimes alone, sometimes in the company of his friend Dean Moriarty (who in the reality is Neal Cassady, also a writer). Page after page, you never get tired of savoring the adrenaline and freedom of a real journey "on the road" .

Christine and Buick 8 - Stephen King

We remain in the United States, but completely changing gender. It is the turn of two titles signed by the king of horror, Stephen King . These are " Christine - The infernal machine" and "Buick 8" . In the first novel, which has also become a film, the protagonist is a 1958 Plymouth Fury , capable of transforming itself from a harmless car abandoned on the side of the road into a bearer of profound upheavals. The car, in fact, has a cynical and ruthless soul, which changes the personality of those who come into contact with it. And this is how Christine leaves behind a trail of death and despair. Equally mysterious is the profile of the car featured in the second novel: a 1954 Buick Roadmaster . Again, the car takes on a life of its own and upsets Ned's life for no apparent reason.

Bottom stroke. Mille Miglia, a life and a cat - Giorgio Terruzzi

The third proposal, on the other hand, is an all-Italian work, both in the signature, which is that of the famous sports journalist Giorgio Terruzzi, and in the story, which traces the exploits of the mythological Alberto Ascari (to whose memory a variant of the circuit of the Monza National Circuit ). The narrative starts with the surprise victory of the Mille Miglia in 1954 , and then unfolds throughout the driver's life, also analyzing private aspects. An exciting journey at full speed.

Read also: What to give to a Formula 1 fan

Virtual Senna - Roberto Boccafogli

From one myth to another. “ Virtual Senna” is a novel that intends to celebrate the unforgettable Brazilian driver, who tragically died in 1994, on the Imola circuit. And it is precisely from that painful Grand Prix that the plot conceived by Roberto Boccafogli who decides to play with history and changes the course of events. Senna, in fact, does not die during the race but arrives at the end and wins it, also mortgaging the conquest of the car world championship. At that point, the story then takes a leap forward, up to the 2000s, and the reader comes to terms with a Formula 1 in public crisis. To revive the fortunes of the competition, the organizers invent virtual Grand Prix , in which Senna also participates. This parallel and unreal reality, however, gives rise to the desire to satisfy an ancient curiosity: who is the strongest driver ever?

The art of running in the rain - Garth Stein

Denny , the protagonist of this latest literary proposal for car enthusiasts, is an extraordinary driver, capable of giving his best in the rain. His ambitions, however, are held back by the need to make ends meet by working in a workshop. A complicated and suffering life seems to remove him forever from his dream: to drive a real Ferrari . Luckily, next to him is his faithful dog, who is not by chance called Enzo, in honor of the patron of the Maranello team. It will be the intelligent four-legged to show their master the right way to happiness.

Learn about the history of the Monza 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 rossifra

What to eat in Monza: tips for a tourism of taste

There are many typical dishes to eat in Monza, from risotto with the famous luganega sausage to cassoeula, from panmoijaa to San Gerardo bread. All expressions of the main characteristics of Brianza cuisine: flavor and simplicity.

Holidays in Italy are also opportunities for food and wine tours in the typical dishes that each area jealously guards. Monza is no exception to this rule. Treating yourself to a few days in the Lombard city, therefore, also means being able to taste Brianza cuisine , made of simple ingredients and genuine flavors. Whether you choose to have lunch in a spartan trattoria or to dine in an elegant restaurant, you must keep in mind the list of Monza dishes that are worth trying at least once. Here is a short guide to find out what to eat typical in Monza .

Visit Monza with the city passport

The king of Monza's typical dishes: risotto with luganega

Let's start with the real ruler of the scene, the typical Monza dish par excellence: risotto with luganega (also called risotto alla monzese). He is truly the king of the city, served in practically every venue. There are several recipes for this particular risotto, each with its own small variant. The two main ingredients, however, do not change and are luganega (or luganica) sausage and saffron . The result is a dish with a clear but delicate flavor, which is always very popular with tourists. On the other hand, luganega is the quintessential symbol of Monza's cuisine , and it is truly a very tasty typical product. What differentiates it from a normal sausage is certainly the shape, thinner and elongated . What makes it so famous, however, is its composition. In addition to pork , in fact, luganega contains a high quantity of parmesan cheese and is flavored with meat broth and marsala . In addition, in some variations, additional ingredients are also used, such as chilli, wild fennel or anise.

