Villa Reale di Monza

Commissioned in the late 18th century as a Habsburg summer residence, this immense neoclassical palace sits at the edge of Monza north of Milan, surrounded by one of the largest enclosed parks in Europe. Its symmetrical facade and formal gardens were meant to rival grander royal seats, and the interiors preserve period apartments and a chapel. The park contains the historic Monza racing circuit and long tree-lined avenues. Visitors tour the state rooms and wander gardens that shift from parterres to woodland.