The area in the northern part of Italy called Italia Cisalpina –meaning on this side of the Alps-, comprehends the regions on the north side of the River Po’, which includes Piedmont, Aosta Valley, Lombardy, Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and the Liguria region.

These regions are active in commerce and manufacturing and a point of export to north Europe ; in significant advantage because are bordered by France , Switzerland , Austria and Slovenia , and also the port of Genoa , in Liguria , is an easy access to African and Asian markets.

Piedmont and Lombardy are the financial and commercial centers ofItaly .

The biggest Italian industries have their headquarters and factories in this large area where the improvements to the many rivers offer good navigability and a modern system of irrigation which favors agriculture, including a huge production of fodder, rice and the rearing of livestock.

People are hardworking, efficient and full of energy and vigor.

These regions are destination for many Italians, looking for opportunities and for a different and better future.

Torino in Piedmont is the home of Fiat automobiles, Pirelli is based inMilan .

Near Milano, the largest quantity of Grana Padana cheese is produced in Lodi, other cheeses like Mascarpone, Taleggio, Gorgonzola are produced in this area, where it is located the base of operation for Galvani Co. a giant cheese manufacturer in Melzo.

Most of the fashions’ houses have their head office or manufacture in this area and almost all highly regarded Italian business have an office or a representative in Lombardy .

These regions pride themselves with many extraordinary local dishes, desserts and wines, among them the Panettone, Bagna Cauda, Risotto Milanese, Costoletta or Cotoletta Milanese, Grissini, Truffles, Asti Spumante, Vermouth and Barolo Wine.

This is a very short list: a more extensive and particular list of food from each city or town will be in the sub-chapters to follow.

The food of the local cuisine, homemade or served in the countless restaurants, is various: at times refined, at times rustic but of high quality and with character.

People from other parts of Italy patronize the many regional restaurants that offer dishes from their own area.

The area in the Northern part of Italy called Italia cisalpina, which is on the north side of the river Po’, includes the regions of Piedmont, AostaValley, Lombardy, Veneto, Venezia Tridentina (Trentino), Venezia Giulia and Liguria. These regions make some specialties enjoyed and known word-wide.