Read also: What to see in Monza

The specialties of Brianza cuisine: from cassoeula to panmoijaa

The list of Monza's typical dishes , however, certainly does not end with the luganega risotto. There are many other specialties of Brianza cuisine that deserve to be tasted. This is the case of cassoeula , a typically winter dish because it is very substantial. The basis of the recipe, in fact, is made up of cabbage and the less noble parts of the pig , such as the rind, snout, legs, head and ribs. It is also usually served with polenta . The name cassoeula derives from the large pot in which the ingredients are boiled, while its origins, which are lost between history and legend, would be Spanish.

Pork is also at the center of another typical dish of the Brianza peasant tradition, namely the rusticiada . It is a pork stew , flavored with a fried lard and onions . Again, the stew is usually served together with polenta . Finally, for meat lovers (and derivatives), Monza offers two other possibilities: ossobuco and tripe .

For those who love soups, on the other hand, both the panmoijaa and the Brianza minestrone are unmissable. The first is a tasty soup with minced bacon and bacon , in which onion, garlic and parsley are also used. It is eaten accompanied by a characteristic yellow bread , made with a mix of white flour, corn flour and rye. The Brianza minestrone, on the other hand, is very rich, because it contains, as main ingredients, rice , lard , cabbage , beans and potatoes .

Read also: What to do in Monza

The typical sweets of Monza

An article that talks about what to eat in Monza, however, cannot be limited to rattling off savory dishes. There are also some typical sweets that deserve to be tasted by those who pass by in Brianza. In particular, it is the country cake and the bread and biscuits of San Gerardo . The country cake, right from its name, is a dessert that tells a lot about Monza's traditions and its peasant substratum. This dessert, in fact, also known as michelasc cake , has stale bread as its basic ingredient, which is soaked in milk . This basic dough is then flavored in various ways; the most common variant is the one that uses chocolate , but pine nuts, candied fruit and raisins can also be added.

The bread of San Gerardo , on the other hand, takes its name from the co-patron of Monza, San Gerardo dei Tintori. It is a sweet bread made with sugar, honey, fruit, sultanas, candied almonds and chestnuts . On the contrary, the dough of the homonymous biscuits is much simpler, because they are dry cakes made without eggs.

Discover the exclusive tours of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza

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 rossifra

Monza Cathedral, a short guide to discovering a treasure chest full of treasures

The Duomo of Monza is the symbol of the city and preserves historical, cultural and artistic beauties of inestimable value. The Cathedral Museum and Treasury tell the story through a rich sequence of relics and precious objects, among which the Iron Crown, kept in the Teodolinda Chapel, stands out. In this short guide, everything you need to know about the Monza Cathedral and some practical information to visit it.

The Duomo , located in the heart of the historic center, is undoubtedly at the top of the list of things to see in Monza . Inside there are some of the most important artistic beauties that the city of Brianza can offer to tourists. The Duomo of Monza, in fact, houses a rich museum and hides a real treasure , the most precious piece of which is the iron crown , with which numerous sovereigns were crowned for centuries, including the kings of Italy. In addition, the bell tower that adorns the Basilica, which represents the highest point in all of Monza, deserves a special mention. Visiting the Duomo of Monza , therefore, is really a necessary activity, even if you are in the city only for a weekend. And to prepare for the visit, you can rely on this short and practical guide.

What to do in Monza: 3 tips for an unforgettable weekend

The history of the Monza Cathedral

To understand the importance of the Duomo of Monza, it is good to begin this "journey" to its discovery by retracing the main stages of its history . And the historical events concerning the Cathedral, officially called the Minor Basilica of San Giovanni Battista , begin long before its construction. At the end of 500 d. C., in fact, where today the famous religious building stands, there was the Basilica built by the queen of the Lombards Teodolinda , a central figure in the history of the city. Probably, that ancient Basilica was already consecrated to St. John the Baptist. However, practically nothing remains of the original construction , except some building materials and some furnishings, now housed in the Cathedral Museum. In fact, in 1300 , the year of the first Jubilee of Christianity, it was decided to radically overturn the building , rebuilding it from scratch. These were truly impressive works, the first phase of which ended almost half a century later, in 1346. Still for centuries, however, the Duomo of Monza was the object of embellishments and enrichments, with the addition of works of art and new architectural elements, such as the imposing bell tower (whose construction began in 1592).

