Besate: Roman Traces and Church Art in Parco del Ticino

Roman Traces and Rural Character

Besate is considered an agricultural town in Parco del Ticino. Archaeological finds and documents show that the area was already inhabited in Roman times. The town is particularly interesting if you would like to explore Italian history within an organically developed townscape: its Roman past stands alongside churches, squares and rural paths.

Ancient Layout and Local History

The structure of ancient Bexate is reminiscent of a Roman camp. A main street, the decumanus, is crossed at right angles by a cardo.

San Michele Arcangelo and Sacred Art

The parish church of San Michele Arcangelo is considered an important 17th-century building and was erected in place of an older church. Its nave and chapels feature decorations and frescoes from the 17th and 18th centuries. San Michele Arcangelo displays a copy of an altarpiece attributed to Marco d’Oggiono. It also houses a painting by Sebastiano Conca depicting Saint Andrew embracing the cross.

Historical Details in the Townscape

The historic “semitori”, now Piazza don Zanatti, is connected to the parish church of San Michele Arcangelo. The remains of Besate’s castle wall preserve a large main portal from the 18th century, with openings for the beams of the former drawbridge. The Serbatoio dell’Acquedotto has an octagonal base. An inclined reinforced-concrete frame rises from it and supports the water tank. Together, the square, wall and technical structure provide several concrete points of reference to the town’s history.

The Chiesetta-Santuario dello Zerbo

The Chiesetta-Santuario dello Zerbo was founded in 1630 near the left bank of the Ticino, on the site of a lazaretto. Inside, there is a 16th-century fresco of the Madonna and Child. The image of the Madonna dello Zerbo is associated with a local festival held annually. This provides a cultural and historical focal point featuring sacred art, a specific foundation date and a local festival tradition.

Churches and Rural Paths

The connections between the paths also add to the picture of Besate. The Anello dell’Abbazia connects the abbey area with the parish church of San Michele in Besate, as well as with three other important rural churches. The Sesto Calende–Pavia route reaches Besate through a typically agricultural landscape. Along this route, Besate’s old washhouse is considered a noteworthy place to visit. The two routes have different thematic focuses: the Anello connects churches, while Sesto Calende–Pavia highlights the agricultural landscape and the old washhouse. When choosing a hotel or accommodation, you can therefore decide on your focus: sacred art, local history or rural paths.

More Destinations

For further travel planning, you can also discover Cavenago Di Brianza, Lainate, Cuggiono, Ortica, Buscate, Limito Di Pioltello, Paullo and Cesano Maderno.

For the higher-level travel overview: Milan.