Monza

Monza stands on the Lambro north of Milan. In the Lombard era Queen Theodelinda established a royal residence here and founded a church that grew into the cathedral. Its treasury holds the Iron Crown, long and closely associated with the coronation of kings of Italy. The medieval Arengario, built for civic government, stands as a counterpart to the cathedral.

Theodelinda's remains were transferred to a chapel in the cathedral in 1308. In the fifteenth century the Zavattari brothers adorned the chapel with a cycle of frescoes telling the queen's story. Monza meanwhile remained closely linked to Milan, passing under Visconti authority after struggles between the great Milanese families. The church and its treasury continued to preserve the memory of Lombard kingship.