Attractions and places to see around Pessano Con Bornago, located in the Po Valley of Lombardy, offer a mix of historical sites, cultural landmarks, and natural features. This Italian commune, northeast of Milan, is characterized by its agricultural heritage and well-preserved historic center. The area provides access to the Martesana Canal, a significant natural and recreational feature.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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Easy cycle path suitable for everyone!
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The Naviglio della Martesana, definitively completed in 1496 under the leadership of Ludovico il Moro, flows from Trezzo sull’Adda to Milan for a total length of 38 km. The route runs alongside the ancient Roman road (the current SS 11 padana superiore) which crossed the Adda with two branches: at Vaprio and Cassano. The irrigation of the lands located above the spring belt was for a long time the predominant use of the canal, so much so that initially navigation was limited to two days a week; concurrently with the improvement of the agricultural structure thanks to irrigation, a notable flourishing of stately homes occurred in the Baroque era, aimed at enjoying the convenience of travel on water and controlling the owned lands.
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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.
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The Naviglio Martesana cycle path is a 30-35 km cycle and pedestrian route that connects Milan (Cassina de' Pomm/via Melchiorre Gioia area) to Trezzo sull'Adda, running alongside the homonymous canal. It is a predominantly asphalted, flat, easy route suitable for everyone, passing through parks, rural areas, and historic noble villas from the 17th-18th centuries.
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The Naviglio Martesana cycle path is a cycle-pedestrian route of about 30-35 km that connects Milan (Cassina de' Pomm/via Melchiorre Gioia area) to Trezzo sull'Adda, running alongside the canal of the same name. It is a predominantly asphalted, flat, easy route suitable for everyone, which crosses parks, rural areas, and historic noble villas from the 17th-18th centuries.
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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.
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Naturalistic and historical, it is worth visiting
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This place is a quiet place surrounded by greenery
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Pessano Con Bornago is rich in history. You can visit several significant religious buildings like the Church of Saints Vitale and Valeria and the Church of Saints Cornelio and Cipriano. The area also features historic residences such as Palazzo Longhi, Villa Prinetti, and Villa Bossi in Bornago, and Villa Castiglioni Prato Morosini Negroni. Don't miss the former spinning mill, now housing municipal offices, which reflects the area's industrial past.
Yes, a prominent natural and recreational feature is the Martesana Canal. You can explore its history and beauty by following the Martesana Canal Cycle Path. The surrounding area also boasts a lush agricultural landscape, characteristic of the fertile Po Valley.
The area is excellent for cycling, particularly along the Martesana Canal. The Martesana Canal Cycle Path is a popular route, and a specific section, the Naviglio Martesana Cycle Path Between Bellinzago Lombardo and Inzago, is known for its scenic views. For more cycling adventures, you can find various routes, including easy to difficult options, in the Cycling around Pessano Con Bornago guide.
Many attractions around Pessano Con Bornago are suitable for families. The Martesana Canal Cycle Path offers an enjoyable outing for all ages. Additionally, the annual exhibition of the Floating Nativity Scene (Presepe Galleggiante) at the Vigna di Cech pond is a unique seasonal event that families often enjoy.
Absolutely. A short distance away, you can visit The Rudun Water Wheel, Groppello d'Adda, a famous water wheel built around 1600 and believed to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci. Another notable site is the Royal Villa of Monza, a neoclassical palace that once served as a residence for the Habsburgs and Savoys, now hosting various exhibitions.
The area offers several pleasant routes for walking and running. You can explore trails along the Martesana Canal. For dedicated running routes, consider options like the "Alzaia del Canale Villoresi – Corsettina Running Route loop" or the "Towpath of the Villoresi Canal – Alzaia del Canale Villoresi loop" which start from Pessano con Bornago. More details can be found in the Running Trails around Pessano Con Bornago guide.
The spring and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities around Pessano Con Bornago, with mild temperatures ideal for cycling, walking, and exploring historical sites. Summer can be warm and muggy, especially along the canals, while winter offers a quieter experience, though some seasonal attractions like the Floating Nativity Scene are specific to that time.
Yes, the countryside is dotted with traditional farmhouses, reflecting the area's agricultural heritage. Notable examples include Cascina Canepa, believed to be of medieval origin and used for hemp processing, and Cascina Valera, which has evolved into a rural village since the 14th century. Other farmhouses like Cascina Castiona, Cascina Bragosa, and Cascina Bosco also contribute to the rural charm.
The Martesana Canal itself offers many picturesque sections, particularly the stretch around Cernusco sul Naviglio, which is noted for its greenery and charming corners. The entire Martesana Canal Cycle Path provides scenic views of the canal and the surrounding Lombard landscape as you travel from Milan towards the Adda river.
Visitors particularly appreciate the scenic beauty and historical significance of the Martesana Canal, often highlighting it as a perfect escape route from the city. The well-maintained cycle paths, such as the Naviglio Martesana Cycle Path Between Bellinzago Lombardo and Inzago, are praised for their ease of use and the opportunity to discover historical places like Leonardo's ecomuseum and Visconti castles further along the canal.
Yes, the area provides excellent options for gravel biking. Routes often incorporate sections along the Martesana Canal and the Adda River, offering a mix of paved cycle paths and dirt roads. You can find various gravel biking routes, including challenging long-distance loops, in the Gravel biking around Pessano Con Bornago guide.


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