Usmate Velate: Forests, Churches and Local Traditions

Nature between Usmate and Velate

Usmate Velate combines nature experiences, architectural heritage and recurring local events. A defining landscape area is the Bosco della Cassinetta: it connects the inhabited areas of Usmate and Velate and extends over more than 17 hectares. Valleys, forests and cultivated fields give the area its varied character.

The Bosco della Cassinetta belongs to Retenatura, a network of protected areas managed by Legambiente. At the same time, it lies within the Parco dei Colli Briantei, between the Valfredda and Boschina valleys. For a more peaceful nature experience, the guided tour offers 18 stations with QR codes leading to descriptions of the respective areas. The tour lasts approximately 30–40 minutes.

Churches and Historic Places

One of the most prominent historic buildings is Villa Scaccabarozzi. It was built towards the end of the 18th century by Count Rinaldo di Barbiano, Prince of Belgioioso d’Este. The park of Villa Belgioioso Scaccabarozzi combines an English landscape garden with wooded areas, lawns, a greenhouse and an artificial grotto.

The religious buildings also reflect different periods. The Cappella San Felice was built by Giacomo Moraglia in neoclassical forms; its sculptures are by Giuseppe Croff, Benedetto Cacciatori and Vincenzo Vela. The Chiesetta del Dosso was probably built in the first quarter of the 19th century with a circular floor plan and is dedicated to the Madonna del Carmelo.

The present-day church of Parrocchia Santa Margherita was built between 1930 and 1933 in the Lombard Romanesque style. Its frescoes on the vaults of the apse and transept are by Giovanni Briani. The Chiesa Parrocchiale di Santa Maria Assunta stands on the edge of a plateau overlooking the surrounding plain. Its first construction phase probably dates from the 12th century; in 1884 it was enlarged and rebuilt in the Lombard Romanesque style, followed by its consecration in 1889. The Chiesetta di S. Lucia in Cascina Corrada was built between 1958 and 1960 on land donated to the parish by Lucia Vertua.

Festivals, Routes and Regional Impressions

The Falò di Sant'Antonio is a recurring local tradition involving the lighting of a fire at the Oratorio di Velate. Originally, the custom was intended to clear the land of remnants from the previous harvest and bring good luck in the new year. The Falò di Sant'Antonio features food stalls offering sweet and savoury dishes.

The Camminata nel Parco dei Colli Briantei is a recurring, open-to-all, non-competitive running and walking event through forests, countryside and farmsteads. Routes of 7, 14 and 21 km are available, with refreshment points; refreshments are also provided at the finish at Villa Scaccabarozzi. For 2026, the park of Villa Scaccabarozzi in Velate is scheduled to serve as the start and finish location.

Practical Information for Your Stay

At the Orto dei bambini, children can learn through practical activities such as sowing, caring for plants and harvesting, as well as observe small animals. The Biblioteca Civica “Alda Merini” is open to the public at Piazza S. Pertini 4. As a time reference for the park of Villa Belgioioso Scaccabarozzi, its reopening was ordered on 22 September 2025, after a technical inspection on 19 September 2025 confirmed that the site could be used.

When choosing your hotel or accommodation in Usmate Velate, you can take your own priorities into account: the Bosco della Cassinetta represents nature and outdoor activity, the churches and villa architecture and history, while the Falò and Camminata shape the events calendar. This makes it possible to plan your stay according to your preferred travel rhythm.

Other Destinations in the Area

For further travel planning, you can also find: Verano Brianza, Nova Milanese, Carate Brianza, Brugherio, Santa Margherita, Camparada, Sulbiate and Meda.

For the overarching travel overview: Monza And Brianza.