LOMBARDIA
"S'at vöri cunservr' la to salut, fa no al smurfius: mangia dal tüt "
(If you want to stay healthy, don't be picky: Eat everything.)
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| Courtesy of Wikipedia |
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Lombardia, one of the 20
regions of Italy, is located in the north-central area of the country, and
boasts its capital as Milan. This highly significant region of Italy is
bordered by Switzerland to the north, Emilia-Romagna to the south, Trentino and
Veneto to the east, and Piedmont to the west. Lombardia could easily be
considered by many as one of the most important regions to the country due to
the fact that over 10 million Italians (one-sixth of the total population) call
this region home and about one-fifth of Italy's GDP is produced there.
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A Brief History
The current area of Lombardia was first settled in the 2nd millennium BC by the Etruscan tribes, who founded the city of Mantua and spread the use of writing. The area was invaded by Celtic tribes in the 5th century BC and soon after came the Romans. In 194 BC, the entire area of Lombardia became a Roman province with the name Gallia Cisalpina, "Gaul on the nearer side of the Alps". The Roman culture and language overwhelmed the civilization, and Lombardia became one of the most developed and rich areas in Italy. During one point of the rule of the Western Empire, the capital was moved to the great city of Milan.
However, after the fall of the Western Empire, Lombardia suffered from destruction brought about by invasions of tribal people. It was during the 570s AD, the most effective invasion came from the Lombards. The Lombards had a long lasting reign and gave the current name to the region. The end of the Lombard rule came in 774, when Frankish King Charlemagne annexed this region to his empire. But during the 13th century several Lombard Leagues took back the region when they managed to defeat the Hohenstaufen emperor. By taking advantage of the flourishing agriculture, the area continued to expand its industry and commerce until it became the economic center of the whole of Europe.
During the 15th century, Milan and Mantua became two centers of the Renaissance and its cultures were highly regarded. This richness, however, attracted the organized armies of France and Austria. During the 16th century, Milan became an Austrian possession and was later passed over to the royal Austrian Hapsburgs of Spain.
As a result of the Second Italian Independence War, Lombardia was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy in 1859. And it was during the 19th century, with a boom after WWII, Lombardia confirmed its status as the most economically developed area of Italy.
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Language
The official language, as in the rest of Italy, is Italian, though the traditional local languages are the various dialects of Lombard, as well as some dialects of Emilian.
Have a look to the special Lombardia menu available throughout the month of October.
*Ask you waiter what " CICIA' " means and receive a free homemade dessert!
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Flag
The flag of Lombardia, although non-official, is green with a cross. The "Rosa camuna", is a kind of cross which represents a prehistoric drawing made by Camuni, a people who lived in the Lombard Camuna Valley.
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Regional Production
The productivity of agriculture in Lombardia is enhanced by a well-developed use of fertilizers and the traditional abundance of water, boosted since the Middle Ages by the construction of a wide net of irrigation systems. The lower plains of Lombardia production include cereals (rice, wheat, and maize) and sugarbeet. Productions of the higher plains include cereals, fruit trees, and mulberris. The higher areas of the north produce fruit and vines along with cattle, pigs, and sheep.
Some of the specialty foods of Lombardia include Risotto alla Milanese, Panettone (a fluffy brioche-like bread made with raisins and candied citron or with a rich cream filling), and Taleggio Cheese. Some unmistakable ingredients used in many Lombardian dishes include butter, rice, salami from Cremona, and the world famous ossobuco (braised veal shank).
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Traditions
Milan Fashion Week
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Hot new styles are sent down the catwalk twice a year at the Milano Fashion Center. At Milan Fashion Week, Gucci, Armani, D&G, Prada and many other top international designers offer a preview of trends to come. This most important fashion event takes place once in September, when the spring and summer collections are launched, and again in February, when it's the turn of the autumn and winter ones.
Although you do need an invitation to see the catwalk shows at Milan Fashion Week, this is nonetheless a good time to visit the city, which is full with fashion tourists and glamorous parties throughout the week. To see it for yourself, head over to the Via Della Spiga where you can admire the theatrical shop windows, and watch fashionistas posing in their finest!
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