Ozzero: History, Art and Routes along the Naviglio

Ozzero Between History and Landscape

Ozzero appeals to travellers who want to combine historic buildings with excursions in a predominantly rural setting. Highlights range from sacred art and Renaissance history to cycle paths, canal landscapes and seasonal cuisine. You can therefore plan your visit with a focus on culture, nature or agricultural produce.

Sacred Art and Historic Palazzi

The Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Siro has thousand-year-old walls that tell the story of Ozzero and its former rulers. Inside, it preserves 15th-century frescoes and a Madonna and Child in the manner of Leonardo. A copy of the work “Madonna and Child with Saint Anne”, now on display in the Louvre, adds to the furnishings. The church is freely accessible via the public road.

The Oratorio di San Francesco is considered a small 16th-century oratory; its altar frieze depicts Saint Francis. Palazzo Barzizza has Renaissance origins: it was first built in the 14th century and rebuilt in the 17th century. The palazzo housed Bona of Savoy, Duchess of Savoy, wife of Duke Galeazzo Maria Sforza and mother of Giovanni Galeazzo Maria.

At Palazzo Cagnola, an octagonal tower called the Torre spagnola dominates the large courtyard. During restoration work, a plaster statue attributed to the Cagnola family was found in the palazzo’s well; it can now be seen at the entrance to the tower. Ozzero Castle has been documented since 1034.

Villa Bianchi Calvi, also known as the castle, has stood in a commanding position above Ozzero for more than a millennium. The villa is privately owned, is not open to visitors and can only be viewed from the outside from the public road.

Cycle Paths, Canal and Rural Destinations

The 33.9 km circular route Anello dei monaci cistercensi e dei caseifici passes through Ozzero along the Traccia azzurra cycle path and leads to the ancient Mulino del Maglio. The historic marcite meadows near the Mulino date back to the 12th century and are managed by Cascina Selva.

The Naviglio di Bereguardo is a destination for nature excursions in Parco del Ticino. A long paved cycle path runs along the canal. Historically, navigation on the Naviglio di Bereguardo was used primarily to transport wood, wine from Oltrepò and salt. The canal thus connects a historic use with nature and cycling activities.

Seasonal Cuisine and Trip Planning

At Terra di Ilizia, the menu offerings adapt to the relevant season and the agricultural produce available at the time. When deciding whether a hotel in Ozzero suits your travel plans, you can therefore determine for yourself whether historic buildings, cycling and nature experiences, or seasonal cuisine should be the main focus.

More Destinations for Planning Your Trip to Italy

More destinations for planning your trip to Italy: Arcore, Vanzaghello, Rosate, Vanzago, Moncucco, Bussero, Bernate Ticino and San Colombano Al Lambro.

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