Arcumeggia, Lake Maggiore
Charming mountain village painted with frescoes
High up above the lakes is the village of Arcumeggia in the mountains. It is famous because in 1956 the local tourist office decided to ask important Italian painters to fresco the walls of the town's stone cottages.
Known as the "Paese dei Pittori" (Painter's Village), the frescoes, combined with the mountain setting, give the town an atmospheric feel. They were made between 1960 and 1960, and there are works by Aldo Carpi, Aligi Sassu, Giovanni Brancaccio, Antonio Pedretti and many, many more.
In the painter's house there is an exhibition of the drafts used to turn this village into an open-air museum. It attracts many tourists and it is definitely a worthy detour.
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History & Culture in [locality]
The first mentions of this village date back to the 17th century, and it has always been a sparsely populated centre, with no more than a few hundred inhabitants.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
Sights in Milan
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Torre Branca (Branca Tower), Northwest Milan
The Torre Branca (named after the liquor company that restored it in 2002) offers visitors a panoramic view point in the city. At 108.6 metres, the iron tower is the fourth highest structure in Milan, located in the city's most expansive park, Parco Sempione.
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San Siro Stadium and Museum, Northwest Milan
The Giuseppe Meazza stadium or San Siro (as it is better known) was conceived exclusively as a football venue. It was built to host the tempestuous and bi-annual games between the city's rival teams - AC Milano and Inter (F.C. Internazionale Milano).
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San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica, Milan - Centre
This basilica, probably dating back to the end of the 4th and the beginning of the 5th century, was largely rebuilt in the 11th and 12th centuries and again in the 16th century. It also houses a chapel - Capella Sant'Aquilino - which still features mosaics dating back to the 5th century.
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Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio (Basilica of St Ambrose), Northwest Milan
One of the most important religious buildings, dedicated to Milan's patron saint, Saint Ambrose, who founded this Roman Basilica. It is bright and well rebuilt and has a wonderful golden dome with thousands of mosaics. Saint Ambrose is buried here in the crypt.
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Biblioteca and Pinacoteca Ambrosiana (Ambrosian Library and Art Gallery), Milan - Centre
The Ambrosian Library & Art Gallery, named after Ambrose the patron saint of Milan, opened in 1618 and is the city's oldest museum. The beautiful palace, as well as the world-class collections of paintings, manuscripts and books are well worth a visit.
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Castello Sforzesco (Sforzesco Castle), Northwest Milan
The Castello Sforzesco is Milan's main attraction after the Duomo. The castle's popularity is due in no small part to the dozen museums and archives within its grounds, with exhibitions on subjects as diverse as Palaeolithic history to 1950s furniture.
Dining in [locality]
Restaurants in Milan
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Il Baretto Restaurant, Milan - Centre
Il Baretto has been running for over fifty years, delighting the great and the good of the city for half a century. The sophisticated, old English club house decor is host to a refined menu taking cues from Milanese and international cuisine.
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Armani Restaurant, Milan - Centre
Part of the Armani Hotel Milan, this Michelin-starred restaurant takes a modern approach to classic Italian wining and dining. The stylish decor has been designed to the smallest detail by Giorgio Armani himself.
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VUN Restaurant, Milan - Centre
This elegant and sophisticated restaurant is located in a luxury hotel right in the heart of Milan and has been awarded a Michelin star. They serve traditional Italian dishes with innovative touches using local fresh ingredients.
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Terrazza Gallia Restaurant, Milan - Centre
Located at the luxury Excelsior Gallia Hotel, this rooftop restaurant boasts a menu created under the consultancy of three-Michelin starred chefs Enrico and Roberto Cerea and the Lebano brothers. They serve modern Italian cuisine with a focus on the Lombardy region.
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Palazzo Parigi Restaurant, Milan - Centre
The elegant style and furnishings, the neoclassical pieces of art decorating the walls and the hand-painted high ceiling is a dramatic yet fitting setting for the fantastic food of the Palazzo Parigi restaurant. And when the weather is fine, the relaxed atmosphere of the private garden terrace provides an alternative atmosphere for visiting diners.
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Rubacuori Restaurant, Milan - Centre
Michelin-starred experience that draws on the experimentation of the Venissa culinary approach. The enchanting decor completes the tone for dining in a very unique setting.
