Provincia di Milano

Basilica of S. Maria Nuova

This is one of the most significant historical-artistic sites in Abbiategrasso, founded in 1365 according to the wishes of the School of the Blessed Virgin. In 1388 it was dedicated to Maria Nascente - like the Cathedral in Milan - as a sign of homage to the birth of Giovanni Maria Visconti, the son of Gian Galeazzo. The church is known for its irregular renaissance portico, which is decorated with terracotta and busts. The pronaos on the facade is even more noteworthy, its aim is to protect a fresco of Our Lady transported here at the end of the 1500's. From 1700 the design of the pronaos is said to be by Donato Bramante, as his last work of art in Northern Italy prior to dedicating himself to St. Peter's in Rome, it is on the other hand an intervention carried out between 1595 and 1602 by the Roman architect Tolomeo Rinaldi. On the interior, there are 19th century frescos by Giovanni Valtorta, the remains of 15th century frescoes and the noteworthy altarpiece with Our Lady giving the cord to Saint Francis, which was ordered from Giovanni Crespi, known as "il Cerano", one of the most important Lombard painters between 1500 and 1600.

Details

architect: Tolomeo Rinaldi
painter: Giovanni Battista Crespi detto il Cerano
art period: the sixteenth century

Map

Info

Where

via Binaghi , 3
20081 Abbiategrasso (MI)
telephone: +39 02 9465323 (Parish Secretary Office)

Contact us

information
info@parrocchiasantamarianuova.net
Web site
telephone: +39 02 9465323 (Parish Secretary Office)

Hours

opening hours: The church is usually open for prayers.

For the visit

guided tour: contact the parish secretary office

Transports

Find the public transportation and plan the route (The page is available in Italian only)

People with motor disabilities

Completely accessible to the disabled

Images Gallery

Planning your trip

Getting here | Getting around | Sightseeing tours | Maps | Tourist Information offices

Stop

Once we pass through the architectural designs on the via of Armed Forces, which is characterized by a disorganised succession of military equipment and residential districts, we arrive at the new Cave Park.
> "Parco delle Cave" (Quarry Park)
We have reached the home of Baggio, an area that still preserves a recognisable imprint of the old plant of rural origins. The centre of the suburb gathers around the medieval church of St. Apollinare.
> Church of San Apollinare.
Still, in the centre of Baggio is the ex Monastery Olivetano of S. Maria.
> Ex Olivetan Monastery of S. Maria
From Baggio, we continue along the current via Cusago, outlined in 1395 by Gian Galezazzo Visconti who hunted for a way to connect Milan, we reach the pleasant village of Cusago that is dominated by the imposing Visconteo Castle.
> Visconteo Castle of Cusago
In the Cusago village and around the square are new buildings that have been completely restructured and villas immersed in greenery.
> Milan South Agricultural Park
After leaving Albairate we will arrive in Cassinetta of Lugagnano, one of the most elegant villages situated along the Naviglio Grande. Here the many noble villas that line the waterfront, form a rich landscape like that in picturesque postcards.
> Salcano farmstead
Fortunately, the premises are managed, periodically, in the good rural areas, like other places with delightful vacation homes. The 18th century villas are arranged next to each other along a path.
> Villa Negri
> Villa Visconti Maineri
> Villa Krentzlin
> Villa Castiglioni Nai Bossi
These are just some of the homes belonging to aristocrats that characterize the village where, we will find other points of interest along the main street.
> Church of St. Anthony Abbot
> Villa Mörlin Visconti
> Villa Clari Monzini
Turning at the church we will continue along the way to roggia, arriving at a Mill.
> Gerli Mill
From Cassinetta of Lugagnano, crossing the path, we will arrive at Robecco on the Naviglio, a place Milanese aristocrats selected for their vacations, where development began at the start of the 15th century, amongst buildings belonging to aristocrats, some built from the same century but mostly in the 17th and 18th century. Even here the Naviglio is the fundamental axis of the urban area where they have numerous villas, that have utilize and occupy the space between the waterway and the core inhabited area. Villa Gandini is the first villa to admire on the left bank of Naviglio along the path from Cassinetta.
> Villa Gandini - Villa Gaia
Overlooking the "Grand Canal" is the 17th century Villa Dugnani and the imposing structure of Archinto Villa.
> Villa Dugnani
> Villa Archinto - Il Castello
The elegant Villa Gromo of Ternengo has a garden that backs onto the Naviglio.
> Villa Gromo di Ternengo
From the surrounding wall we will see the 19th century Villa Scotti.
> Villa Scotti
Towards Abbiategras we will cross a territory that is particularly fertile, well known in the Roman times as "Fat Valley", hence the name Abbiategrasso. In the middle of the old centre is a castle and remaining walls.
> Visconteo Castle
But the other surprises are reserved for a walk through the historic centre: from the Castle Square, along Via San Martino, we will pass by the building of Bank Agricola Mantovana.
> Casa Orsini di Roma
Continuing along the road we will arrive at Palazzo Pretorio
> Municipal palace
The arcades add character to the streets downtown and lead to the beautiful church of Santa Maria Nuova.
> Basilica of S. Maria Nuova
The Convento dell'Annunciata, the church and cloisters, just outside the centre, are now open to visitors after being returned to their former glory and inaugurated following a long period of restoration.
> The convent of the Annunciata
Back in Milan, the agricultural centre of Zelo Surrigone will make for a pleasant visit. Even though they have undergone expansion they have kept track of the old settlement, the village exit and the small Renaissance church of San Galdino.
> S. Galdino
Leaving behind the large crops of corn and rice farms, and on the way to Lorenteggio, there is a "street market" along with new serviced buildings including the Vodafone glass tower.
> Torre Vodafone