The architecture of the Monza Cathedral

And so, piece by piece, over the centuries, the Duomo of Monza has come to be that architectural jewel that today is a source of pride for the city. Among other things, the careful restoration that was carried out in 2020 has accentuated its splendor.

The external facade

The external facade of the Duomo of Monza , facing the square of the same name, is perhaps one of the elements that most characterizes the building, thanks to its "two-tone" appearance. It is made in the Gothic style , using a skilful alternation of black and white marble . At the center of the façade, another distinctive feature dominates: the rose window by Matteo Campione , original signature of the entire facade (later restored, at the beginning of the 20th century, by Luca Beltrami). The rose window is framed by a line of perforated tiles, with masks, flowers and stars. Below the rose window there is the porch, on which stands the statue of St. John the Baptist . Other decorative elements are the mullioned windows and the three- mullioned windows that open specularly along the two sides and the medallions of the arch, which contain the busts of Queen Teodolinda and her husband Agilulfo.

Interiors

Equally suggestive are the interiors of the Duomo of Monza . The structure is the classic Latin cross , consisting of three naves with side chapels . The naves are separated by octagonal section pillars, decorated at the end with capitals representing animals, griffins, sirens and centaurs. In general, the decorations of the Cathedral, with a few exceptions, are all attributable to the Baroque period , while little has been saved from the previous phases. What is most striking about the basilica is the extreme wealth of frescoes , which all deserve to be admired.

What's in the Duomo of Monza

Beyond its indisputable overall beauty, however, the Cathedral houses some “precious pieces”, true masterpieces of history, art and culture that deserve a separate mention. These are, in particular, the frescoes of the Teodolinda Chapel and the tree of life, the Museum and the Treasury, the Iron Crown and the bell tower.

The frescoes of the Teodolinda Chapel

As mentioned, the frescoes are numerous and beautiful. Among all, those signed by the Zavattari stand out, which adorn the Chapel of Teodolinda , which houses the iron crown and the remains of the beloved queen of the Lombards. It is a pictorial cycle that shines with its golds and bright colors . The story that unfolds throughout the various paintings is that of Theodolinda's life, whose conversion to Christianity was a vehicle for the consequent conversion of her people.

The tree of Life

The one depicting the Tree of Life is another of the valuable frescoes that adorn the interiors of the Duomo of Monza. It is located on the right transept and is the work of Giuseppe Meda and Giuseppe Arcimboldo , who began to paint it in 1556.

The Museum and Treasury of the Monza Cathedral

The Museum and Treasury of the Monza Cathedral is a treasure chest that holds a priceless heritage of works of art and relics. Overall, the assets that make up this heritage make it possible to reconstruct, step by step, the entire history of the Basilica, from 1300 to 1900. Among other things, the Cross and Crown of Theodolinda , the Cross of Agilulf , the Diptych of King David and St. Gregory and the Reliquary of the tooth of St. John the Baptist are part of the Treasury. The seat of the Museum is located just below the Duomo.

The Iron Crown

The spearhead of the Monza Cathedral Treasury, however, is undoubtedly the Iron Crown . It is a prestigious find, because for centuries it has served to crown many kings. The origins of this precious object are unknown; according to the most accredited theses, the Iron Crown would be datable between 450 and 500 AD. Currently, it is kept in the altar of the Teodolinda Chapel .

The bell tower (or bell tower)

The bell tower of the Duomo of Monza, with its 75 meters high , represents the "tip" of the city, a fundamental reference for all the inhabitants. In the original structure the presence of the bell tower was not foreseen, which was instead added at the beginning of 1600, on the initiative of the archpriest Camillo Aulario. At the top of the bell tower there are 8 bells, dated 1741.

Visiting the Duomo of Monza: practical information

In light of what has been said so far, a visit to the Duomo of Monza is truly an unavoidable stop. Here, then, is some practical information to better organize it.

Opening time

Monza Cathedral can be visited every day (except Mondays), from 9 to 13 and from 14 to 18. The Teodolinda Chapel, on the other hand, has slightly different hours, being open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday, from 9 to 18, and on Sunday, from 14 to 18.

