For a small, boot-shaped country, Italy has made quite the impression on the world, with its huge contributions to the worlds of art, architecture, fashion, design, food, and film...the list goes on and we’re here to experience it all.
It’s known to many as the fashion capital of the world, but more than that Milan is a paradoxical wonder, where historic architecture, art, and culture fill the streets, yet modernity, boldness, and innovation rule the atmosphere. Here, you’ll find the Duomo di Milano, the Sforza Castle, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, the Da Vinci Museum, and plenty of local boutiques, colourful neighbourhoods, and amazing restaurants to enjoy. Just north of Milan is Lake Como and Lake Como is to die for. Take a short drive or train ride to be immersed in all that Slim Aarons meets Wes Anderson goodness.
Another great impression Italy has had on the world is that of motor racing. Just outside of Milan lies the small town of Monza, home to one of motorsport’s most iconic and long-standing race circuits, no doubt it’s the reason we’re here but first a little culture and carbs before the race weekend!!
Key Information
- Currency: Euro, £.
- Language: Italian, English
- Time Zone: GMT+2
- In an Emergency: Call 113
- Weather: The race takes place mid-September when temperatures average between 20°C and 30°C.
The Circuit
With the first Formula 1 race taking place at this historic track in 1922, this is a place of iconic standing and it holds glory, death, and history within its walls. Commonly referred to as ‘the Temple of Speed it’s a unique stop on the F1 calendar for its mix of long straights and slow chicanes, Monza is where Formula 1 cars reach their peak speed of the season and most of the lap is raced at full throttle. It’s fast, it’s exciting and it’s unpredictable.
Over the past couple of years, it has produced great battles across the field and unexpected podiums including Pierre Gasly in 2020, and Mclaren’s 1-2 finish in 2021. Set on the grounds of the largest city park in Europe and located just to the northeast of Italy’s capital Milan, Monza is unparalleled in its beauty and atmosphere. You can also expect to see the hordes of passionate Italian ‘Tifosi’, most of whom Ferrari fans, who eat, sleep and breathe red!
Track Facts
- The Lap Record is held by Rubens Barrichello (Ferrari, 2004), with a time of 1:21.046.
- Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton share the record of most wins at the track, having both won five times.
- The track length is a total of 5.793km, equaling a total race distance of 306.720 km (53 laps).
See
Milan:
Piazza Duomo - One of Milan’s most impressive attractions is the Piazza Duomo. As the third biggest church in Europe, this magnificent Gothic Cathedral stuns all who go see it. Five hundred years in the making, the Catherdral is home to 3,500 statues, and its 135 spires can be viewed and admired up close on the roof.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II - Next to the cathedral stands the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a beautiful soaring arcade of stone and glass, opened by King Vittorio Emanuele II in 1867. This is one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city.
Piazza dei Mercanti - This was the medieval centre of the city and is preserved pretty much as it was centuries ago. Within the piazza is the Loggia Degli Osii, an ancient administrative building where the city fathers used to address the citizens, and the Palazzo della Ragione.
Triennale de Milano - Founded in 2007, this is Italy's first permanent design museum. The Museum has a wide variety of exhibitions happening throughout the year, featuring art and photography, but also product, furniture, and graphic design from around the world.
Ferrari Store Milano - The Ferrari flagship store is located in the historic Palazzo Ricordi, only a few steps away from the Piazza del Duomo. Inside you will find Formula 1 simulators, interactive video walls, the Ferrari Style collection, and a F1 car, identical to Michael Schumacher's 2002 World Championships winning single-seater, hanging from the ceiling. The store has been designed as not only a shopping destination but as an immersive experience, DEFINITELY check this one out!
Navigli District – Navigli is fast becoming one of Milan’s most popular districts. Although the area is famous for its canals, there is plenty more to see and do in this up-and-coming neighbourhood full of hip and often hidden spots.
Fondazione Prada – Prada’s art and culture complex is located on the southern edge of Milan in a former gin distillery dating from 1910. The industrial complex is the home of Fondazione Prada which aims to expand and explore ways in which art can be exhibited. The project provides a space for temporary exhibitions, cinema in the multimedia auditorium and the ‘Torre’, a nine-story permanent exhibition space for displaying the foundation's collection. A seriously impressive space that is worth a visit during your time in Milan. Also make sure you check out Bar Luce; a Wes Anderson designed café that is pretty much perfect.
Bar Luce – This Wes Anderson-designed Café is located in Prada’s art and culture complex, Fondazione Prada. The café is unsurprisingly, very Wes Anderson esque with color-blocked Formica tables, a perfectly modish loo, and the Steve Zissou–themed pinball machine.
Sforza Castle - Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle) was built as a fortress during the fourteenth century and is one of the most famous landmarks in Milan. It houses some of the best museums in the city, including The Museum of Ancient Art, The Museum of Musical Instruments, and The Applied Arts Collection to name a few! Castello is open every day from 7 am until 7:30 pm. Museums are open Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 am until 5:30 pm.
Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest) - Located in the Porta Nuova district of Milan, Bosco Verticale was created in 2014 and designed by Boeri Studio. The two residential towers, 76 and 100 meters high contain more than 800 trees, 4,500 shrubs, and 15,000 plants (equivalent to 7000 sqm of a normal horizontal forest). It's one of the city’s most innovative and prestigious symbols.
Corso Como - Corso Como and its adjoining streets are a firm favourite among young Milanos with its mix of restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries, boutiques, and nightclubs. By day there are charming street markets and by night it's where you'll find friends meeting for a post-work aperitivo and partying into the night. It's a cool area with lots to see! From here it is also an easy and pleasant walk into Brera down Via Solferino.
10 Corso Como – This cool shopping and dining complex located in Corso Como can only really be described as a vibe, with lots of art, fashion, music, design, food, and culture to enjoy and explore. The complex was founded in 1990 by gallerist and publisher Carla Sozzani. Definitely drop by if you’re exploring Corso Como!
Monza:
Parco di Monza - Surrounding the track lies a beautiful city park called Parco di Monza. Sitting right in the middle of the city it’s a perfect escape. Here, you can take a scenic run, walk, or bike around, but you can also sit down and read a book or have a picnic in front of the lake. There’s also the Villa Reale, one of Italy’s hidden gems, for those of you interested in antique art and world history.
Lake Como:
Take a trip to Lago di Como (Lake Como) - Just north of Milan is Lake Como and quite frankly Lake Como is to die for. Take a short drive or train ride to be immersed in all that Slim Aarons meets Wes Anderson goodness.
Como looks like a scene straight out of a movie, I guess because it is. Capturing all the very best elements of Italy, from delicious food to incredible landscapes, architecture and the most perfect sunsets, this place is a damn good vibe. Winding roads connect the lakes shores, mountains, and charming towns to make Lago di Como the ideal candidate for a good old-fashioned road trip! Let’s go 🇮🇹
