What to do near Lardirago, PV

Rocca Brivio Sforza, San Giuliano Milanese

Fascinating 17th-century brick villa of sober Baroque style, rising on a slight isolated rise in the countryside. From the monumental gate there is a glimpse of the garden with an elegant loggia.

The pontoon bridge over the Ticino River, in Bereguardo

Bereguardo's is one of the few remaining barge bridges in Italy. It has been in existence since 1374, although the wooden boats were replaced in the early 1900s with concrete boats.

The Visconti castle of Bereguardo

A large plain Visconti castle with a square plan, surrounded by a lower wall, intended as a winter residence and hunting lodge. Beautiful entrance from the drawbridge.

Basilica of San Bassiano

A majestic building in the Lodi countryside, it is a hymn to Lombard Romanesque-Gothic

Mirasole Abbey, an oasis of peace and silence

A fortified complex in the Milanese countryside chronicles the spirituality experienced by the monastic order of the Humiliati

The Gothic frescoes of Viboldone Abbey

In a remnant of irrigated countryside in the Milanese hinterland, a 14th-century abbey holds splendid frescoes

Palazzina Pusterla, Cascina Ca' Granda, Zibido San Giacomo

The Palazzina Pusterla is a rare and delightful example of a late 14th-century hunting lodge. It is leaning against an irrigation ditch in which the mill wheel fishes. Around it is a beautiful park, well and bakery.

The Abbey of Chiaravalle on the outskirts of Milan

A beautiful Cistercian monastery in a stretch of irrigated countryside that survived the onslaught of the city

The shelter of San Colombano al Lambro

In St. Columba there is still a rare example of a 13th-century shelter, a place intended to protect the inhabitants and food supplies from outside threats.

Lodi's Tortionata

A tender sister of the better-known sbrisolona, it is a Lodi almond dessert. Originating in the 1800s and handed down from father to son by the Tacchinardi family of pastry chefs, it is goodness at all hours!

Barni Palace

The beautiful, recently restored 17th-century palace can be visited and also hosts art exhibitions. There is a noble soul in its high frescoed ceilings, wide staircases and airy inner courtyards.