Guided tours

The main tourist attractions of the Monza Cathedral can also be visited with the help of a guide. All information on guided tours can be found on the museum's website

How to reach the Duomo of Monza and where to park

The Duomo is located in the historic center, within a restricted traffic area. To reach it, therefore, it is necessary to leave your car in one of the paid parking lots adjacent to the historic center. From there you can easily continue on foot.

Visit Monza with the City Passport

by rossifra

Gifts for car and motor enthusiasts: 5 winning ideas

Are you looking for gift ideas for a car and motor enthusiast? Below you will find 5 winning ideas that are suitable for all needs and budgets. From simple gadgets that can make the car of whoever receives the gift unique and special to the unique experience of a return post on board a real racing car. Discover them all.

Making the right gifts is an art that involves a good understanding of the recipient's tastes and passions . The gift that leaves you speechless, in fact, is the one that perfectly meets the preferences of those who receive it. No matter how much it costs or how prestigious it is, the thing that really matters is that it is "tailor-made". In the case of a car enthusiast , for example, what are the most popular gift ideas ? What can really make the eyes of those who love engines shine? There are at least five possible answers and they are solutions that adapt to all needs and occasions , regardless of the amount you want to spend. Let's see them immediately.

Useful and fun gadgets for the car

Let's start with the simplest but always effective idea: gadgets for the car . Those who love engines, in fact, also and above all love their car . He always keeps it clean, cuddles it, equips it with all the comforts and with the latest technology, embellishes and personalizes it with small precautions. That's why automotive gadgets always make a great gift idea. Among other things, the market offers many options: from simple and traditional (perhaps designer) key rings to bluetooth receivers , from interior cleaning sets to digital assistants .

Discover all the gadgets signed by the Autodromo Nazionale Monza

Designer clothing

Another great classic among car enthusiast gifts is certainly designer clothing . Obviously, the signature must be that of a team, a sports brand that recalls the world of motorsport or a symbolic place of motorsport. Also in this case, the possible options are many and they adapt to all needs. They range from sports hats to refined polo shirts , from practical t-shirts to sweatshirts and jackets . If you widen your gaze, you can also add backpacks and bags to this category of gift ideas.

Discover the designer clothing of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza

An experience on the track, like a real driver

If the ideas suggested so far are not convincing, it means that you are looking for something truly unique and special. And then it's time to bring truly first-rate gifts to the field. If there is one thing that every car enthusiast has dreamed of since he was a child, it is to be able to hit the track like a real driver . Fortunately, today it is not an impossible wish to fulfill. Many car circuits, in fact, offer the possibility of adrenaline- fueled driving experiences and fun track days . So, at least for a few hours, you can really try to be a speed superstar.

Discover the proposals of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza: Driving Experience and Track Days

The ticket to attend a prestigious race

The alternative to taking to the track is to watch a real Formula 1 race from the stands . The show is guaranteed, the emotions too. It is difficult to imagine a more suitable gift for those who love engines and do not miss a Grand Prix , sitting on their sofa at home.

Find out more about the Italian Formula 1 Grand Prix

A safe driving or sport driving course

This roundup of gift ideas for car enthusiasts closes with another “practical” proposal, which will give the recipient of the gift the opportunity to put his or her skills as a driver into play . These are, in fact, safe driving or sport driving courses. An opportunity for those who love cars to become more and more master of the steering wheel, learning to manage their car even in risky or non-linear situations.

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 rossifra

Gifts for Formula 1 fans: the proposals signed by Monza

If you are looking for gifts for Formula 1 fans, Autodromo Nazionale Monza is the right place to pack a surprise that will leave the recipient speechless. The Temple of Speed, in fact, is the symbol of Formula 1 in Italy and offers various possibilities of gifts for those who love this sport. Furthermore, by combining the various solutions, it is possible to create real Formula 1 themed gift packages. Much better than any commercially available box.

The passion for engines and racing cars is an all-encompassing feeling, which often ends up invading every aspect of life. So, if you need to give a Formula 1 fan a gift and want to be sure of success, you need to choose a motorsport-themed surprise . Fortunately, there are several possibilities on the market, also depending on the amount you intend to spend. The important thing is to find something truly original. Succeeding is not difficult, especially if you rely on the Autodromo Nazionale Monza , the Italian symbol of Formula 1. The Temple of Speed is ready to welcome and pamper all Formula 1 fans with unique and exciting initiatives. From designer gadgets to entrance tickets for the Italian Grand Prix, there are all kinds of possible gift ideas . Here are four truly unmissable proposals.

