The best traffic-free bike rides around Pregnana Milanese

The Villoresi canal takes water from the river Ticino, in the locality of Panperduto, in the municipality of Somma Lombardo. After travelling 86 kilometers, through the provinces of Milan and Monza Brianza, it flows into the river Adda in the municipality of Cassano d’Adda. Construction work began in 1881 and was completed in 1891 based on the project by Eugenio Villoresi. Originally intended exclusively for irrigation, following the crisis in crops related to silk production, the canal now allows water distribution in a plain area of approximately 85,000 hectares, through a network that totals about 3,000 kilometers. The routes, which are free of difficulties, accessible to everyone and certainly of interest, are part of the investments made to enhance the towpaths of the waterways, and are also considered a fast connection route between the various Municipalities touched by the canal.

The main historic bridge over the Villoresi Canal in Garbagnate Milanese is located on Via Peloritana. Dating back to 1877, it is a fundamental infrastructure for city traffic and is situated near the local station, the starting point of the famous Villoresi Canal Cycle Path.

The Bridge of Cassinetta di Lugagnano is one of the most characteristic and historically significant monuments located along the Naviglio Grande, in the metropolitan city of Milan. Originally built of granite, the structure dates back to the 17th century, erected during the Spanish rule of the Duchy of Milan to connect the two historic centers divided by the canal. The bridge historically unites Lugagnano (on the right bank, of Roman origin) and Cassinetta (on the left bank, of medieval design). The bridge was completely rebuilt in a donkey-back shape in May 1862. This intervention became necessary both to repair the damage from the wars of independence (such as the nearby Battle of Magenta in 1859) and to facilitate the transit of commercial barges on the Naviglio.

Villa Arconati, located in Castellazzo di Bollate and nicknamed the "little Lombard Versailles", is one of the most majestic examples of a Baroque villa di delizia in Italy. The residence is entirely nestled in the green heart of the Parco delle Groane and the Brughiera Briantea, perfectly integrating art, monumental architecture, and nature.

The Villoresi Canal cycle path runs through the Lombardy countryside, along the entire length of the Villoresi Canal, the historic waterway built for irrigation in the late 19th century by engineer Eugenio Villoresi. The canal draws water from the Ticino River near Somma Lombardo and, after an 86 km journey, returns it to the Adda River near Groppello.

The Villoresi Canal cycle path runs through the Lombardy countryside, along the entire length of the Villoresi Canal, the historic waterway built for irrigation in the late 19th century by engineer Eugenio Villoresi. The canal draws water from the Ticino River near Somma Lombardo and, after an 86 km journey, returns it to the Adda River near Groppello.

Perfect for a relaxing outing or a pleasant stroll. If you're passing through Monza's city center, stopping in the square for coffee and a pastry is practically a must: it recharges your batteries better than any energy bar! A smooth cycle path suitable for all levels.

The Villoresi Canal and the western Milanese canal system (Grande, Bereguardo, and Pavese) draw their water from the Panperduto Dams (Somma Lombardo, Varese), built to regulate the use of the Verbano and Ticino rivers, as did the Miorina dam, built later. The Martesana Canal originates from the Concesa sull'Adda dam; the Olginate dam, which regulates the flow of Lake Como, is managed by the Adda Consortium, of which ETVilloresi is a user.