Monza Things to Do

Inside the Duomo there is an iron crown, well kept in the safe box that the person responsible for it opens to the small groups of people visiting. The ticket is 1 euro.
The crown was a gift from pope to Teodolinda because she converted pagans of Lombrady to Christianity. There is an iron circle that by the legend originates from the Christ's crucifix, and on it are attached several golden plates with precious stones. It is believed that the crown brings power and success to the king crowned with it, and thus many were fighting to have it on their head. Some of the great emperors crowned with the iron crown: Napoleon, Carlo the Great, Carlo V.
The crown never left the Duomo of Monza.

Teodolinda, the queen who founded Monza, is buried inside the church in this stone sarcophagus, in the chamber with the iron crown and with walls pained with stories from her life and telling about the history of the place. Since the frescoes were finished in 1444, and Teodolinda lived in 6th century A.D. they didn't know what kind of clothes people were wearing then, so the church painters pained everything in the 15th century fashion. :)

The place that made Monza famous worldwide. Unfortunately, it's not its history and culture, but the formula 1 races. Once a year the Grand Prix is being held in this circuit, situated in the huge famous Monza park, and if you want to visit the site out of the racing dates, prepare 10 euros per person! A rip off, just to see the circuit!!! Then imagine the ticket price if you want to see the race...

Inside the Duomo there is the iron crown already mentioned, that Napoleon used to proclaim himself as the emperor of Italy. he didn't wait for the priest to put the crown on his head, the took it himself and said something like to have the crown always on his head and that everyone who tries to take it away from him would die.
This board is inside the Duomo.

The Park of Monza is of enormous proportions, one of the oldest and largest parks in whole Europe. In fact it is celebrating 200 anniversary this year, founded in 1895. During the summer, July and August, it is closed for visitnig it by car, before and after that period you can drive it all over. The best is to rent a bike, but you cannot do it entering through the main entrance, as I did it, since bike-renting is around the northern entrance into the park. The next option is small train, starting every 30 minutes from Porta di Monza at Viale dei Tigli. The price for a train is 1,5 euros, while admission to the park costs 5 euros.
The Autodrome (circuit) of Monza is probably the most interesting sight of the park and many tourists come here especificly to see it.

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The Cathedral and its square were the centre of religious and political life of Monza. The town rises up around its ancient nucleus "oraculum" of the Queen Teodolinda, who ruled here in the 6th century.
The huge complex of Duomo dates to the period of Visconti family, medieval rulers of Milano and whole Lombardy. It has a plan of basilica with three naves, side chapels and chorus. The stunning Gothic facade dates to 1300 and is work of great master Matteo da Campione, while the bell tower was added later on (1592-1606).

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Palazzo Reale, the Royal Palace, is probably the best known sight of Monza. The large complex was built in order to be the seat of the Royal Family of Savoia, but after in 1900 the King Umberto was killed in Monza by an anarchist, they never come back in this town. The palace and the whole complex, situated in the Park, was donated to the city of Monza.
The best is to visit it by organized tours.

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Torre Visconteo (the Visconti Tower) is the only remaining medieval gateway into the town. It was a part of the massive town walls built in the period when Visconti family ruled here.
It is almost hidden and not easy to find, situated outside the medieval structure of the town.