The treasures of Monza Park

An oasis of peace, well-being and culture, Monza Park is a popular spot for an invigorating break in contact with nature.

Where

Parco di Monza
Viale Brianza, Monza

It isn't always necessary to travel far and wide to take a break from the stress and hassle of everyday life and reconnect with our inner self, regaining energy and a better mood.

This is certainly true when you come across a green oasis just 20 kilometres from the hustle and bustle of the city, which in addition to its obvious naturalistic charm also offers elements of undeniable artistic and historical value that make it much more than just another city park.

We are talking about the Park of Monza, just outside the historic centre of this small town in Lombardy, covering an area of almost 700 hectares and part of the Regional Park of the Lambro Valley, a delightful place to explore on foot or even on horseback but ideal on for riding a bike from one of the rental points available inside the park.

Here, in addition to expanses of meadows and woodland, playgrounds and sports facilities (swimming pools, tennis courts, golf club and riding stables as well as the famous motor racing circuit), farms populated by ducks and squirrels and eco workshops where you can learn while having fun, it is absolutely worth taking a moment to visit the sumptuous Villa Reale and its delightful Rose garden, the ancient mills along the Lambro and the aristocratic residences, the medieval and neo-Gothic buildings and the numerous 19th-century farmhouses.

A hidden casket of well-preserved treasures and the legacy of an important history, which we will reveal to you stage by stage on this cycling itinerary in Monza Park.

1. Villa Reale of Monza — After getting on our bikes, we set off for our first stop! Also known as the Reggia or Royal Palace, the Villa Reale in Monza Park was built between 1770 and 1780 at the behest of Empress Maria Theresa of Austria as the summer residence of her son Ferdinand of Habsburg. The building was designed by the imperial royal architect Giuseppe Piemarini, who skilfully combined the sobriety of the Lombard tradition with the grandeur of the Reggia (Royal Palace) of Caserta.

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2. Serrone of Villa Reale — The second place worthy of a stop on our two-wheeled tour, the Greenhouse or 'Serrone' (also known as the Orangery) was originally created in 1790 to house citrus fruits and exotic or rare and precious plants in winter. It was designed by the architect Giuseppe Piermarini, who was inspired by the Orangery at Schönbrunn Palace, and was commissioned by Ferdinand of Habsburg-Este, who inaugurated it on the occasion of his 20th wedding anniversary with Maria Beatrice Ricciarda d'Este.

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3. Villa Mirabello — Villa Mirabello was built by the Durini family, owners of the feud of Monza, on the ruins of an ancient castle owned by the noble Spanish family of Leyva (from which the Nun of Monza descended). Villa Mirabello is located on the slope that descends towards the valley of the Lambro river and dominates the woods below. (ph: monzaindiretta.it)

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4. Villa Mirabellino — Built in 1776 by the architect Giulio Galliori as a dépendance for the guests of the literary and musical coterie of Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini at Mirabello, Villa Mirabellino stands opposite the main residence, to which it is connected by a tree-lined avenue that we will take as we return to our bikes. (ph: fondoambiente.it)

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5. Torretta Viscontea — Designed by architect Luigi Canonica, the Torretta Viscontea was actually planned by his successor Giacomo Tazzini, who conceived it as a mock castle with an adjoining tower. Built using recycled materials, it is a medieval-style building with decorations that can be traced back to 19th-century neo-Gothic architecture. (ph: Ilcittadinomb.it)

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