The t-shirts with the history of Formula 1 in Monza

The Autodromo Nazionale Monza shop is a reserve of Formula 1 themed gift ideas . The perfect gift for a true enthusiast, however, is undoubtedly a T-shirt from the Heritage collection , which celebrates the history of the Temple of Speed. Simple T-shirts embellished with color prints that crystallize some of the most important moments experienced on the Monza track , such as the ten-year Grand Prix.

All T-Shirts from the Heritage line

A tour to discover the Temple of Speed

A second possible gift for a Formula 1 enthusiast is the tour to discover the Autodromo Nazionale Monza . Those who love the world of motors, in fact, cannot fail to see at least once in their life the most important Italian circuit, as well as a symbol of speed all over the world. The tours available are different and involve all the most important areas of the structure, including the iconic track on which the single-seaters whiz past each year.

The tours of the Monza National Circuit

A lap on the track, like a real Formula 1 driver

And what if instead of a “simple” tour of the racetrack, the gift was the opportunity of a lap on the track like a real Formula 1 driver ? In Monza even this dream can become reality. The Temple of Speed, in fact, has in its offer the Driving Experiences , curated by Puresport . They are called Hot Laps , and they are truly “hot” laps of the track, because they allow you to experience all the emotions and adrenaline of an authentic single-seater that whizzes to the max.

Driving Experience on the track of the Temple of Speed

The ticket to attend the Italian Grand Prix

Ultimate gift idea designed for those who love Formula 1: the entrance ticket to attend the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix . It is the most important race of the Autodrome, an event of international value that attracts four-wheel enthusiasts from all over the world. Above all, however, it is an opportunity to truly experience the colors, sounds and flavors of the Formula 1 World Championship , carving out a seat in the front row.

Buy tickets for the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix

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 rossifra

Gifts for car and motor enthusiasts: 5 winning ideas

Are you looking for gift ideas for a car and motor enthusiast? Below you will find 5 winning ideas that are suitable for all needs and budgets. From simple gadgets that can make the car of whoever receives the gift unique and special to the unique experience of a return post on board a real racing car. Discover them all.

Making the right gifts is an art that involves a good understanding of the recipient's tastes and passions . The gift that leaves you speechless, in fact, is the one that perfectly meets the preferences of those who receive it. No matter how much it costs or how prestigious it is, the thing that really matters is that it is "tailor-made". In the case of a car enthusiast , for example, what are the most popular gift ideas ? What can really make the eyes of those who love engines shine? There are at least five possible answers and they are solutions that adapt to all needs and occasions , regardless of the amount you want to spend. Let's see them immediately.

Useful and fun gadgets for the car

Let's start with the simplest but always effective idea: gadgets for the car . Those who love engines, in fact, also and above all love their car . He always keeps it clean, cuddles it, equips it with all the comforts and with the latest technology, embellishes and personalizes it with small precautions. That's why automotive gadgets always make a great gift idea. Among other things, the market offers many options: from simple and traditional (perhaps designer) key rings to bluetooth receivers , from interior cleaning sets to digital assistants .

Discover all the gadgets signed by the Autodromo Nazionale Monza

Designer clothing

Another great classic among car enthusiast gifts is certainly designer clothing . Obviously, the signature must be that of a team, a sports brand that recalls the world of motorsport or a symbolic place of motorsport. Also in this case, the possible options are many and they adapt to all needs. They range from sports hats to refined polo shirts , from practical t-shirts to sweatshirts and jackets . If you widen your gaze, you can also add backpacks and bags to this category of gift ideas.

Discover the designer clothing of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza

An experience on the track, like a real driver

If the ideas suggested so far are not convincing, it means that you are looking for something truly unique and special. And then it's time to bring truly first-rate gifts to the field. If there is one thing that every car enthusiast has dreamed of since he was a child, it is to be able to hit the track like a real driver . Fortunately, today it is not an impossible wish to fulfill. Many car circuits, in fact, offer the possibility of adrenaline- fueled driving experiences and fun track days . So, at least for a few hours, you can really try to be a speed superstar.

Discover the proposals of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza: Driving Experience and Track Days

The ticket to attend a prestigious race

The alternative to taking to the track is to watch a real Formula 1 race from the stands . The show is guaranteed, the loves too. It is difficult to imagine a more suitable gift for those who love engines and do not miss a Grand Prix , sitting on their sofa at home.

