The spiritual way

Founded in 1135 by Saint Bernard, Chiaravalle stands as one of Italy's earliest masterworks of Gothic architecture. Nestled within the lush Vettabbia Park, the abbey is famous for its soaring bell tower, affectionately nicknamed "Ciribiciaccola" by Milanese locals. Inside, visitors are treated to extraordinary frescoes by masters like Bernardino Luini and the Fiammenghini brothers, alongside a tranquil 14th-century cloister. It was right here that inventive monks pioneered revolutionary agricultural techniques, including irrigated meadows (marcite) and the original recipe for Grana Padano cheese.

Leaving Chiaravalle behind, the route wanders into the Milano south agricultural park, a vast protected sanctuary preserving the timeless rural soul of the Po Valley. Whether cycling or walking along quiet gravel roads and paved bike paths, you’ll be surrounded by a landscape carved by gentle streams, natural springs, and golden fields. The countryside is dotted with historic courtyard farmsteads (cascine), many of which still welcome travelers with farm-to-table dining and fresh local produce.

Located in Opera, Mirasole Abbey is a rare and captivating example of a fortified monastic complex. Established in the 13th century by the Humiliati order, the sanctuary blended spiritual devotion with a thriving agricultural and textile enterprise specialized in wool processing. Unlike traditional Cistercian abbeys, Mirasole features defensive walls, an entry tower, and an expansive courtyard framed by the church, cloister, and historic granaries, offering a fascinating glimpse into how medieval contemplative life intersected with commerce and craft.

Heading west toward the edges of the Ticino Valley brings you to Morimondo, a picture-perfect village tucked into a gentle valley home to an imposing Cistercian abbey founded in 1134. Built entirely of warm red brick, the abbey mesmerizes visitors with its clean, unadorned architectural lines, a hallmark of Cistercian design crafted to foster silent contemplation. Standing on multiple tiers, the grand abbey church majestically commands the surrounding landscape.

Turning south toward the Pavia countryside, the trail arrives in Bereguardo, renowned for its Visconti Castle and its iconic wooden bridge of boats over the Ticino River. Floating on interconnected barges that rise and fall with the river's gentle current, it is one of the very last working boat bridges in Italy. Crossing this historic bridge on foot or two wheels rewards you with sweeping views of the crystal-clear Ticino waters and dense riverside woodlands.

The crowning jewel of the itinerary, the Certosa di Pavia is a Renaissance masterpiece commissioned by Duke Gian Galeazzo Visconti as the grand mausoleum for Milan’s ruling dynasty. Its intricate carved marble façade, a magnificent tapestry of statues, bas-reliefs, and rare stone inlays, leaves visitors spellbound. Inside lie solemn vaults, priceless altars, the intimate Small Cloister, and the monumental Great Cloister bordered by the monks' private cells. Surrounded by historic grounds, it represents one of the absolute pinnacles of Italian artistic heritage.

To complete your journey and head back toward the metropolis, follow the smooth, paved cycle path running along the historic Naviglio Pavese towpath. This flat, direct route parallels the 19th-century canal originally designed to connect Milan to the Po River, offering a effortless, scenic ride past historic locks and stone bridges. Looking for a shortcut? The nearby Certosa di Pavia train station allows you to hop on a local train with your bike and glide back into central Milan in just twenty minutes.