Attractions and Places To See around Samarate - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Samarate, a municipality in northern Italy's Lombardy region, offer a mix of historical landmarks, natural beauty, and cultural sites. Located in the Po Valley, the area provides picturesque landscapes with the Alps often visible on clear days. Its proximity to Milan Malpensa Airport makes it an accessible destination for exploring the region's industrial heritage and green spaces.
Best attractions and places to see around Samarate
- The most popular attractions is Panperduto Dam, a man-made monument that is an iconic place where you can see the birth of the Naviglio and the Villoresi canal. It is one of the most important hydraulic junctions in Lombardy, diverting waters from the Ticino river.
- Another must-see spot is Church of Saint Mary in Binda, a religious building. This 13th-century church is notable for its early sixteenth-century frescoes, including a rare "dance of death" painting.
- Visitors also love Valmorea Railway Cycle Path (Valle Olona Cycle Path), a cycle way. This fragmented path follows a former railway line through the industrial Olona Valley, offering insights into the region's industrial past.
- Samarate is known for its historical sites, natural parks, and cycle paths. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, from ancient churches and industrial heritage sites to extensive green spaces.
- The attractions around Samarate are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 880 upvotes and over 314 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Panperduto Dam
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Church of Saint Mary in Binda
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Olona Valley Cycle Path
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Valmorea Railway Cycle Path (Valle Olona Cycle Path)
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Valle Olona cycle path in Castellanza
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Tips from the Community
The Pista Ciclopedonale della Valle Olona, starting from Castellanza, mainly follows the bank of the Olona River along consortium roads to Solbiate Olona, remaining on the other side of the Valley with respect to the track of the former Valmorea Railway.
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You approach the route of the former Valmorea Railway, with its disused station and enter the cycle path that heads towards the real Gurone Dam, a structure 12 metres high above the river level and 156 metres long, built between 2004 and 2009 and capable of generating a reservoir of more than a million cubic metres. The construction was necessary because this stretch of the valley has always been subject to flooding from the Olona (around 70 have been recorded since the 15th century), such as the most recent ones in 1995 and 2002. The cycle path now climbs along its embankments with an almost linear route and a gradient of almost 12%, built in this way so as not to interfere with the structure of the dam and its hydraulic characteristics. Once you reach the top, be careful on the descent. After reaching the closest point to the river, you start following the railway again, of which you can see sections of tracks in the woods. Now on the right we have the Pedemontana motorway and you cycle in one of the tunnels created during its construction. You can now reach the small public garden equipped with a rack with e-bike charging and a self-repair kit or, keeping to the left at the roundabout and crossing the provincial road, you head south. We are in the Lozza plain, which you cross on the side of the railway embankment with a long straight stretch before arriving at a narrow peninsula formed on the left by the Olona and on the right by the Selvagna stream. After crossing the stream, the path goes to the side of the provincial road to enter Castiglione Olona. On the right, the railway system of the former station opens up, where you can still see some carriages. At the crossing, keep left to continue on the cycle path, while instead you will go to the right to reach the historic village.
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Beautiful cycle path along the Olona river
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Cycle Path 🚴of the Park 🌳Middle Olona🌊you pass by Old🏬and New Buildings like Factories 🏭of a Time That Was 🕰️which were linked to the Productivity of Work now Past🧑🌾
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the cycle/pedestrian path of the Olona valley starts from Castellanza and ends in the middle Olona park, it is almost entirely asphalted except for some stretches where there is gravel but nothing that cannot be done with any bicycle.
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the entrance has gymnastic facilities on the left
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the road is poorly maintained with many holes
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit around Samarate?
Samarate and its surroundings are rich in history. You can explore the 13th-century Church of Saint Mary in Binda, known for its rare 16th-century frescoes. Other notable historical sites include the Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian with its Romanesque bell tower, the historical Villa Monteggia, and the impressive Castello Visconteo in Fagnano, which offers magnificent views of Monte Rosa.
Are there any natural parks or green spaces to enjoy near Samarate?
Yes, Samarate offers several natural areas. You can visit the 15-hectare Parco dei Fontanili, known for its diverse flora. The extensive Parco della Valle dell'Olona, located southeast of Samarate, covers about 80,000 square meters and includes the final section of the Olona Valley. The Panperduto Dam is also situated within the Lombardy Natural Park of the Ticino Valley, offering scenic views and walking opportunities.
What cycling opportunities are available around Samarate?
Samarate is a great base for cyclists. The Valmorea Railway Cycle Path (Valle Olona Cycle Path) follows a former railway line, offering insights into the region's industrial past. Another option is the Valle Olona cycle path in Castellanza, which is car-free. For more extensive routes, you can find various options for gravel biking and road cycling, including routes around the Panperduto Dam and the Ticino Park.
Where can I find panoramic views near Samarate?
For stunning views, head to the Iron Bridge Over the Villoresi Canal. From here, you can enjoy a noteworthy panorama of the valley, the Ticino river, and on clear days, even catch sight of the Monte Rosa massif and Monviso, especially beautiful at sunset. The Castello Visconteo in Fagnano also offers magnificent views of Monte Rosa from its towers.
Are there any museums or cultural sites related to Samarate's industrial heritage?
Yes, Samarate has a strong industrial heritage. The Parco Museo del Tessile features a museum housed in an ancient Cotonificio, reflecting the area's textile industry past. Additionally, the Agusta Museum, located nearby in Cascina Costa, celebrates the significant history of the Agusta company, a pioneer in aircraft manufacturing and renowned for MV Agusta motorcycles, placing Samarate within the National Motor Cities Network.
What kind of hiking trails are available around Samarate?
You can find a variety of hiking trails around Samarate, ranging from easy to moderate. Options include the Gallarate Historic Center Tour, or loops around Parco Bassetti and Crenna Cemetery. For more details and routes, explore the Hiking around Samarate guide.
What is the Panperduto Dam and what can I do there?
The Panperduto Dam is an iconic man-made monument and one of Lombardy's most important hydraulic junctions. It's where the waters of the Ticino river are diverted to form the Villoresi and Industrial canals. Visitors can explore the area, which offers two main routes: a singletrack and path to Oleggio, or an asphalted canal path towards the canals of Milan. It's also part of the Lombardy Natural Park of the Ticino Valley.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in the Samarate area?
Many attractions around Samarate are suitable for families. The natural parks like Parco dei Fontanili and Parco della Valle dell'Olona offer open spaces for children to explore. The cycle paths, such as the Valmorea Railway Cycle Path, are generally family-friendly. Historical sites like the Church of Saint Mary in Binda can also be interesting for older children.
What is the best time of year to visit Samarate for outdoor activities?
The Po Valley, where Samarate is located, generally offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). During these seasons, temperatures are mild, and the landscapes are vibrant, making it ideal for cycling, hiking, and exploring the natural parks. Clear days often provide the best visibility for views of the Alps.
What are some unique cultural aspects or traditions in Samarate?
Beyond its historical sites, Samarate is known for its vibrant local festivals and strong agricultural heritage. These traditions offer opportunities to experience local cuisine and discover regional produce, providing a deeper insight into the community's cultural life.
Can I find places to eat or drink near the attractions?
Yes, for instance, near the Church of Saint Mary in Binda, there is a bar behind the church, which is a popular stop for cyclists using the nearby cycle/pedestrian path. Samarate and its surrounding towns also offer various cafes, pubs, and restaurants where you can enjoy local cuisine.
Is Samarate well-connected by public transport?
Samarate offers reliable public transport, with bus services connecting to surrounding towns. Its proximity to Milan Malpensa Airport also makes it an accessible destination for visitors arriving by air.
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