Along the course of the Ticino River
Set off from Sesto Calende, the town where the Ticino River leaves Lake Maggiore. Follow the river to Golasecca where you will find the Monsorino Necropolis, the greatest evidence of Celtic culture in northern Italy. Here, pay attention to the municipal signs to continue safely, as a landslide has caused the bicycle path to be interrupted.
In Somma Lombardo, don't miss the Panperduto dam, a jewel of industrial hydraulics. In Tornavento, cross the Oleggio bridge and observe the ancient “wind railway” that used the wind to connect Sesto Calende and Tornavento.
Follow the Naviglio Grande canal and, past the Turbigo power station, stop off at Oasi Zambona.
You will come to Ponte di Boffalora over the Ticino and then Ponte Vecchio and Villa Castiglioni, now Parco Lombardo del Ticino. Other villas are located along the route.
Towards Castelletto di Abbiategrasso is the Casa della Regia Camera, once home to the “water keeper”, the official in charge of supervising navigation on the canal.
Cycling towards Pavia
Leave Naviglio Grande and enter Naviglio di Bereguardo, crossing the famous Ponte delle barche, used in several films. Enjoy the Lombardy countryside as far as the village of Morimondo, home to a stunning Cistercian abbey. The entrance to Pavia is via the historic Ponte Coperto di Borgo Ticino.
Here, visit the Visconti Castle and the Carthusian Monastery, a jewel of the Renaissance. Pavia is directly connected to the Ciclovia Vento (part of the Eurovelo 8 - Mediterranean Route and Eurovelo 5 - Via Romea Francigena routes).
