Legnano: Culture, History and Greenways

Legnano combines an exhibition venue in Castello di San Giorgio with archaeological depth, sacred art and greenways along the Olona. Parco Castello is incorporated into the larger local PLIS dei Mulini park along the Olona River. This brings cultural and natural themes together in Legnano – from historic buildings to protected landscapes.

Art and History at the Castello and Museum

Castello di San Giorgio now serves as an exhibition venue. In the 13th century, the site can be traced back to a church dedicated to Saint George and an Augustinian monastery. The Castello also displays the Triptych of the Battle of Legnano by Gaetano Previati. The Museo Civico Guido Sutermeister covers a much broader span of time: it preserves archaeological collections with finds dating from the 3rd millennium BC to the Renaissance.

The loggetta of the Museo Civico Guido Sutermeister presents a chronological exhibition on the ancient cultures of the Legnano area from the 3rd to the 7th century AD. Paid guided tours for individuals and groups are available by prior reservation. This allows you to explore the museum in greater depth if you are interested in the area’s long development.

Sacred Art and Historic Buildings

The Basilica di San Magno was built between 1504 and 1513. The young painter Gian Giacomo Lampugnani transferred Bramante’s drawings and specifications onto the walls. The basilica contains works by Bernardino Luini, Bernardino Lanino, Francesco Lampugnani and Gianbattista Lampugnani. The Chiesa di Sant'Ambrogio preserves the foundations of an original semicircular apse oriented towards the east, which archaeologists date to the 5th century. Its lunettes also contain eight prophets painted by Giambattista and Francesco Lampugnani.

Around the Santuario della Madonna delle Grazie, fifteen chapels are arranged in a semicircle in the garden. They were originally decorated with frescoes between 1895 and 1897 by the painter Bacchetta, who came from Cremona. The Monumento di Alberto da Giussano was inaugurated in 1900 and created by the sculptor Enrico Butti. Palazzo Leone da Perego and Palazzo Ottone Visconti were built in the second half of the 13th century and belonged to the archiepiscopal domain, which also covered large areas in the central part of Legnano. The Santuario di Santa Teresa del Bambin Gesù was consecrated on 13 September 1933.

Trails and Protected Landscapes

The historic Olona Trail is a footpath with nine orientation points and explanatory signs. It leads from the waterfalls on Via Pontida to the Cornaggia Mill at Castello Visconteo di Legnano. The trail is free of charge and accessible to people with disabilities. Parco Alto Milanese is a protected area of the Parco Locale di Interesse Sovracomunale type, abbreviated as PLIS; around 178 hectares of it lie in Legnano. The Biblioteca Verde there is a botanical educational trail with ten information panels for students and the wider community.

Events and Automotive History

The Palio di Legnano comprises events recreating the history of the Battle of Legnano. At “Manieri Aperti” on the first Sunday in May, visitors can take part in a Contrada dinner, visit exhibitions on history and costumes, and join guided tours of the Manieri. The Museo Fratelli Cozzi places particular emphasis on a collection of more than 60 Alfa Romeo vehicles that tell 60 years of history. The museum is open to the public on scheduled opening dates; outside these dates and times, it is not open to the public.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

Corbetta, Gudo Visconti, Busto Garolfo, San Vittore Olona, Opera, Cologno Monzese, Cesano Maderno and Zibido San Giacomo

For the higher-level travel overview: Milan.