Gorgonzola: Church Art, Cheese Culture and Routes along the Martesana

Gorgonzola combines church architecture, a waterside landscape and the name of a DOP product recognised by the European Union.

Architecture and History in the Townscape

A central building is the present-day Chiesa SS. MM. Protaso e Gervaso. It was designed by Simone Cantoni, construction began on 1 June 1806, and it was completed and consecrated on 22 October 1820. Its floor plan is in the shape of a Latin cross. The architectural arrangement includes 44 Corinthian columns: 40 are set against the walls, while four free-standing columns support the choir.

In the Antico Borgo di Gorgonzola, more than ten cultural assets within the meaning of Italian legislation on cultural and landscape heritage can be found within a radius of approximately 100 metres. Ca' Busca, also known as Palazzo Serbelloni, is located on the Naviglio Martesana. A distinctive wooden bridge connects the building with a structure on the opposite bank. The garden of Ca' Busca is now a public park and preserves a circular basin fed by the Martesana.

Palazzo Freganeschi-Pirola is located on Piazza della Repubblica. It is a significant 18th-century residence with a landing stage on the Naviglio Martesana. South of the canal, Villa Serbelloni Busca, a historic country-house residence, occupies a significant part of Gorgonzola’s urban fabric. Torre degli Arrigoni stands on Piazza Garibaldi: it is a four-storey tower made of river pebbles with intervening layers of brick.

The Santuario della Madonna dell’Aiuto has been known by this name since the beginning of the 19th century. The name developed from the growing veneration of a reproduction of the miraculous image of the Madonna of Bobbio. The Mausoleo Serbelloni was begun in 1775 as a burial place for the Serbelloni family. Gorgonzola is also mentioned in Alessandro Manzoni’s “I promessi sposi”.

Walks and Routes along the Martesana

The Parco ansa del naviglio can be reached on foot via the Alzaia Martesana from Via Parini or via Corte dei Lantieri from Vicolo Corridoni. The Mulino Vecchio in Gorgonzola is one of the stops on the eight-stage cycling tour “Giro degli 8 Mulini”. The Ecomuseo Martesana also offers the route “PERCORSO 4 – Gorgonzola – Gessate”.

Gorgonzola and Its Cheese Culture

On 12 June 1996, Gorgonzola was recognised and registered by the European Union as a DOP product under Regulation (EC) No 1107/96. Gorgonzola cheese is said to have originated in the town of the same name on the outskirts of Milan around the year 879. A particular culinary highlight is the Sagra Nazionale del Gorgonzola DOP, which returns to Gorgonzola’s historic centre on 19 and 20 September 2026 for its 26th edition. The two-day event features Gorgonzola DOP, regional gastronomic specialities, market stalls, exhibitors from various regions, in-depth information, entertainment and activities for all age groups.

More places for your journey through Italy: Limbiate, Bellinzago Lombardo, Magnago, Pieve Emanuele, Robecco Sul Naviglio, Basiano, Busto Garolfo, Peschiera Borromeo.

More about Milan: Milan.