The Naviglio Martesana cycle path I Milan to Trezzo sull’Adda I Cycle Ride Loop I Lombardy - Italy
The Naviglio Martesana is a canal in the Lombardy region, Northern Italy. Running from the Adda river, in the vicinity of Trezzo sull'Adda, to Milan, it is also known as Naviglio Piccolo.
The Canal Martesana was commenced by the duke Francesco Sforza and finished within a few years and was designed by Leonardo da Vinci and completed in 1496 under the guidance of Ludovico il Moro.
Itinerary:
The Martesana cycle path runs along the Milanese Naviglio Piccolo, starting from Cassina de 'Pomm at the corner of via Melchiorre Gioia and extends for 30 km passing through the municipalities of Cologno Monzese, Vimodrone, Cernusco sul Naviglio, Cassina dei Pecchi, Bussero, Gorgonzola, Gessate, Inzago and Cassano d'Adda, Groppello d'Adda, Vaprio d'Adda and Trezzo sull'Adda.
The cycle path follows the bank of the canal (32 Km one way). This route runs through wonderful countryside landscapes, small villages, many villas including those of Milanese nobles, farmhouses, that cross through countryside with extensive cultivated fields, ancient ruins, wooden bridges, picturesque houses, an ancient mill and you will see wild hares and other wildlife.
The cycle paths are mainly flat and ideal for all ages and skill levels which allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and discover past history.
The cities you pass through are connected by a railway network that you can use to transport bikes if you don't want to go back in the direction of departure. While I had decided to go back on the same road; there are always views that are appreciated in the back of the path!
Distance: 81.18 Km
The route
My fantastic Martesana pedestrian cycle ride starts from Cassina de 'Pom at the corner of via Melchiore Gioia Milano and extends for 30 km alongside the Naviglio leading up to Trezzo sull'Adda (the Adda river) and from there you can get there up to Lecco.
The first part of the route (Milan - Cassano d'Adda) runs parallel to the Martesana canal on a fully asphalted cycle path, crossing Vimodrone, Cernusco and Gorgonzola. The route runs without any interruption from urban centers that gradually become more and more; agricultural and rural.
The second stretch along the Adda river is a path on beaten earth and allows you to see some hydroelectric power plants (Taccani and Esterle), the iron bridge of Paderno, The Sanctuary of the Madonna della Rocchetta in Paderno d'Adda is located between the Adda river and the Naviglio di Paderno and Leonardo's ferry to Imbersago.
Video #2 I Naviglio Martesana Canal - Cycling Route, Milan Lombardy Italy
Video #1 I Naviglio Martesana Canal - Cycling Route, Milan Lombardy Italy
Video #4 I Naviglio Martesana Canal - Cycling Route, Milan Lombardy Italy
Video #3 I Naviglio Martesana Canal - Cycling Route, Milan Lombardy Italy
