The best MTB trails around Vimodrone

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.

The world's longest recycled bench is located right in the greenery of Increa Park in Brugherio (Monza Brianza). Installed in 2010, it measures a full 25 meters. It is an eco-design work made entirely of recycled PVC (obtained from old roller shutters) and is itself 100% recyclable. The structure was donated by the local company Fumagalli and has become a much-loved attraction for enjoying the view of the park's small lake.

The Villoresi canal draws water from the Ticino river, in the locality of Panperduto, in the municipality of Somma Lombardo. After traveling 86 kilometers, in the provinces of Milan and Monza Brianza, it flows into the Adda river in the municipality of Cassano d’Adda. Construction work began in 1881 and was completed in 1891 to a design by Eugenio Villoresi. Originally intended exclusively for irrigation purposes, following the crisis of crops connected with silk production, the canal now allows water distribution in a plain area of approximately 85,000 hectares, through a network that totals about 3,000 kilometers. The paths, free of difficulties, accessible to everyone and certainly of interest, are part of the investments made to enhance the towpaths of the waterways, and should also be considered a fast connection route between the various Municipalities bordering the canal.

The Esterle power plant was particularly well-designed from an architectural point of view, as it was intended to be representative of the Edison company that built it. It looks more like a Lombard pleasure villa than a true industrial facility. The effort to integrate the building into the surrounding territory, made in the early 20th century during the construction of the plant, was remarkable. Today it represents a significant example of monumental industrial archaeology and is known for its particular beauty. Inside, the walls and ceiling of the engine room were decorated with great care, as were the floors, lamps, light fixtures, and numerous wrought-iron furnishings.

The Naviglio della Martesana, definitively completed in 1496 under the guidance of Ludovico il Moro, flows from Trezzo sull’Adda to Milan for a total length of 38 km. The route runs alongside the ancient Roman road (the current SS 11 padana superiore) which crossed the Adda with two branches: at Vaprio and Cassano. Irrigation of the land located above the spring belt was for a long time the predominant use of the canal, so much so that initially navigation was limited to two days a week; concurrently with the improvement of the agricultural structure thanks to irrigation, a notable flourishing of stately villas occurred in the Baroque era, intended to enjoy the convenience of travel on water and to control owned lands.

The Villoresi Canal cycle path traverses the Lombardy countryside, following the entire length of the Villoresi Canal, the historic waterway built for irrigation in the late 19th century by engineer Eugenio Villoresi. The canal draws water from the Ticino River near Somma Lombardo and, after an 86 km journey, returns it to the Adda River near Groppello.

It's an easy, flat cycling route, accessible to all types of bicycles and suitable for families with children. An ideal place for a day trip, it allows you to explore the area's rich natural and scenic beauty, cycling through cultivated fields, parks, and woods. There are several detours to explore the architectural beauty of the many municipalities along the canal, or to continue along the other cycle paths the canal crosses.

Just be careful about the distances: the Canale Villoresi cycle path, which runs alongside the canal, is 85 kilometers long. It begins near the town of Somma Lombardo and ends near Cassano d'Adda, so unless you're very fit, we recommend doing it in stages! Along the way, the path has short sections where it merges with city streets.