Do you want to spend a day or even a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of Milan? The Royal Villa of Monza is just a few kilometres from the city and offers a wonderful spectacle, where stunning architecture and the surrounding nature blend together. The ideal destination for an easy to arrange day trip from Milan.
Monza’s Royal Palace includes the monumental Royal Villa, the Royal Gardens and the Park. A place of inestimable architectural and historical value that dates back to the end of the 18th century. The Royal Villa was commissioned by Archduke Ferdinand of Habsburg (son of Maria Theresa of Austria), who arrived in Milan as the new governor in 1771.
The imposing Villa, designed by imperial architect Giuseppe Piermarini in Neoclassical style and built in only three years, became the Archduke’s summer residence. It comprises over 700 rooms with lavish decorations, marble and parquet floors and exquisite furnishings.
Architect Piermarini also designed the magnificent Royal Gardens surrounding the Villa: 35 hectares of English-style gardens, which include a little lake with a small classical temple in the background.
The stunning 720-hectare park surrounding the Royal Palace was established in 1805 by Emperor Napoleon with the aim of creating a model agricultural estate and hunting reserve.
Over the years, the Park ‒ which comprises a large variety of flora and fauna ‒ has become a great place for leisure, relaxation and sports. It is one of the largest enclosed parks in Europe and includes villas, farmhouses, mills, cycle paths, a golf course and, last but not least, the famous Formula 1 National Autodrome.
Today, Monza’s Royal Palace is managed by a consortium (Consorzio Villa Reale and Parco di Monza).
With its architectural masterpieces and its huge park full of natural beauty, the Royal Villa of Monza is a truly ideal destination for your day trip from Milan.
For further information, visit
reggiadimonza.it
reggiadimonza.it/ticket-villa-reale/
Photo credit: Mario Donadoni
And if you want to have lunch or dinner in a wonderful restaurant inside the Park:
Saint Georges Premier
This is the only restaurant located within Monza Park.
The history of this restaurant dates back to 1838, at a time when pheasants were bred in the Park and the sovereigns organised their hunting parties there. Today, it offers an oasis of tranquillity for anyone who wants to enjoy a very good meal after visiting the Royal Palace, or for those coming from Milan who want to dine in a lovely natural setting.
Saint Georges Premier is furnished in a Nordic style, with a predominance of the colour white that complements the exposed wood beams of the building.
In addition to the spacious rooms inside (the restaurant is spread over two floors), you will also admire the beauty of the outdoor spaces, which include gazebos and seating areas.
Saint Georges Premier
Viale di Vedano 7, Monza
(Entrance from Via Enzo Ferrari, Vedano al Lambro)
To reach the restaurant easily, set on your satnav: Entrance permitted from Porta Vedano via Enzo Ferrari, Vedano al Lambro.
Tel. + 39 349 2669963
or
Tel. + 39 039 320600
Open:
Wednesday – Saturday (lunch and dinner)
Sunday (lunch only)
Email: info@saintgeorges.it
This post was all about a very beautiful day trip from Milan, discovering the beauty of Monza’s Royal Palace.