Seven things to do and see in Monza as Formula 1 races at the home of Ferrari

Monza is a city just northeast of Milan, in northern Italy that is the home of the Tifosi who always wear red clothing and bring massive Ferrari flags to celebrate their passion for F1.

Formula 1 races at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza for 53 laps at a very low downforce track that was built in 1922, making it the world’s third purpose-built race track in history.

Here, Travel News Blitz’s Ayla Vaughan explores seven things to do and see in Monza.

Villa Reale

The Villa Reale was built at the wish of the Empress Maria Theresa of Austria in the late 18th century as a summer residence for her son Archduke Ferdinand Karl of Austria-Este. 

This Habsburg seasonal home followed a Lombard Country and Neo-Classical style, with its layout, a central reception block, two lateral wings, stables and a total of 700 rooms.

Duomo of Monza

The Duomo of Monza is believed to have been commissioned towards the end of the sixth century by the Lombard Queen of Italy, Theodelinda, as a royal chapel to serve the nearby palace and is recognisable with its Pisan-Gothic style west front in white and green marble.

Over the years it was rebuilt as a basilica in 1300, side chapels were added in the late 14th century, the choir and the ceiling were restored in the 16th century, a bell tower was erected in 1606 and even more was changed to upkeep the historic building to the 21st century.

Arengario

The Arengario is the ancient Town Hall of Monza and dates back to the 13th century, meaning it was built in a Romanesque style by soldier Pietro Visconti, podestà of the village (the highest civil office in the local government).

It sits on the historic market square, making it the most important civil building in the city and a symbol of municipal autonomy, but today it serves as a museum and exhibition space displaying artefacts from the Roman and medieval eras.

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Watch the Italian Grand Prix

Formula 1 races for the second time in Italy this season from September 5-7 where Ferrari will hope to stand on the podium looking over the Tifosi, after a disastrous race in Zandvoort as both drivers didn't finish the race.

Known as ‘La Pista Magica’ by locals, the circuit is super high speed with the cars being on full throttle for 80% of the lap, as well as a series of big stops into tight chicanes with only 11 corners in total.

Cappella Espiatoria Monza

The Cappella Espiatoria Monza is a monument-chapel that was built to commemorate the site at which the King Umberto I of Italy was murdered in 1900 by the anarchist Gaetano Bresci. 

Its obelisk-like crosses emerge from a stone chapel and are surmounted by bronze crown and royal symbols of the House of Savoy (such as lions and a barrier), all surrounding the wooden entrance.

There is a Pietà sculpture above before you enter the circular temple with its stunning interior lined with Byzantine inspired mosaics and marbles of various colours and origins such as a black marble memorial stone in the crypt. 

Musei Civici di Monza

Musei Civici di Monza is a museum that dates back to 1923 with the Galbesi Segrè donation, whilst over time multiple collections have been added to showcase the most significant artistic and cultural events that took place in the city largely during the 20th century.

Among the artefacts include the paintings and sculptures of Monza artists of the 19th century and the 20th century as well as over 13,000 antique (the oldest being from the 16th century) and modern prints that constitute the Prints Cabinet. 

Monza Park

Monza Park is a large walled park that was commissioned by Napoleon's stepson Eugène de Beauharnais, during the French occupation of Northern Italy, extending over an area of 688 hectares making it the largest walled park in Europe with its stunning greenery and landscapes.

The park has a variety of attractions inside such as the Lambro river in its southern sector, woodlands which cover a third of the total area, the Autodromo Nazionale Monza and the Golf Club Milano which has hosted nine editions of the Italian Open.

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