Northeast of Milan, on the River Lambro, is the industrial town of Monza (162m/535ft; pop. 124,000), which together with Pavia was the place of coronation of the Lombard kings from the 11th century. In the Piazza Roma stands the old Town Hall ("Arengario") of 1293, and close by the cathedral, founded in 590 and rebuilt in the 13th and 14th
centuries in Lombard Gothic style, with a beautiful facade and a harmonious interior. In the Cappella di Teodolinda are frescoes and the famous "Iron Crown", said to be the royal crown of the Lombards, with which the German emperors were crowned as kings of Italy. Under the little cloister on the left side of the cathedral the Museo Serpero contains the rich Cathedral Treasury. To the north of Monza stands the Villa Reale, built 1777-80 in Classical style by G. Piermarini (formerly a royal castle; small picture gallery). Nearby is the main entrance to the Parco Reale, through which flows the River Lambro. In the extensive park are the Mirabello racecourse and the well-known motor-racing circuit, as well as golf-courses and polo pitches.