The best traffic-free bike rides around Burago Di Molgora

The Locks of Bellinzago Lombardo are an important historical hydraulic engineering work located along the course of the Naviglio della Martesana. They represent one of the best-known stopping and points of interest for cyclists and hikers who frequent the canal bank. These historical hydraulic systems (locks or sluices) originally served to regulate the flow of water and allow commercial navigation between the Adda and Milan.

Naviglio della Martesana is perhaps the least known of the ancient artificial canals connecting Milan to the great Lombard rivers. It originates from the Adda in Concesa, a hamlet of Trezzo d’Adda, crosses the Martesana sub-region, northeast of the provincial capital, and once in the city, it plunges underground beneath Via Melchiorre Gioia, at the height of Cassina de’ Pomm. It measures approximately 38 km in length, with a width varying from 9 to 18 meters. However, once upon a time, the Naviglio della Martesana continued in the open air all the way to the center, where a lock system centered on the Conca dell’Incoronata connected it to the short Naviglio di S. Marco and the urban network of the Navigli. The lock was inaugurated in 1496, utilizing lock gates designed by Leonardo da Vinci. The canal had been opened in 1471, under Francesco Sforza. By connecting it to the other Navigli, Leonardo laid the foundations for realizing a dream of the Sforzas: to travel by water from the Ticino, and therefore from Lake Maggiore, all the way to the Adda.

The Naviglio della Martesana, initially known as Naviglio Piccolo, is one of the Milanese canals that connects Milan with the course of the Adda river through the municipalities of Martesana. Commissioned in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, it was used for irrigating the countryside but also represented the ambitious project of connecting Milan with Lake Como and thus with the Alps and Ticino. The Naviglio della Martesana is a place rich in history and beauty, a heritage for everyone that, however, today is still little known and protected. Along the Naviglio runs a rather busy cycle path, which allows you to admire the landscape and cultural beauties, such as the rich flora, fauna, or the numerous historic villas, including the Renaissance Villa Melzi d’Eril in Vaprio d’Adda.

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.

Surroundings of Cassano d'Adda

In the center of town, on the right bank of the Martesana Canal, stands an imposing waterwheel (popularly known as a rudun) said to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci himself. Despite appearances, the wheel is not a mill, but a noria. Its function, in fact, was never to grind grain or power machinery, but rather to lift water from the canal to channel it into an irrigation system.

We are in Groppello, a hamlet in the municipality of Cassano d'Adda, and we must go back in time to 1618, when Cardinal Federico Borromeo commissioned this large wheel to convey the water needed to irrigate the vegetable gardens and gardens of the Archbishop's Villa. It is said that this majestic work, at the Cardinal's request, was designed by Leonardo da Vinci himself. Which, if anything, adds to its charm.

Nice gravel ride, from Gessate to Cremona. 95% on paved cycle paths and dirt road in the woods along the Adda. The first stretch from Cassano to Lodi is very nice, all in the woods, several single tracks with tall grass or "cycle path" but with a dirt surface. The river is almost always nearby. From Lodi to Cremona all on paved cycle path, elevated on cultivated fields and more exposed to the wind. Stops in Lodi, Pizzighettone and Cremona for visits. Return by train.