Novate Milanese: Culture, History and Landscape

Novate Milanese combines historic religious buildings, villas, contemporary art and an agriculturally shaped landscape.

Travel and railway history

Novate Milanese railway station is located on the Milan–Saronno line and is served by the S1 and S3 suburban railway lines. The station was opened on the same line on 5 October 1879. The Novate Milanese maintenance facility also has a historic connection to the railway: it was established in 1928 as a locomotive depot.

Religious buildings and historic villas

The Chiesa dei SS. Gervaso e Protaso dates back to its first documented mentions in 1042. Its cross-shaped layout comprises three naves separated by columns arranged in pairs and made of Giaveno marble. The church also houses the canvas “Natività della Vergine,” painted by Camillo Procaccini in 1618.

Gesiö was built in the first half of the 16th century at the behest expressed in the will of the ducal senator Bernardino Busti. In 1529, Busti had ordered the construction of a church dedicated to Saint Celsus, together with adjoining accommodation for a priest. Extensive restoration was completed in September 2023, revealing original frescoes and remarkable architectural details. Gesiö also houses a 17th-century painting that Paolo Camillo Landriani painted in 1603, depicting the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child and Saints Nazarius and Celsus.

Villa Venino, also known as Villa Fassi Venino, is a historic aristocratic residence in the center of Novate Milanese in Lombardy. At its center is a portico with three round-arched openings. Smaller side wings enclose two courtyards: a main courtyard and a secondary courtyard. The historic garden of Villa Venino is named Lidia Conca, was restored and opened to the public in 2010.

Casa Testori and contemporary art

Casa Testori is located in the birthplace of Giovanni Testori, a villa from the early 20th century with two floors and a courtyard garden. As a cultural center at the gates of Milan, Casa Testori specializes in the production and promotion of contemporary art. The Biblioteca Testori comprises 17,800 titles.

For students of various age groups, Casa Testori offers museum programs as well as artistic and literary workshops. These combine guided tours with artistic experimentation. The garden and outdoor areas of Casa Testori are accessible to people with disabilities. However, access depends on the specific event, so this point should be included in your detailed daily planning.

Parco della Balossa and its rural character

Parco della Balossa is an agriculturally shaped area covering approximately 146 hectares. The park was established in 2006 as a Parco Locale di Interesse Sovracomunale, or PLIS for short, and was incorporated into Parco Nord Milano in December 2015.

Cascina Balossa also points to the area's agricultural past. About fifty years ago, it was historically associated with changing crops such as basil, barley, maize and zucchini.

More destinations for planning your trip

If you would like to compare Novate Milanese with other places on your trip to Italy, you can find Cesano Maderno, Bussero, Ossona, Vittuone, Cornaredo, Cologno Monzese, Bernate Ticino and Settimo Milanese here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Milan.