The best cycling routes around Osio Sotto

The Naviglio della Martesana, definitively completed in 1496 under the guidance of Ludovico il Moro, flows from Trezzo sull’Adda to Milan for a total length of 38 km. The route runs alongside the ancient Roman road (the current SS 11 padana superiore) which crossed the Adda with two branches: at Vaprio and Cassano. Irrigation of the land located above the spring belt was for a long time the predominant use of the canal, so much so that initially navigation was limited to two days a week; concurrently with the improvement of the agricultural structure thanks to irrigation, a notable flourishing of stately villas occurred in the Baroque era, intended to enjoy the convenience of travel on water and to control owned lands.

The Naviglio della Martesana, definitively completed in 1496 under the guidance of Ludovico il Moro, flows from Trezzo sull’Adda to Milan for a total length of 38 km. The route runs alongside the ancient Roman road (the current SS 11 padana superiore) which crossed the Adda with two branches: at Vaprio and at Cassano. The irrigation of the lands located above the spring belt was for a long time the prevalent use of the canal, so much so that initially navigation was limited to two days a week; concurrently with the improvement of the agrarian structure thanks to irrigation, a notable flourishing of stately villas emerged in the Baroque era, aimed at enjoying the convenience of travel on water and controlling the lands of property.

The imposing water wheel (about eleven meters in diameter) was built in the early 17th century by Cardinal Federico Borromeo to lift water from the canal and convey it to the nearby Archbishop's Palace. A washhouse can be seen near the wheel.

I stumbled upon it after a long drive at sunset and was astonished by the beauty of this landscape. Breathtaking. Worth it.

Bergamo Alta (Upper Bergamo) is located on a hill overlooking the plains of the province of Bergamo. On clear days, you can see the Apennines and, even better, the Lombardy capital, Milan. But above all, Città Alta (Upper Bergamo) is beautiful to visit (on weekdays) for its history. It is a city surrounded by Venetian walls and boasting historic churches and palaces.

The church's current structure is largely the result of 20th-century reconstructions and expansions, although its origins date back to older religious buildings. It is the hub of the town's religious and community life. The building stands out for its modern architectural lines, typical of the reworking of traditional 20th-century styles, and for its imposing bell tower that marks its presence in the urban landscape.

The Crespi d'Adda Workers' Village is an exceptionally well-preserved historic company town, built starting in 1877 by the Crespi family for the workers of their cotton mill. The town center is considered the finest example of a company town in Southern Europe for its conception of an "ideal city," where workers had all the necessary services, including single-family homes and social facilities. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that the houses are still inhabited. Due to its importance, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

The Sanctuary and Rock Church of San Vittore Martire is an extraordinary complex spread across three levels, exploiting natural caves. The oldest part is the Hypogeum Rock Church, a cave of early medieval origin known for a 10th-century fresco believed to have served as a refuge. Over this, a more classical-style Upper Church was built. The entire complex is connected by a Holy Staircase.