Monza

Monza (English: MON-zə, Italian: [ˈmontsa] ; Monzese: Monscia [ˈmũːʃa]; Latin: Modoetia) is a city and comune (municipality) in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. Situated on the Lambro river about 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) north-northeast of Milan, it is the capital of the Province of Monza and Brianza and the largest city in the Brianza area. With a population of 123,672, it is the third-largest city in Lombardy. Originally a Roman settlement, Monza became an important political and religious centre during the Lombard period, particularly under Queen Theodelinda, who established a royal residence and founded the early basilica from which the present Monza Cathedral developed. The cathedral houses the Iron Crown of Lombardy, a medieval relic traditionally associated with the coronation of the Kings of Italy, including Charlemagne and later sovereigns of the Kingdom of Italy. Monza is internationally known for the Monza Circuit, one of the world's oldest permanent motor racing circuits and the long-standing host of the Italian Grand Prix. The city is also home to the Royal Villa of Monza and the adjoining Monza Park, one of the largest enclosed urban parks in Europe.