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The UNOFFICIAL Entrance to Monza 114 of 114 Ciao Users found the following review helpful
Rating from Connoisseur_Haggler 5 Stars ()

Advantages Exudes history, exciting race circuit, rural quiet small town with character, beautiful cathedral and scenic views nearby

Disadvantages None really..Public transport limited on sundays


Say the word MONZA! And one’s heart fills with joy and excitement you think Formula One, land of Ferrari .. you are in seventh heaven! Well almost! This may not be everyone’s reaction but it certainly is mine! I recently had the opportunity to visit Monza and it doesn’t disappoint and offers far more beyond Formula One racing with its rural charm and interesting historical features.

MONZA ~ WHERE IS IT?

Monza is approximately 10km North of Milan in the Lombardy region of Italy. It is the capital of the Brianza area of Lombardy. Brianza originally got it’s name from an old saying, “S’è messa un po’ di Brianza in faccia” which is translated as “She’s put some Brianza on her face”, it’s another word for a fake suntan! Before the economic growth of the 1950’s many of the rich would come to the hilly regions of Brianza in the hope of soaking up some sun, it was a place to pass the long hot and humid summers. Since then much has changed; well for starters you can buy fake tan in a tube! secondly social attitudes and customs have changed. The term Brianza is just a vague geographical area north of Milan.

Today, the Brianza region is one of the main economic constitutions that make the Lombardy region one of the richest in Italy coupled with a highly skilled labour force. Monza is perhaps most well known for hosting Italy’s Grand Prix at its race circuit, this has clearly put Monza back on the world map.

The town of Monza has many buildings and structures of interesting architecture, such as the famous Cathedral (Duomo) with it beautiful green and white facades originally constructed in 1370. In the centre of the town is a square (Piazza Roma) characterised by central large construction of Arengario (tribune). Last but not least Monza Park – is a definite visit for all Formula One fans.

MONZA PARK~

The park is one of the largest of its kind in Europe covering an area of over 7325sq. metres. It has an equestrian school, an 18-hole golf course, polo fields, tenniscourts etc. Inside this park is the famous Monza race circuit (Autodromo di Monza).

On entering the park my first view was of a large palace like building (Villa Reale) and several smaller neo-classical buildings with their own courtyards. My ultimate destination being the race circuit, I keenly followed instructions I had received from an army officer to walk through the park that would take me to the race circuit.
After quickly making my way passing through what appeared to be private resident’s courtyards (only spurred on faster by the bark of a rather concerned dog!) I was finally inside the park!

The park was full of pathways, miles of green grass in wooded surroundings. Being a Sunday, it was a happy scene of families spending a Sunday afternoon playing on the grass, riding family bicycles that sit 4 (don’t know what these are called), some rollerblading on the path, and some returning from a game of polo. If not involved in any of sporting activities many families were seen strolling in the park -with ladies wearing a full mink coat with dark shades- quite a common sight in Lombardy!

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Previous page Next page Page 1 of 24 | 1 - 5 out of 116 comments
  • pesadilla 25/07/2004 22:00
    Rated this review as
    Very Helpful
  • Kingseany 20/05/2003 11:10
    Rated this review as
    Very Helpful
  • christina44 07/05/2003 09:04
    Rated this review as
    Very Helpful

    Lovely lovely. The one place in italy that would probably remind me of England a little..Never been there so your op was insightful,fascinating informative and educative. TA!Fake tan? in italy of all places,eh? lol.Faccia mia!! chrissie xx

  • sylviesinc 28/04/2003 20:52
    Rated this review as
    Very Helpful

    Great op with loads of info...even for non-F1 fans!sylvie

  • offy 28/04/2003 01:07
    Rated this review as
    Very Helpful
Previous page Next page Page 1 of 24 | 1 - 5 out of 116 comments

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