Find out more about the Italian Formula 1 Grand Prix

A safe driving or sport driving course

This roundup of gift ideas for car enthusiasts closes with another “practical” proposal, which will give the recipient of the gift the opportunity to put his or her skills as a driver into play . These are, in fact, safe driving or sport driving courses. An opportunity for those who love cars to become more and more master of the steering wheel, learning to manage their car even in risky or non-linear situations.

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 rossifra

Royal Villa of Monza, a neoclassical palace to be discovered

The Royal Villa of Monza, also known as the Royal Palace of Monza, is one of the main monuments of the Lombard city, together with the Cathedral. A jewel of neoclassical architecture, signed by Piermarini, which has nothing to envy to the more noble Regge of Caserta and Versailles. Furthermore, the royal palace is surrounded by the magnificent Monza Park, the largest fenced green area in Europe, capable of housing the Monza National Circuit.

There are few in the world who do not know, at least by reputation, the Royal Palace of Caserta or the Palace of Versailles. Much less known, however, is the Reggia di Monza , also known as the Royal Villa . Yet, the imposing and elegant Brianza palace has nothing to envy to the other two famous royal residences. Indeed, the sumptuous park that surrounds it is the largest in Europe , among those fenced (so much so that it houses the Autodromo Nazionale Monza ). Therefore, if you spend a few days of vacation in Monza , you must necessarily plan a visit to the Royal Villa, which offers a truly unique show. And this article is a good opportunity to get to know her a little better and take note of the essential tourist information.

History and architecture of the Royal Villa of Monza, Piermarini's masterpiece

Let's start this short virtual journey to discover the Royal Palace of Monza by scrolling through the fundamental stages of its history. The Royal Villa was built in the second half of the 1700s , more precisely between 1777 and 1780 . The project bears the signature of Giuseppe Piermarini , a famous architect of the time and a leading exponent of neoclassicism . The imposing construction was commissioned by Archduke Ferdinand of Habsburg and his mother Maria Theresa of Austria . The building, in fact, was used as a country residence of the royal dynasty, at least until 1796, the year of the descent into Italy of the armies of Napoleon Bonaparte . At that point, the luxurious residence passed into the hands of the French emperor's stepson, Eugene of Beauharnais . It was, however, only a parenthesis. On the fall of Napoleon, in 1818, the Royal Palace returned to the Austrians.

In the second half of the 1800s, the Villa changed owners again. After the annexation of the Lombard Venetian to Piedmont, in fact, the owners became the Savoy family and was particularly loved by King Umberto I , who elected it as his summer residence and subjected it to profound renovations and transformations . The monarch was even buried there, after being killed by Gaetano Bresci. At that point, however, the Villa was linked to a tragic and sad event, which made it fall into disuse. Vittorio Emanuele II , in fact, no longer wanted to reside there and had part of the furnishings transported to the Quirinal palaces in Rome. The royal ownership of the Villa ceased definitively in 1934, when it was donated to the municipalities of Milan and Monza .

The external aspect

The Villa of Monza has the characteristic U shape , typical of the royal palaces of the 1700s. The style of the facade is linear and essential and has simple decorations , which give it an elegant but rigorous aspect , without colonnades or gables. The choice was not only dictated by stylistic needs but also by precise political choices of the Austrian court. Italy, in fact, was an occupied territory and the Habsburg emperors did not want to give the idea of flaunting arrogant wealth to their subjects.

Interiors

The first floor of the Royal Villa is occupied by the reception rooms, the party rooms and the one used for lunches. The second floor , on the other hand, is dedicated to the bedrooms of gifts and guests. The different halls and rooms (a total of 740 , for a total area of over 22,000 square meters) are decorated with gilded stuccoes, paintings and frescoes. Unfortunately, the troubled final phase of use of the Royal Palace of Monza by the Savoy has meant that the palace is now practically emptied of the original furnishings , which were of absolute value.

The gardens

The Gardens of the Royal Villa of Monza represent one of the main attractions. They extend over an area of about 40 hectares and are organized in the English style . The apparent spontaneity of the arrangement and vegetation is instead the result of precise and measured choices by Piermarini. Inside the Gardens, you can appreciate numerous characteristic elements and glimpses, such as the pond , the classic temple , the rock garden and the Antro di Polyphemus .

