Lombardy is Italy's most populous and economically powerful region, stretching from the Alps in the north to the Po Plain in the south. It encompasses world-class cities like Milan, the Italian fashion and financial capital, alongside alpine lakes of breathtaking beauty — Como, Garda, Maggiore and Iseo — and Renaissance gems such as Mantua, Cremona and Bergamo. The region blends metropolitan sophistication with timeless natural landscapes and a rich artistic heritage.
Summary Lombardy's history is one of Europe's most layered: from Celtic tribes and Roman conquest to medieval communes, the great Visconti and Sforza dynasties, Spanish and Austrian domination, and finally the Italian Risorgimento to which Milan contributed crucially. The region's history is written in its monuments — from Roman Mediolanum's ruins to Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper., Key periods Prehistoric / Celtic, Roman Empire, Lombard Kingdom, Medieval Communes, Visconti Dynasty, Sforza Dynasty, Spanish Rule, Austrian Habsburg Rule, Italian Unification, Modern Italy
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Lombardy.
-
1
Rome conquers the Insubres and founds Mediolanum
Roman legions defeated the Celtic Insubres and took control of their settlement, founding Mediolanum — the future Milan — which would grow into one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire.
-
2
Mediolanum becomes capital of the Western Roman Empire
Emperor Diocletian's reorganisation made Mediolanum the residence of Maximian and the de facto capital of the Western Roman Empire, a status it held into the early 5th century.
-
3
Edict of Milan
Emperors Constantine and Licinius issued the Edict of Milan, granting religious tolerance throughout the Roman Empire and legalising Christianity. Bishop Ambrose later made Milan a leading Christian centre.
-
4
Lombard invasion and kingdom
The Germanic Lombards (Longobards) invaded northern Italy and established a kingdom with its capital at Pavia, giving the region its enduring name. They ruled until Charlemagne conquered them in 774.
-
5
Battle of Legnano
The Lombard League of self-governing communes defeated Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa at Legnano, securing communal liberties and becoming a founding myth of later Italian national identity.
-
6
Visconti seize Milan
Ottone Visconti's victory at Desio brought the Visconti dynasty to power in Milan. The family dominated Lombardy for over 150 years, began the Duomo and the Certosa di Pavia, and turned Milan into a powerful duchy.
-
7
Gian Galeazzo Visconti made Duke of Milan
Gian Galeazzo Visconti purchased the ducal title from the Holy Roman Emperor, becoming the first Duke of Milan and expanding Milanese rule across much of northern Italy.
-
8
Sforza dynasty founded
The condottiere Francesco Sforza seized Milan and founded a new dynasty. Under Ludovico il Moro the Sforza court became a European cultural capital, employing Leonardo da Vinci, who painted The Last Supper (1495-98).
-
9
Spanish Habsburg rule
After the Italian Wars the Duchy of Milan passed to the Spanish Habsburgs. Spanish rule lasted until 1706 and was marked by the devastating plague of 1630 immortalised in Manzoni's I Promessi Sposi.
-
10
Austrian Habsburg rule
Following the War of the Spanish Succession, Lombardy passed to the Austrian Habsburgs (confirmed in 1714). Reforms under Maria Theresa brought the Enlightenment, road building and economic modernisation to the region.
-
11
Five Days of Milan
In the Cinque Giornate of 18-22 March 1848, Milanese citizens rose against Austrian forces in one of Europe's first successful urban insurrections, a defining episode of the Risorgimento.
-
12
Lombardy joins the Kingdom of Sardinia
In the Second Italian War of Independence, French-Piedmontese armies defeated Austria at Magenta and Solferino, and Lombardy was ceded to the Kingdom of Sardinia, paving the way for unification.
-
13
Unification of Italy
The Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed, with Lombardy as one of its wealthiest regions. Milan soon became the industrial, financial and cultural engine of the new nation.
-
14
Expo Milano 2015
Milan hosted the Universal Exposition on the theme 'Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life', drawing over 20 million visitors and leaving the MIND Milano Innovation District as a lasting legacy.
Historical sites
Places where Lombardy's past comes alive.