The best traffic-free bike rides around Pioltello

The Naviglio Martesana in Cernusco sul Naviglio represents one of the most evocative, elegant, and historically rich stretches of the entire Renaissance canal designed in the 15th century. In this area, the Martesana Cycle Path leaves the Milanese outskirts to open up into the plain, passing by splendid 18th-century noble villas (the "ville di delizia"), centuries-old parks, and historic views that retain the charm of the ancient Duchy of Milan.

Il Vicolo dei Lavandai is one of the most famous and characteristic historic corners of Milan, located along the Naviglio Grande (at number 14 Alzaia Naviglio Grande). It takes its name from the public wash house where workers – originally organized in an all-male association in the 19th century – used to wash clothes and linen on behalf of Milanese families. Only later was the activity also carried out by women. The "Brellin": The washermen used an original marble support and a slanted wooden board called "brellin", useful for kneeling and rubbing clothes with "palton" (a paste based on ash, soap, and soda). Today the name survives in the famous restaurant El Brellin overlooking the alley.

The territory of the municipality of Marzano (in the province of Pavia) and its immediate surroundings are crossed by important cycle tourism routes and local connections that link the Pavese to the Lodigiano and the Navigli system

The Church of San Materno Vescovo in Comazzo, an imposing 18th-century building, represents a significant example of Baroque religious architecture, enriched with Rococo details. The interior of the church is decorated with Rococo-style frescoes that, despite recent restorations, retain their grace and elegance intact, characterizing the atmosphere of spirituality and devotion that permeates the space. The church's facade is plastered with elegant exposed stone profiles. The portal, a solemn architectural element, is preceded by a porch that emphasizes its importance and access. Above the portal, a large lunette houses a rectangular window that allows light to filter inside, giving luminosity to the building. The crowning of the facade is marked by a triangular pediment, which adds a sense of balance and majesty to the composition. The bell tower, quadrangular and made of exposed stone, stands solemnly next to the church.

In front of the entrance to the historic garden of Villa Alari, you can see these ancient walls, very well preserved. A must to take a photo ;)

The Naviglio della Martesana (also called Naviglio Piccolo) is an artificial canal about 38 kilometers long that connects Milan to the Adda River. Designed in the 15th century under the guidance of Francesco Sforza and completed under Ludovico il Moro, it also saw the engineering contribution of Leonardo da Vinci. Today it is no longer navigable, but its ancient service road (the Alzaia) has become one of Lombardy's most beloved cycle paths.

The section of the Naviglio Martesana cycle path between Bellinzago Lombardo and Inzago is a flat, entirely asphalted stretch without technical difficulties, ideal for cycle tourists of all levels. This specific rural fragment runs for about 3-4 kilometers along the Martesana canal in a protected area.

In Gorgonzola, the most famous historic bridges crossing the Naviglio Martesana are the monumental Ponte di Milano (in pink granite with a lower walkway for towing barges) and the iconic wooden pedestrian Ponte di Legno. These bridges are landmarks on the flat route of the Martesana cycle path, very popular for trips and walks.