Discover Abbiategrasso: Castle, Canals and Culture

Abbiategrasso reveals its character where architectural history, waterways and well-traveled routes converge. Castello Visconteo, churches bearing different historical traces, and the routes along the Naviglio Grande and Naviglio di Bereguardo offer various ways to experience the town.

Castle, Churches and Frescoes

Castello Visconteo was built at the end of the 13th century. In 1381, under Gian Galeazzo, it was transformed from a defensive fortress into a stately residence.

The Basilica di Santa Maria Nuova was built from 1365 onward. The church of the Ex Convento dell'Annunciata preserves the fresco cycle “Le storie di Maria”. It is dated October 1519 and bears the signature of Nicola Mangone da Caravaggio (Moietta). The Ex Convento dell'Annunciata complex is currently used for cultural events such as conferences, courses, exhibitions, theatre performances and concerts.

In the Castelletto district of Abbiategrasso, Palazzo Cittadini Stampa is located directly on the Naviglio Grande. The navigable section of the Naviglio Grande runs from the Darsena in Milan to Abbiategrasso. Navigation on the horizontal section of the Naviglio Grande between Abbiategrasso and Gaggiano is currently closed for safety reasons.

Cycling Routes and Waterside Paths

The cycling route along the Naviglio di Bereguardo starts in Abbiategrasso. At around 19 kilometres long, it is flat and suitable for cyclists of all ages and experience levels; this makes it easier to set your own pace and take breaks according to your preferred rhythm.

Along the route by the Naviglio di Bereguardo, centuries-old trees, green meadows, cultivated fields and the calm waters of the canal alternate. Those who divide the route into individual sections can use the changes between trees, meadows, fields and water as points of reference; the canal remains the constant landmark. In addition, Parco della Costituzione and Parco della Repubblica, better known as Parco della Fossa or simply La Fossa, are the remains of the ancient Fossatum of Borgo di Abiate.

Another cycling route along the Naviglio Grande runs from Castelletto di Abbiategrasso to the Darsena di Porta Ticinese in Milan and follows its own path for most of the way along the canal embankments. For planning a journey on foot or by bicycle, the Via Francisca del Lucomagno is also an option: it can be walked or cycled all year round. Year-round access leaves the choice between walking and cycling open and suits different daily itineraries on site.

Local Events and Practical Information

The 26th edition of Abbiategusto included tasting routes called “Saperi e Sapori” in the underground rooms of the castle.

For practical accessibility information, the Chiesa di Santa Maria Nuova offers a wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible parking spaces.

For more destinations, you can also discover Corsico, Settimo Milanese, Arluno, Magnago, Lentate Sul Seveso, Gudo Visconti, Varedo and Lainate.

To the higher-level travel overview: Milan.