The Gift of Art Cities.
Free visits in the Art Cities of the Po Valley. Culture, music and nature.
Sometimes discovering the artistic patrimony and culture of a place can be priceless. Indeed the Art Cities of the Po Valley currently offer some extraordinary free opportunities to get to know them better: not just their history but also their contemporary side. Guided visits of museums, monuments and world famous attractions await you, along with musical events, theatrical street performances, art exhibitions portraying various artists and outdoor spaces where nature bestows the gift of an array of scents and colours. From masterpieces to observe to moments of entertainment for visitors of every age group these free of charge experiences will give the gift of the most authentic values of the Art Cities of the Po Valley.
Let’s begin with Bergamo. In Spring and Summer three of the city’s most precious and appealing hidden treasures can be visited free of charge in Città Alta (high part of the city): the Cannoniere (embrasures) of San Giovanni and San Michele and the Lantro Fountain. Visitors can also enjoy the view from the panoramic terrace of the Gombito Tower.The Cannoniere can be reached by walking along the panoramic road surrounding Città Alta, following the Venetian Walls, protagonist of the city landscape and candidate for entry into the UNESCO World Heritage list. Connected to the sixteenth-century city walls the Cannoniere are an important testimony to military life at the time of Venetian domination. A route which becomes a walk back in time in the footsteps of the artillerymen who manned it for two hundred years.
The Lantro Fountain on the other hand has different origins. This is the icon of the water system which provided water to the citizens of Bergamo for centuries. The atmosphere is evocative here with the ceiling vaults converging in a single pillar. The resounding of the flowing water into the large cistern reminds us that the inhabitants of nearby Via San Lorenzo and the entire Città Alta used to come here every day for their supply.
To enjoy a breathtaking view be sure not to miss the terrace of the Gombito Tower, open Mondays. At 52 metres tall it is a reference point in the landscape of Bergamo Alta. Now home to the Tourist Office it still maintains its original characteristic appearance as a defensive medieval construction. You are invited to scale its 263 steps and discover the most suggestive view of the city: a panorama which opens into the Po Valley, across hills and vales and on clear days reaches as far as Milan and the surrounding mountains. The Cannoniere, the Lantro Fountain and the Gombito Tower are open to the public until September 2016.
Cremona offers the gift of wonderful experiences tied to its local heritage and musical DNA. For visitors as well as locals the city is organizing the third annual initiative dedicated to “Urban Regeneration”, a series of events to animate the city centre until September. Musical notes are the common denominator of many of these entertaining events which are designed to appeal to all ages. Music takes centre stage but is not the only player: other events include poetry readings, theatre, magic shows and a series of walks through the city streets to uncover less well known aspects of Cremona. (www.comune.cremona.it/node/462078)
“Lodi asks nothing of its visitors except to be discovered”. This is the invitation which the city extends offering free entry to some of the most important historical and modern buildings and an innovative exhibition dedicated to the value of human science. A good starting point is nearby the train station at the Banca Popolare bank building. Designed by Renzo Piano the modern redbrick and glass building is embellished by hidden gardens and a “musical fountain”: water games creating unexpected sound effects as the water flows on different levels and through funnels. Continuing towards the city centre we will encounter the Incoronata, jewel of the Renaissance, fascinating visiting tourists with its precious frescoes. Finally, for visitors over 12 years of age, the Paolo Gorini anatomical collection in Piazzetta Ospitale 10. This unusual museum gathers the “anatomical preparations” of Doctor Gorini, including heads, limbs and human bodies, mummified for study. A free of charge historical guide provides an introduction for the visit:http://www.museogorini.com/index_eng.php
The month of May in Monza represents the month of the rose. To coincide with the blossoming of one of the best loved flowers in the world the city offers free guided tours of the “Niso Fumagalli” Rose Garden at the Villa Reale of Monza. A pastoral experience immersed in nature’s colours and scents in one of the most enchanting places of the city. Inspired by the great rose gardens of Europe and designed by the architects Francesco Clerici and Vittorio Faglia in the front courtyard of the Villa Reale visitors will find an atmospheric location with paths twisting and turning among glass-like ponds with water lilies and fountains. The International Rose Competition takes place here annually since 1965, when the sweetest smelling rose is awarded the prize, judged by international technicians, poets and artists. Some of the exceptional sponsors of this event in the past have included Princess Grace of Monaco in 1970 and Nobel Prize Winner Rita Levi Montalcini in 1991. (www.airosa.it)
Parma is worth a visit not only for its buildings, history, music and flavours but also for the initiatives which allow visitors to discover hidden corners of the city away from the “classic” tourist trails. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover the Ospedale Vecchio, not normally open to the public, which can be visited free of charge. Located in the Oltretorrente quarter, an old working-class quarter of Parma, this building is a testimony to the past which still keeps its charm and value intact today.
