Thriving Lombardy

Lombardy lies in the centre of northern Italy, bordering Switzerland. One-sixth of Italy’s population lives here, many in the regional capital, Milan.

The summers are humid, and the winters can be cold, foggy and rainy. The great lakes - Garda, Maggiore, Lugano and Como - which, apart from Garda, lie in the high mountains on the border with Switzerland, are favourite tourist destinations. The microclimate around the lakes allows the cultivation of typically Mediterranean produce such as olives and citrus fruit, even in these high regions. South of the Alps lie gentle hills, dotted with small, fertile plateaux where sheep and cows can graze. Lower down, modern agriculture takes over. This area is Italy’s major farming centre, with countless fields of wheat, rice and other grains, interspersed with protected parks of astonishing natural beauty.