The best traffic-free bike rides around Arzago D'Adda

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.

Any trail that winds through its vicinity is wonderful, a shame about the interruption between Zelo and Galgagnano of the path due to the hunting area, incidentally a beautiful place part of the ADDA sud Park but inexplicably in the hands of one or more private individuals who have made it their "hunting park" by fencing it all in. I happened to get inside by mistake, finding one of the numerous open gates and could no longer get out, finding the others closed, receiving a couple of shots in the air behind my back to make me understand that I was not welcome! A real shame because it interrupts the descent from Zelo towards Lodi along the Adda. Beyond the "hunting park" I believe that the passage along the river (state-owned area!!) SHOULD always be guaranteed without any ifs or buts!

The Muzza canal (61 km long in total) is a branch of the Adda River and recently celebrated its 800th anniversary, making it one of the oldest in Europe. Its name, with slight variations over the centuries, still recalls the name of the Roman Mutia family who moved here in 90 BC, initiating the first land reclamation works. From the wide canal branch off smaller watercourses which, winding through the countryside for a total length of about 1000 kilometers, are mainly intended for agricultural irrigation. The landscape of countryside and farmhouses surrounding it is evocative, with alternating rows of trees and open fields. It is also very interesting from a naturalistic point of view as it attracts many water birds that can be observed along the route.

In Groppello d'Adda, along the Martesana Canal, there is a large waterwheel called "el rudun." It is not a mill, but a noria that was used to raise water for irrigation. It was built in 1618 at the behest of Cardinal Federico Borromeo. It was used to irrigate the vegetable gardens and gardens of the Archbishop's Villa. Tradition attributes the design to Leonardo da Vinci. The water also fed kitchens, washhouses, and livestock watering troughs. The original wheel was dismantled in the late 19th century. The current one is a 1989 reconstruction, restored several times. It has a diameter of 11 meters and eight large blades. Today, it is a historical and educational symbol that tells the story of the area's past.

Majestic, it appears at first glance to be undeniably original, lacking the essential features of Lombard castles: no battlements, a single tower, no bastions, no moat. This singular aesthetic appearance is nothing more than the result of a millennia-long history of renovations and abandonment!

descent to San Sebastiano

Surroundings of Cassano d'Adda

The cycle path from Lago di Garlate along the Adda River is natural and therefore bumpy, but beautiful. An impressive hydroelectric power plant and a road/rail bridge near Paderno d'Adda showcase architecture from 100 years ago. This bridge is continuously monitored by a measuring system. You can see the monitoring as you cycle up to Paderno from the cycle path.