One-sixth of Italy's population resides in Lombardy, one of the three richest regions in all of Europe. Several foreign businesses are headquartered here, and Italy's tallest skyscraper, the 127 m (417 ft) Pirelli Tower, looms over Milan's cityscape. Named after the Germanic Lombards, who occupied the region after the fall of the Roman Empire, Lombardy's wealth also lies in its history and its culture.

Inhabited for more than 9,000 years, Lombardy's earliest residents left their mark at Valcamonica, in the province of Brescia, where over 140,000 ancient symbols are carved into the rocks. Capital city Milan lies at the foot of the spectacular Italian Alps, a stylish backdrop worthy of Milan's glamourous role as one of the world's leading centres for fashion. Just minutes south of Milan, the popular Lake Como lends its shore to the resort villages of Bellagio, Varenna, and Tremezzo. Western Lombardy is green with acres and acres of rice fields - essential for risotto alla milanese, a signature of Lombardian cuisine, and the many varieties of another local favourite, polenta, will please even the pickiest of palates.