Provincia di Milano

Knowing Milan and its province

Castles and fortresses at the Ticino

Leaving Milan and heading in the direction of the north-west, along the historic Napoleon route, we will see a token of Milan's industrial past: il Portello. An area once occupied by Alfa Romeo factories, that is now taking shape as a modern residential district enriched by a large new urban park. Leaving Milan behind, we will continue along Highway 33 Sempione, taking the old main road that leads to Lake Maggiore, and arrive in Rho. An ancient village that has maintained its flavour of the past in its centre and best known today for hosting the new Fair, they have have managed to marry this past with the present. Continuing along the Highway of Simpione, we will arrive at the large metropolis of the Olona valley, formed by Legnano, Busto Arsizio and Gallarate centres. An urbanized area that draws its origins from industries launched in the first half of the 19th century, especially in the textile and cotton sectors, but that strengths its vocation with the introduction of the steam engine and electricity. Legnano also sees its industrial past linked to the name Franco Tosi, a mechanics company that was formed in 1876 and that stayed amongst the main Italian manufacturers of turbines and steam boilers. The need for so much electricity is partly satisfied by the historical power plant of Turbigo, which can be seen from the bridge of Naviglio together along with the sight of old houses and factories. Here we are already within the Ticino Park territory, near the Turin-Milan Highway. Between Rho, with its new exhibition centre and Malpensa airport, this part of Milanese territory will undergo major development over the next few years, in order to strengthen the infrastructure between the capital's international hub and its welcomed new settlements and services.

Notes

The project of itineraries is by AIM - Association of Metropolitan Interests - and was developed for the site in association with provincial editorial staff of visitamilano.

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Leaving Milan we will head in the direction of the Lakes, passing by the Portello Exhibition Centre, home of the Urban Fair.
> Fiera MilanoCity
Once past the Exhibition Complex at Portello, we come to the Iper Portello shopping centre.
> Piazza and Portello shopping centre
Passing through Portello we will move onto Via Gallarate which will take us to Rho, one of the most ancient municipalities of Lombardy. Although, today the New Polo Fiera Milano designed by Massimiliano Fuksas, in the centre of Rho is immediately recognisable because of its glass and steel design, it still has the villages character. The first monument that welcomes us upon entering the towns centre is the Shrine of Our Lady of Miracles.
> Sanctuary of "Madonna Addolorata"
Next to the shrine we will find Visconti square where, in front of the town hall, stands Palazzo Visconti Banfi and the Parish of San Vittore.
> Visconti Banfi palace
> Provostal Church of San Vittore Martire
Departing from Visconti square we will travel along streets steeped in history which will lead us to homes owned by aristocrats such as the 17th century Palazzo alla Torre and the late Baroque Villa Burba.
> Alla Torre palace
> Villa Burba
Following the roads densely populated by commercial and industrial activity we arrive in Legnano, that is skirted like Rho by the Olona waters.The "city of Carroccio" is largely famous due to the battle fought here in 1176, against the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, and won by the Lombard municipals, a deed that comes to life through the beautification of Palazzo Malinverni.
> Malinverni palace
We will visit the Guido Sutermeier Civic Museum, which is a short distance from Palazzo Malinverni.
> The Guido Sutermeister Museum
Still in the vicinity of Palazzo Malinverni we will find the Basilica of St. Magnus.
> Basilica of San Magno
Moving away from the town centre, along avenue Toselli, we will see the Legnano Castle.
> St. George castle
The route continues through the town of Dairago, modernised by the murals on houses downtown, unto the town of Arconate which has an established textile industry. Soon after we will arrive at Castano, first on the shores of the Villoresi Channel, located in the heart of the town is the 10th century Villa Nuño de Portugal.
> Villa Rusconi
We can also admire the church of Lazzaretto, which is a sort distance from the villa.
> Church of Lazzaretto
As we head towards Naviglio Grande we will stop for a break in Turbigo, a place strategically used to crossing Ticino on the route between Como and Novara and to reach the Visconteo Castle.
> Visconteo Castle of Turbigo
In the upper part of the town, in addition to the Castle, we will visit the grandeur basilica Church of the Assumption, a Memorial and the Gipsoteca Memorial Museum .
> Basilica of the Assumption
> War memorial
> Museum Gallery of Plaster Casts
Heading toward the lower part of the village we will come across a bridge, where you can enjoy the scenic view of villas, old factories and the Turbigo power plant owned by Enel and still in operatation. In this area is the Palazzo of Cristoforis, which is of particular importance.
> Palazzo De Cristoforis
Passing the bridge and leaving Turbigo behind we reach the Castelletto of Cuggiono. Here the greenery at the end of Naviglio is entirely dominated by the 18th century Villa Clerici.
> Villa Clerici