The best MTB trails around Copiano

The Naviglio Pavese connects Milan to Pavia for 33.1 km and ends with its confluence into the Ticino river near Pavia, where the last hydraulic regulation lock (chiusa) is located. Main features Route and length: The canal is 33.1 km long and connects the Darsena in Milan to the dock/confluence of the Ticino in Pavia. Elevation gain and locks: The total elevation difference between Milan and the Ticino is 56.6 meters, overcome by twelve locks and the inclination of the bed. History: The works for the final completion were commissioned by Napoleon and finished in 1819, with the official inauguration on August 16, 1819, by Archduke Ranieri. Historical navigation: As early as 1820, the first steamships operated at the confluence with the Ticino, connecting Milan to the Po and the Adriatic.

The patronage of this shrine, dedicated to the Madonna, refers to the town of Loreto. This is one of the great and important Marian pilgrimage sites in Europe, along with Lourdes in the French Pyrenees and Fatima in Portugal. Unlike the other two places mentioned, however, Loreto is not known for apparitions of the Mother of God. Here, pilgrims can find something very tangible: Mary's childhood home in Nazareth (Israel). Her parents—not mentioned by name in the biblical writings of the New Testament—are mentioned in apocryphal traditions: Saint Anne and Saint Joachim are thus the grandparents of Jesus Christ (their common feast day in the calendar of saints is July 26). Crusaders likely dismantled the venerated building in Nazareth and brought it to Europe when the era of the Christian kingdoms in the Holy Land came to an end towards the end of the 13th century. But this very sober assumption is countered by a much more interesting legend: According to this, four angels carried out the translation and flew the house over the Mediterranean.

Breakfast and Lunch

Be careful of the tall grass covering the trail

Unfortunately, this church of St. James on the Via Francigena was closed.

The Chiesuolo della Madonna di Loreto was built in three successive phases: The rural aedicule from the 15th century with an image of the Virgin of Loreto. The ancient oratory in brick from the 17th century, also dedicated to the Madonna di Loreto. The current church, dating from 1781. Architecture: The church has a single nave with a protiro (covered entrance) and is built of exposed brickwork. Inside there are frescoes and an altarpiece with the Madonna di Loreto. Significance: The Chiesuolo is also called ‘Il Chiesuolo’ and is dedicated to the Madonna of Loreto. It is an important historical testimony and a place of devotion. https://www.lombardiabeniculturali.it/architetture/schede/PV240-01108/

The church of San Michele Arcangelo is in an excellent state of conservation thanks to recent restorations. The façade shows a typical style of the 17th century and is divided into two parts by a horizontal brick frame. At the bottom, there are three portals flanked by slender pilasters. Above the central portal is a fresco dedicated to the saint. The upper half is framed by two curly volutes and two hollow niches that enclose a central window. The façade is crowned by a slightly projecting tympanum with a cross and three columns. The colours of the façade, a delicate balance between white and brown, give a foretaste of the opulence and wealth inside.

The Castello di Belgioioso, has a rich and fascinating history. The castle was originally built in the 14th century by the Belgioioso family. It served as a fortified residence to protect the surrounding area and as a symbol of power and prestige. In the 16th century, the castle underwent important renovations and extensions. The architecture was influenced by the Renaissance style, with elegant loggias, arcades and beautiful frescoes. In the 18th century, Antonio Barbiano obtained the elevation of Belgioioso to a principality in 1796 and expanded and rebuilt the medieval castle, enriched with extensive gardens and greenhouses in neoclassical style by the architect Leopold Pollack. In the 19th century, the castle became a meeting place for artists, writers and philosophers. It was a breeding ground for creativity and intellectual exchange. Today, the Castle of Belgioioso is managed by the Ente Fiera dei Castelli di Belgioioso e Sartirana. It organizes exhibitions and events that highlight the history, art and culture of the region.