But the time to appreciate the Art Cities of the Po Valley doesn’t end here. There are countless free of charge events each month which offer the opportunity to experience and enjoy art, culture and culinary traditions. To find out more and keep up to date with latest news: www.circuitocittadarte.it |
What’s up inthe city: news from the Art Cities of the Po Valley
BERGAMO
„Donizetti Night“
June, 11th
Late night concerts, performances and screenings in Upper Town will bring back to life Gaetano Donizetti. Join the Donizetti Pride: enjoy the operas, with hundreds of artists distributed on different venues of the city
“Aldo Rossi. The poet’s window - Artworks 1973-1997”
Until July 24th
A suggestive itinerary through one hundred works, including printings, engravings, serigraphies and etchings by Aldo Rossi in GA-MeC, Modern and Contemporary Art Gallery. A valuable collections of artworks from the well known architect, that explains his world vision and his architectural program.
www.gamec.it/it/aldo-rossi-la-finestra-del-poeta
„Longaretti 100 - Drawings“
Until June 5th
A celebraton of Trento Longaretti centenary, hosted in the previous University of Science, Literature and Arts in Città Alta. An exhibition of drawings, a less popular production of this artist.
www.gamec.it/it/mostre/longaretti-100-disegni
BRESCIA
“Christo e Jeanne-Claude. Water Projects”
Until September, 18th
In Santa Giulia Museum, an exhibition in conjunction with The Floating Piers event, on Iseo Lake: Christo and Jeanne Claude projects linked to water. More than 150 artworks, drawings, collages and preparatory works with scale models, photographs and videos
www.bresciamusei.com
CREMONA
“Concert for Sofonisba“ - Gabriella Benedini in dialogue with Sofonisba Anguissola
Until June 5th
At Museo del Violino an exhibition of sculptures from the Mousiké collection, the big „Sky Doors“, a installation of metronomes, one hundred artists‘ books, the famous „Harps“ and five fiberglass sails.
www.comune.cremona.it
„Serenade from Stradivari’s balcony“
Every Saturday afternoon, until September
Corso Garibaldi, place of Stradivari’s house, will become a stage to attend to musical performances. Main artists, with a rich repertoire, from classical to contemporary, will play from Stradivari’s balcony
https://www.comune.cremona.it/node/453484
MODENA
“80-90. Robots‘ invasion”
Until June, 30th
At Palazzo Santa Margherita, a pop culture exhibition called “Non just TV: cartoons, music and sports”. For 2016 there will be a focus on robots, from Chiodino to Goldrake, as seen on albums, sticky figures, magazines and action figures.
MONZA
“Ayrton Senna. The last night“
Until July, 24th
Within the automotive backdrop of the speed museum of the Autodromo di Monza an exhibition of historical and sentimental value, dedicated to one of the great legends of Formula 1: Ayrton Senna.
www.monzanet.it
„Robert Doisneau. Le merveilleux du quotidien “
Until July, 3rd
An exhibition dedicated to one of the greatest photographers of the Twentieth Century: Robert Doisneau. A selection of eighty original photographs retrace the first forty four years of the French maestro’s career. At the Arengario.
www.arengariomonzafoto.com
PARMA
„Gourmets‘ night“
1June, 11th
During Gola Gola Festival, a whole night time dedicated to food and to food culture. Parma’s downtown, the boroughs and small squares will host cooking shows, tasting sessions and performances
www.golagolafestival.it
PAVIA
“Tranquillo Cremona and Scapigliatura”
Until June, 5th
Scuderie del Castello Visconteo di Pavia
An exhibition dedicated to one of the most important artistic trends of the nineteenth century: Scapigliatura. A path which begins with the search for a founder of the new stylised language, Tranquillo Cremona – who was born in Pavia and educated at the Civica Scuola di pittura – to continue with an investigation into the movement in all its various artistic expressions.
www.scuderiepavia.com
PIACENZA
„Bibiena Art Fest“
From June, 1st until June, 28th
Bibiena theather will host as usual several concerts, signing the start of the spring session. At Oratorio San Cristoforo
www.gruppociampi.com
REGGIO EMILIA
“Fotografia Europa 2016”
Until July, 10th
Every year, photographers are invited to tackle different topics: in 2016 they will explore Via Emilia, the ancient way of the Romans still in use. The opening will be held in Chiostri di San Pietro.
www.fotografiaeuropea.it/en/
“String Quartets Festival”
From June, 3rd until June 12th
One week full of concerts at Teatro Cavallerizza and at Sala degli Specchi of Teatro Municipale Valli: the string quartets will arrive from Italy and abroad, together with famous singers.
www.iteatri.re.it
“Pink Wednesday”
June 15th,22nd and 29th
In Reggio Emilia downtown shops will stay open, with bars and restaurants. Themed walks on music, dance and arts will be organized.
Read more on the art cities of the Po valley: www.circuitocittadarte.it |
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