The axis formed by Via Italia and Via Carlo Alberto divides the historic center of Monza into two distinct areas. This compact urban fabric, built mainly between the 19th and 20th centuries, offers a striking mix of civil and religious architecture.
Via Italia
Leaving the railway station behind and passing through Largo Mazzini, one enters Via Italia, formerly known as the medieval "strata" paved street that connected Monza to Milan.
This always bustling pedestrian street is dotted with a variety of stores, cafes and clubs that make for a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Along the way you can admire the 19th-century church of S. Mary Magdalene and St. Theresa, and a little further on theChurch of S. Maria in Strada, dating back to 1348, which add a touch of religious history to the cityscape.
Via Italia is one of Monza's main thoroughfares, famous for its lively atmosphere and numerous businesses. This street is home to a variety of stores, cafes and restaurants, making it an ideal meeting point for shopping and relaxation. With its wide pedestrian areas and the presence of historic buildings, Via Italia offers a pleasant stroll through the heart of the city, where residents and visitors alike can enjoy a dynamic and cosmopolitan urban experience.
Via Carlo Alberto
Facing north from Piazza Roma, from the Arengario, one crosses Via Carlo Alberto, a street that leads to the Villa Reale. Along this route are mainly 19th-century buildings that form an elegant frame along the street. Also located here is the medieval church of San Pietro Martire, which adds an element of ancient spirituality to the street. Further on, in the quiet Piazza Carrobiolo, stands the church of Santa Maria al Carrobiolo, enriching the route with its historical and artistic beauty.
Via Carlo Alberto is renowned for its elegance and the prestige of the high-fashion boutiques and jewelry stores it houses. It is also home to historic cafes and quaint establishments, which add a touch of charm and tradition to the walk among the period buildings. Via Carlo Alberto represents a cultural and social crossroads, where history and modernity meet in a unique experience in the cityscape.