Provincia di Milano

Knowing Milan and its province

Between Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese

During this itinerary, we will discover the tenth province of Milan that unfurls on the land between Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese. If the origin of Naviglio Grande dates back to the 12th century, then this makes the establishment of Naviglio of Pavia more complicated. Although the idea dates back to Visconti, the first attempt to make a channel between Milan and Pavia between the 16th and 17th was a failure, it was only under Napoleon that the project was completed. Leaving Milan and towards the south-west will pass through the area via Savona and via Tortona, an area with an industrious past that in the last two decades has become a fashionable district. Continuing along the Naviglio Grande we will enter the vast territory of South Park Agricultural Milan: A park that combines the preservation and protection of the area, defending all aspects of agriculture and it's economic landscape. Sixty-one towns about a third of the province, create a green belt south of Milan, which connects the Ticino park with the Adda valley. Crossing the lush countryside we arrive at all'Abbazia Morimondo and village, an area where the work of the Cistercian monks is made visible along the landscape until Ticino. The route along the countryside is abundant with water, canals and rice fields. We will pass the centres of Rosate, Fallavecchia, Binasco right up to Zibido San Giacomo where, we will find ourselves amongst new neighbourhoods and productive areas, from here we go back to Milan. In a region characterized by the presence of water, the journey ends with a plant which treats and cleans the water used by Milanese or the Purifier of San Rocco, situated west along the ring road, in the territory of Milan.

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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Arriving in the area of via Savona and via Tortona, we can observe an area, that in the last twenty years, has been transformed into a district representational of absolute creativity. A plethora of fashion, graphics and photography studios are located next to the Armani Theatre, Super Studio Più, the Tomato Foundation and the Scala Ansaldo Laboratories who all occupy buildings previously used for industry. There are large residential sites and serviced offices such as Bergognone 53, buildings bought from the Italian Post Office and refurbished with the skilful use of colour and glass.
> Tortona District
> SuperstudioPiu'
> Arnaldo Pomodoro Foundation
> The ex-steelworks company Ansaldo - Scala Ansaldo Workshops
> Ex post office palace
The tour continues, along the Naviglio Grande.
> Naviglio Grande
We arrive in Gaggiano homeland of the Beltramino masks. Overlooking the water are old restored houses that blend in colour harmonious. In the square stands the imposing 17th century church of Sant'Invenzio.
> Church of Sant'Invenzio
Opposite, the other side of Naviglio has fortunately not suffered by the expansion of the area because they built in the areas behind it, in eye's view stands the 16th century Palazzo Comunale with the original porch and decorational graffiti from the 18th century Palazzo Venini Uboldi.
> Municipal palace
> Venini Uboldi palace
Finally, we will see the most famous building in the town. It is the late 16th century Villa Aloardi, better known as Villa Marino.
> Villa Stampa Aloardi (Villa Stampa Aloardi)
Taking Highway 38 we will pass through an area with factories, farms and abandoned groups of villas and houses; arriving in Rosate where there are duplex buildings and the 17th century church of St. Joseph.
> Castle of Rosate
A stretch of road that will lead us through the green countryside will take us to the famous and enchanting, Morimondo Abbey.
> Morimondo Abbey
Leaving Morimondo, we will travel south along a pleasant and scenic stretch of road up to Fallavecchia.
> Fallavecchia
We will continue on to Besate, the starting point for hiking in the Ticino Park.
> The Ticino Valley Natural Park
Next we will arrive at the heart of Binasco, which owes its name, according to a fascinating hypothesis, because of its distance from Milan: “binas columnas”. Dominating the main square of the village is Visconteo Castle.
> Visconteo Castle of Binasco
The grandiose parish by the fort is dedicated to the Saints Stephen and John.
> Church of saints Giovanni Battista and Stefano Protomartire
Rows of trees outline the border of the fields, old farms, rural households, rivers and vast farmland and meadows are used for corn. Known, as the South Park, Agricultural Milan has embraced this area as it links the Eastern Park to the Park west of Ticino.
> Milan South Agricultural Park
Travelling to the territory of Zibido, that today is seemingly overwhelmed by a recent increase in the density of buildings, new neighbourhoods and businesses. The highest concentration of fortified buildings, dating back to the 15th century. In northern edge of the village, via Matteotti, a complex of Castelletto and Ca 'Grande.
> Castelletto
> Ca' Grande farmhouse
> Pusterla Busca Pozzi "Ca' Grande" small building
Further on, we will suddenly find ourselves in a special place, a small square with the beautiful Renaissance church of San Giacomo that is opposite the municipal offices.
> Church of S. Giacomo
Leaving the Zibido area, we will head to Naviglio on Pavia-Milano, nearby is Fiordaliso a large shopping centre. We will see the old and new areas of Gratosoglio and Missaglia definitive of an elegant silhouette and the new Blue Water Purifier.