Also discover the Monza Park, which surrounds the Royal Villa

The Rose Garden

The Rose Garden of the Villa Reale was commissioned by Nino Fumagalli and designed by Vittorio Faglia and Francesco Clerici . It is divided into several sections, depending on the types of roses that are grown. There are over 400 varieties , some of which are grown to be presented in international competitions.

The Belvedere

The Belvedere is the top floor of the Palace , once home to the servants' apartments and for this reason characterized by low ceilings and rather spartan environments. From up there, however, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Monza Park .

Il Serrone (or Orangerie)

Originally, the Royal Villa housed numerous greenhouses , as evidenced by the documents of the time. Only one, however, has reached today intact and it is precisely the Orangerie, that is the one destined for citrus fruits . 100 meters long, 6 wide and 7 high, the structure is equipped with 26 large windows that guarantee sunlight throughout the day .

What to do in Monza: 3 tips for a weekend

Short guide to the Royal Palace of Monza: practical information to visit it

Given the many beauties that it holds, it is clear that you cannot spend a weekend in Monza or Milan without taking a trip to the wonderful Villa Reale. The following, therefore, are simple indications to better organize the visit.

Where is the Villa Reale located?

The Royal Villa is located in the northern part of Monza and is not very far from the historic center. For example, on foot, the Royal Palace is just over a quarter of an hour from the Duomo. The exact address of the entrance is Via Brianza 1.

How much does the entrance ticket cost to visit the Palace?

The full ticket to access the Royal Villa of Monza costs 10 euros. There is also a reduced rate of 8 euros for visitors between the ages of 3 and 26, for those over 65 and for holders of the Monza tourist passport . Free admission, on the other hand, is reserved for children under 3 years old, disabled people with a companion, qualified tourist guides, journalists with ID cards and military personnel from the Command for the protection of Cultural Heritage. Access to the Gardens, on the other hand, is always free.

When can you visit the Royal Villa of Monza: opening and closing times

The Royal Villa can be visited only on Saturdays and Sundays, with opening at 10.30 and closing at 18.30 (last admission at 17.30). The Gardens of the Palace, on the other hand, are open every day from 7.00 am to 6.30 pm in winter and from 7.00 am to 8.30 pm in summer.

How to book the visit

Entrance tickets to the Palace can be purchased directly at the ticket office, located on the ground floor. However, it is recommended to book online (at this link ) or by telephone (at 039 394641).

Where to park

The Royal Villa and the Monza Park are served by two paid parking lots (Viale Cavriga and Porta Vedano) and by a free parking area.

Where to eat at the Royal Villa of Monza

The Royal Palace is located in an area of the city of Monza well stocked with restaurants and places to eat, with solutions suitable for all palates and affordable costs.

The next events hosted in the Royal Villa

The Palace often hosts events for adults and children, from art exhibitions to initiatives related to cinema. The complete program of upcoming events is available here .

What to see in Monza

by rossifra

What to do in Monza: three tips for an unforgettable weekend

There are at least three things to do in Monza during a holiday weekend: visit the historic center, stroll through the park and indulge in the adrenaline of the racetrack. Here is a short guide for tourists who do not want to miss the best that the Lombard city has to offer.

What to do in Monza? Every month, hundreds of people do this Google search. Although much smaller than nearby Milan, in fact, Monza is a city capable of attracting tourists at all times of the year . And to those who visit it, the city offers numerous possibilities for recreation and entertainment, including monuments, naturalistic itineraries and attractions of various kinds. 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 sold out in a weekend.

Visit Monza with the City Passport

A (walking) tour of the historic center

There is no doubt that a nice ride 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 the Piazza del Duomo, then, you can easily reach all the other monuments that make up the historic center of Monza, collected in this non-exhaustive list:

• 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-center, but still reachable with a walk of just a quarter of an hour).

Since, however, a tourist does not eat only art and culture, it is good to underline that in the historic center of Monza you can easily meet bars and restaurants to eat , stopping for lunch or dinner, or for a simple aperitif. So what to eat in Monza also 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 Park of Monza . 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 the face of so much potential, you can visit the Monza Park by relying on one of the prepackaged 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 feeding on art and culture and having deeply breathed the beauty of nature, it's time to treat yourself to 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 fans of engines and also to those who do not 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 rossifra