The best gravel rides around Santa Maria Hoè

The parish church of San Giovanni Battista Martire in Montevecchia, built in the 1920s. The structure is located at the intersection of via Belvedere and via Donzelli, halfway up the hill. The main sanctuary, the Santuario della Beata Vergine del Carmelo, is located higher up and is reachable via a staircase of 180 steps. The area is famous for its cycling and walking routes in the Montevecchia and Valle del Curone Natural Park.

A cycle-pedestrian route of about 37 kilometers connecting Monza to Erba, crossing the Brianza region along the Lambro river. It is a path immersed in the greenery of the Lambro Valley Regional Park, characterized by a mixed surface (dirt, cobblestone, and asphalt) ideal for mountain bikes, gravel bikes, or robust city bikes. Main Features of the Route Start: Monza Park (entrance near Biassono/Lesmo). Finish: Center and train station of Erba (CO). Total length: Approximately 37 km (can be divided into shorter stages). Surface type: Mixed, with a prevalence of dirt and forest paths. Difficulty: Medium-easy, with the presence of some steep ups and downs.

climb almost finished, last short stretch remaining

180-degree view of the two slopes

Montevecchia is a charming village suspended between Milan, Brianza and the Lecco Prealps. It stands at an altitude of almost 500 meters and overlooks the almost 3000 hectares of the Montevecchia and Curone Valley Regional Park, where the famous Pyramids, mysterious rock formations, emerge.

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.

A beautiful climb with very little traffic. Very scenic and beautiful.