Concesa - Cassano d'Adda
Itinerary 9
- Trail Conditions: On foot
- Interest: Hystory
The itinerary leaves from the Sanctuary of Divina Maternità with the annexed Monastery of the Discalced Carmelites from Concesa (1642), at the foot of a rocky spur overhanging the river above which the head offices of Adda Nord Park are situated: as a matter of fact, Villa Gina was built in 1855 on the ruins of a castle by Paolo Bassi, who was inspired by Villa Fontallerta near Florence. Walk along Naviglio della Martesana (navigable from Concesa to Vaprio during the summer, for info www.visitadda.com), observing the flora and wildlife of the river, the wheel of the mill of Villa Castelbarco, and the paper mill Binda, now abandoned. At the bridge connecting Vaprio with Canonica d'Adda, you can observe Villa Melzi d'Eril, a noble Renaissance building where Leonardo da Vinci lived from 1506 to 1513. Cross the asphalt road, and continue along the channel of Naviglio Martesana. You will reach Groppello, a country hamlet of Cassano d'Adda, with its characteristic "Rudun". Going ahead along the cycle-way, you will reach Cassano town center: Villa Borromeo, an 18th century building and pearl of the Neoclassicism of Lombardy, and the 11th century castle dominating the embankment of Canale Muzza, dating back to a period before the year 1000, are worth a visit.
