What to do near Bornasco, PV

Mirasole Abbey, an oasis of peace and silence

A fortified complex in the Milanese countryside chronicles the spirituality experienced by the monastic order of the Humiliati

Palazzina Pusterla, Cascina Ca' Granda, Zibido San Giacomo

The Palazzina Pusterla is a rare and delightful example of a late 14th-century hunting lodge. It is leaning against an irrigation ditch in which the mill wheel fishes. Around it is a beautiful park, well and bakery.

The Gothic frescoes of Viboldone Abbey

In a remnant of irrigated countryside in the Milanese hinterland, a 14th-century abbey holds splendid frescoes

Rocca Brivio Sforza, San Giuliano Milanese

Fascinating 17th-century brick villa of sober Baroque style, rising on a slight isolated rise in the countryside. From the monumental gate there is a glimpse of the garden with an elegant loggia.

The Visconti castle of Bereguardo

A large plain Visconti castle with a square plan, surrounded by a lower wall, intended as a winter residence and hunting lodge. Beautiful entrance from the drawbridge.

The pontoon bridge over the Ticino River, in Bereguardo

Bereguardo's is one of the few remaining barge bridges in Italy. It has been in existence since 1374, although the wooden boats were replaced in the early 1900s with concrete boats.

Basilica of San Bassiano

A majestic building in the Lodi countryside, it is a hymn to Lombard Romanesque-Gothic

The Abbey of Chiaravalle on the outskirts of Milan

A beautiful Cistercian monastery in a stretch of irrigated countryside that survived the onslaught of the city

Basilica of Sant'Eustorgio and the Portinari Chapel

A Path to Heaven

The Ca' Granda, the former major hospital in Milan.

A vibrant melting pot of art, history and culture

San Bernardino at the Bones

A sinister place that frightens and fascinates