Things to do in [locality]
Things To Do in Milan
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Le Robinie Golf Course
Big-hitters will enjoy the generous width fairways but be aware of the lake-size water hazards.
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Monte Tamaro
Monte Tamaro rises 1,961 metres above the lake and in this beautiful hilly area there are plenty of wonderful trails and hikes. Notably it is the starting point for the Tamaro-Lema hike. This peak is also worth visiting for the contemporary and innovative Santa Maria degli Angeli church designed by Mario Botta and painted by Enzo Cucchi. It sits on the edge of the hillside with amazing views. There is also an adventure park and mountain bike trails. Something for everyone.
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Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Course, Lake Como
An Old England styled public golf course set prestigiously on the shores of Lake Como.
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Lago Maggiore Adventure Park
Amidst the beautiful surroundings of the Piedmontese coast of Lake Maggiore, this adventure park offers fun for all with high suspension bridge courses, cycle-cross, a free-climbing wall and an acro-jump. A great day out.
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Canevaworld
This site has three major events: Caevaworld Movieland Hollywood Park, a theme park based around film sets, The Aqua Park, which is a water park full of slides, wave simulators and a Peter Pan style pirate's lagoon, and Night & Fun - the evening's entertainment which consists of Medieval show dinners, a rock star restaurant all you can eat and a night festival disco.
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Lake Maggiore Express
This round trip by boat and train, taking in the main sights and towns is a fantastic way of seeing the area around Lake Maggiore.
Nightlife in [locality]
Bars & Clubs in Milan
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Mio Bar, Milan - Centre
Located in the historic centre of Milan, in front of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, this is one of Milan’s hottest and trendiest bars in the city at any time of the day.
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Mimmo Milano Restaurant & Bar, Milan - Centre
Located inside the Dondup flagship store, this restaurant boasts a wonderful bohemian decor with light whitewashed wood, vintage furniture, lots of candles and linen tablecloths. They serve seasonal dishes based on traditional Italian cuisine.
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Bhangrabar Bar
This Indian bar offers a great selection of cocktails, many based on Indian spirits, serves a good aperitivo buffet and has African-themed evenings, as well as DJ sets late into the evening.
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Alcatraz Nightclub, Northwest Milan
One of the most renowned music venues in Milan, at this nightclub you'll be able to see big live rock concerts during the week, while during the weekends it turns into a disco.
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Plastic Nightclub
With a number of different dancefloors, and known for attracting classic 80s pop icons, this is a fashionable gay-friendly club with a selective crowd.
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Bobino Nightclub, Milan - Centre
Start your evening with a large aperitivo and a cocktail at the bar, and stay for the night's event - themed parties and renowned DJs.
Hotels in [locality]
Hotels in Milan
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Westin Palace Hotel
This regal hotel offers elegant rooms, some with views of the Duomo and has a large private roof terrace, ideal for aperitivo.
Price: €4,658
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Locanda San Vigilio
Sitting directly on the waterfront, this locanda has been a guest house since the 1500s and today has just seven rooms and seven suites offering a luxurious and private stay. It has a lovely pool overlooking Lake Garda and an excellent traditional Italian restaurant where dishes are seasoned with San Vigilio's own extra virgin olive oil.
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Armani Hotel, Milan - Centre
5-star hotel designed by Giorgio Armani located in the heart of Milan. Dine at the Michelin-starred restaurant with panoramic views of the city and relax in the luxury of the top-floor spa.
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Ariston Hotel
This centrally located hotel was the first ecological hotel in Italy, designed according to bio-architectural criteria.
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Palazzo Matteotti Hotel
The Palazzo Matteotti Milano is a luxury design hotel located in the heart of Milan's fashion district.
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Baglioni Carlton Hotel , Milan - Centre
The Hotel Carlton is Milan's only hotel with direct access on to Via del Spiga, the glamorous centre of Milan's world-renowned shopping district. The five-star hotel provides guests with an easy escape from the trendy surroundings and take advantage of it's premier services.
How to get to [locality]
Transfers for Milan
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Malpensa Shuttle
Shuttle company offering regular services from Malpensa airport to Milan central train station via Milano Fiera, as well as to Milano Fiera Rho, Linate airport, Bergamo and Monza.
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Orio Shuttle, Bergamo
This company offers coach airport transfers from Orio al Serio airport to Milan central station, Malpensa airport, Bergamo and Monza.