The best gravel rides around Motta Baluffi

The patronage of this sanctuary, consecrated to the Madonna, refers to the place LORETO. This is one of the great and significant Marian pilgrimage sites in Europe, along with LOURDES in the French Pyrenees and FATIMA in Portugal. In contrast to the other two mentioned places, Loreto is not known for apparitions of the Mother of God. Here, pilgrims can be shown something very tangible: Mary's childhood home in Nazareth (Israel). Her parents – who are not named in the biblical scriptures of the New Testament – are mentioned in apocryphal traditions: Saint ANNA and Saint JOACHIM are thus the grandparents of Jesus Christ (their common feast day in the liturgical calendar is July 26th). Probably, Crusaders, as the era of the Christian kingdoms in the Holy Land came to an end towards the end of the 13th century, dismantled the building revered in Nazareth and transported it to Europe. However, this very sober assumption is contrasted by a much more interesting legend: According to it, four angels carried out the translation and flew the house across the Mediterranean.

municipality of Viadana

A 2019 art installation by Giuseppe "Giupi" Boles: a large "window" framing sunsets over the Po. It is located in the Lido Po Park, in the floodplain area facing the city: a perfect resting point for those cycling along the riverbank, with an open view of the river, floodplains, and riparian forests. In summer, the "La Baia" bar is open just a few dozen meters away; there is parking and access to the trails of the Golena del Po Intermunicipal Park.

Pedaling through the streets of Sabbioneta is like pedaling in a Renaissance painting. It is no coincidence that this small and perfect Lombard city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. A jewel of Italian architectural history that is worth visiting.

Nestled in the tranquility of the Lombardy plain, Ostiano Castle is an unmissable stop for lovers of cycling and gravel. Along this trail, you cross dirt roads and suggestive paths that wind through fields and small villages, offering a perfect mix of history, nature and adventure. The castle, with its medieval charm, represents a unique point of interest, ideal for a panoramic stop and an immersion in local history. There is no shortage of technical and fun sections that make the route stimulating, perfect for those looking for a complete and engaging cycling experience.

There are very few rest areas on this long stretch of very well-paved road. So we were very happy to find this bench with a bike repair station. In summer, it's probably almost unbearable in the sun here.

If you have a little more time it is certainly worth stopping to visit the very beautiful courtyard, always full of modern sculptures to admire. You can also stop at the bistro to taste excellent food or make small purchases of some typical products of the area. You can continue on gravel or MTB passing behind the courtyard along a small road that will then reconnect to the bank of the Po to observe the fauna and vegetation a little more closely. If wet the ground in some places could be quite muddy.

From this dirt road under the main embankment of the Po, between Polesine and Zibello, in the Bassa parmense, you can enjoy a great view of the longest river in Italy. Here nature is truly uncontaminated and you can pedal away from motorized traffic.