1 | The Naviglio della Martesana
The Naviglio della Martesana, built during the second half of the 15th century, is part of the Sforza family’s ambitious plan to connect Milan with the great Lombard Lakes. Nowadays it is possible to travel along the 38 km trail running from Milan (Via Melchiorre Gioia) to the Adda River. Via Lattea’s starting point is at Cernusco sul Naviglio, only 10 km from Milan.
as a rare example of “Night Temple”; Villa Carini Gervasoni, one of the oldest buildings of Cernusco - now headquarters of the Fatebenefratelli’s Curia Provinciale – which used to be a textile mill in the 19th century as suggested by the water mill in front of the Villa. But the most important monument is without a doubt Villa Alari, built at the beginning of the 18th century in Baroque style by architect Giovanni Ruggeri. The Archduke Ferdinand of Austria used to spend his summers here between 1772 and 1776 before moving to Villa Reale di Monza. It’s one of the ten most voted “Luoghi del Cuore” 2014. 4 | Parco dei Germani
2 | Astronomical Observatory G. Barletta
Via Lattea
6 | Cascina Gogna
The farm is located between Parco Sud and Parco Molgora. It preserves some of its original architectural and environmental features despite the state of neglect. It is still possible to recognise at its ancient core a 16th century mould of surprising architectural purity for a rural building. Along the trail is also the bridge-canal where the Naviglio passes over the Molgora stream.
The Parish Church of Gorgonzola, consecrated to the Saints Gervaso and Protaso, was built in Neoclassical style between 1806 and 1820 by architect Simone Cantoni. The imposing bell tower was constructed by Giacomo Moraglia in 1848. Next to the church is the noble Serbelloni family’s Mausoleum. The trail proceeds along the Alzaia del Naviglio across the park of the Seven Infinity’s sport facilities. Here is a children workshop on horticulture and it is also possible to leave the bicycle and dive into the swimming pool of the sport centre. 9 | Cascina Mugnaga
7 | The Palazzo Pirola
un mondo da esplorare
Stars and Stables along the Martesana Canal The Naviglio della Martesana, between Cernusco sul Naviglio and Gorgonzola Sunday, 31st of May 2015 From 9.30 to 18.30
The first stop over of the Via Lattea’s trail is dedicated to the stars. Inside the white dome of the Astronomical Observatory on the bank of the Naviglio, a local association of stargazers runs observations and learning activities. Throughout the day it is possible to visit the observatory, the Newton Cassegrain 305mm telescope and learn about the other “Via Lattea” (Milky Way) up in the skies! The stars guide visitors on the Via Lattea also thanks to scale reproductions of the solar system’s planets placed along the Naviglio by the astronomers.
Supported by
Comune Cassina de’ Pecchi
5 | Cascina Casale
3 | Ville di Delizia
These “Delightful Villas” on the Naviglio by Cernusco are great examples of XVIII and XIX century architecture. Particularly remarkable are: Villa Uboldo - now a hospital - still retaining elements of its original structure, such
Patronage
The Park encloses a long stretch of the Naviglio Martesana and is linked to the cycle path by two movable bridges. In the park is a scale reproduction of the Navigli (diorama), a useful learning tool to understand the dense net of canals running between the Ticino and Adda Rivers. Here is available for children a workshop on the “Pirates of the Martesana”.
Main sponsor
A farm with a courtyard dating back to 1605 on the boarder between the urban area and the Parco Agricolo Sud. It has been completely restored and converted into a museum of local farming culture (“corte della cultura cassinese”). It hosts the village library, the Piccolo Teatro dell Martesana, and the music school. It is also possible to visit the recently restored ancient tower.
Sponsor
In Gorgonzola the Naviglio forms a large meander, enclosing the city centre. Palazzo Pirola - home to art exhibitions and events - is in Piazza della Repubblica, near the picturesque covered bridge connecting two buildings on each side of the Naviglio. Not to be missed is the gorgonzola cheese tasting in the square organised by the Proloco (5 euros); a didactic exhibition on corn and workshop on nut oil production; also open to the public an exhibition titled “Green on white – literature on a unique cheese” and guided visits to the city centre. 8 | Chiesa SS Gervaso e Protaso
The Cereda and Invernizzi agricultural business runs its activity in Parco Agricolo Sud Milano since over eighty years. This longstanding family tradition is carried out to this day in harmony with the biological cycles of nature. All milk and cheeses are produced within the business and vegetables are sold directly to the public. Also available for visitors are a playground for children, tasting of local produces (5 euros), milking demonstration at 14.00pm and cheese workshop at 15.00pm. The trail follows a cycle path and Civil Protection will oversee the few crossings. With thanks to: Ass. Amici della Casa della Carità Associazione Concordiola Il Mulino di Baresi Associazione Cernuschese Astrofili Proloco Gorgonzola Associazione Astrov Associazione Clock Protezione Civile Coordinamento Nordest Martesana Seven Infinity Maps, times and detailed programs for all 2015 events are available and downloadable from www.faivialattea.it
Technical sponsors
Collaborators
An event
Coordinamento Lombardia
Agrate Brianza
Stars and Stables along the Martesana Canal The Naviglio della Martesana, between Cernusco sul Naviglio and Gorgonzola >> Km 22 The countryside a stone throw away from Milan. The Naviglio Piccolo canal, which links Milan to the River Adda, is what characterises the land known as the Martesana. Here the city merges into the countryside and into villages which, in spite of the urban development of recent decades, still conserve an interesting cultural and environmental heritage. There’s no better way to discover the Martesana than on a bicycle. Pedalling alongside the Naviglio canal means you immerse yourself in the Lombardy countryside with its historical villages, Ville di Delizia, cultivated fields and good food. We look forward to seeing you. For further information www.inmartesana.org
Cambiago
Brugherio
Pessano con Bornago Carugate
Parco Molgora Gorgonzola
Parco Est delle Cave
Cernusco sul Naviglio
The Ville di Delizia
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Bussero
Cascina Gogna
Parco dei Germani
Palazzo Pirola
M Vimodrone
Chiesa SS Gervaso e Protaso
Cascina Mugnaga
Sant’Agata Martesana
Astronomical Observatory G. Barletta
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i Cascina Casale
Pioltello
Malpaga
Segrate
Liscate
How to get there: By metro: MM2 Green Line, get off at Cernusco sul Naviglio. By bicycle: Follow the Naviglio della Martesana cycle path. By car: SS11 Padana Superiore or ringroad Tangenziale Est, Cernusco sul Naviglio exit.
Starting point: Info Point “In Martesana” – at Cernusco sul Naviglio Metro Station. Limited number of bicycles for hire. Minimum contribution 10€.
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Punto FAI
Refreshment point
Live shows Workshops
Historic Property
Bike rental
Dangerous crossing
Area of natural interest
Open farmhouse didattics, sales
Information point
Parking
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Fermata Metro Swimming pool