Car & Van Hire - Monza

Monza is world famous for its Grand Prix heritage. Every September, daredevils from all over the world cover 53 laps of the iconic Autodromo. The race alone is worth the journey since Monza is home to the fastest F1 lap in the country. While you're visiting, take a turn at the Royal Palace – a sumptuous example of imperial architecture on the banks of the Lambro River. A guided tour will only take a few hours, so you can easily fit it into your F1 schedule.

The Royal Villa was constructed in the late 1700s and is celebrated as one of Europe's most beautiful royal residences. The Lambro River winds its way through several towns and villages, but its Monza portion is in the heart of the Park of Monza. Take a slow stroll along the trail from Canonica to Albiate, or settle in for a picnic at one of the many riverside benches. Family travellers might want to take advantage of the play areas and skate park. If you're feeling a little more ambitious, why not do a luxurious boat tour or catch a taxi boat to Varenna?

If you're planning a more educational trip, the Museum and Treasury of the Cathedral of Monza has artworks by some of Europe's greatest artists. The cathedral is, of course, a work of art in its own right. You'll also see the imposing Iron Crown, which has been worn by several kings of old. The building complex has a number of Middle Age churches, including the Tribunal of the Inquisition, but don't miss the library and archive. It exhibits several ancient manuscripts.

The Duomo of Monza is arguably the town's most important contribution to the architectural world. This exquisite cathedral once acted as a fourteenth-century palace chapel. It was dedicated to John the Baptist and has been decorated with a series of antique rosettes, motifs and masks. If you're a fan of Romanesque and gothic art, don't miss it.

The local rose garden can be found at the front of the Royal Palace. It exhibits over 4,000 rose varieties and can be visited free of charge. Grab a picnic before you go because this is one attraction you shouldn't rush, especially in May when the flowers bloom. It's open between 9:00 and 20:00. You'll see vistas of Villa Reale as you amble past the garden's fountains and water features.

Monza becomes a thrumming hive of activity each September during the Grand Prix. The race usually occupies three days of the annual calendar, rendering the Autodromo Nazionale Monza all but useless. Most of the tourists who arrive in Monza during September travel in by train and then catch a shuttle to the circuit. Summers are sweltering, so walking isn't a comfortable option. A car or van rental in Monza will give you all the comfort of an air-conditioned journey. You can park at Vedano al Lambro, then walk to the circuit. Alternatively, follow the signs to the Autodromo car park or nab a free parking space in one of the side streets at the entrance.

Three intersecting highways stretch around Monza's borders. The SS527 and SS36 will bring you into the town from the west. The A4 travels along Monza's southern boundaries, ultimately becoming the E64. If you're looking for a slightly quieter road and are willing to take a detour, the A51 is an option in dire circumstances. The SP13 will take you right into the centre of the city.

Monza is a limited traffic zone. Unlike many other parts of Italy, the ZTL also applies to motorcycles and scooters, but disabled travellers are unrestricted. Italy often experiences excessive smog, so ZTLs can be instituted unexpectedly in pollution emergencies. If restrictions leave you stranded, there are two train stations near San Carlo as well as a bus terminal Via P. Borsellino G. Falcone.

The city can be hard on pedestrians, so consider a car rental supplemented by public transport in the evenings. If you arrive during the ZTL schedule, you can park outside the limited traffic zone at Piazza Mercato del Fieno. You can also leave your car in the lot near Viale Papa Giovanni, which is close to the bus route. There are additional free and paid parking garages in central Monza for morning travellers.

During Grand Prix week, visitors are allowed to park their cars inside the circuit, provided they don't have trailers. Long-term parking isn't permitted in this area, though, so make sure you've collected your car when the event ends for the day. This particular lot has designated stalls for disabled travellers.

Like most cities with medieval histories, Monza's road layout can be confusing. Travelling with a GPS will make your trip decidedly less fretful, and you should always carry your International Driving Permit and local driving license.