Discovering the southern zone of the metropolitan area of Milan

Discovering the southern zone of the metropolitan area of Milan: museums, art, culture and nature in and around Melegnano

Explore the art and history of South Milan with free museums and unique cultural itineraries

Museums in and Pavia around

Charterhouse of Pavia

An iconic Renaissance monastic complex that offers a journey into the architectural wonders of the past. The Charterhouse of Pavia is a monastic complex and sanctuary located in the municipality of the same name, about 8 kilometres north of Pavia. Its construction began on 27 August 1396, when Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Duke of Milan, laid the foundation stone. The original design was entrusted to Bernardo da Venezia, with subsequent contributions from architects such as Giovanni Solari and Giovanni Antonio Amadeo. The church, completed in 1497, has a Latin cross plan with a nave, two side aisles and transept, typical of Gothic architecture.

In 1564, the Charterhouse was enriched with the funerary monument of Ludovico il Moro and Beatrice d’Este, originally intended for the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. The statues were placed in the monastic complex, adding further artistic value to the site.

The area surrounding the Certosa offers evocative landscapes of the Po Valley, with cultivated fields and waterways that create an atmosphere of peace and contemplation. The proximity to the Ticino Park makes it possible to explore nature trails ideal for hiking or cycling.

Visiting information

• What to see: detailed decorations, sacred works of art and an impressive cloister.
• Practical information: bookings on 0382 924990

Charterhouse Museum of Pavia

This museum flanks the monastery complex and offers an insight into the history and art of the place.

• Address: Via del Monumento, 4, Pavia
• Information: 0382 924990
• Opening hours: times may vary; please consult the official website for up-to-date information.
• Tickets: admission and guided tours are free of charge. For booked groups, guided tours in English are available.

How to reach the Charterhouse of Pavia:

• By car: from Milan, take State Road no. 35 in the direction of Pavia; from Pavia, follow the State Road to Milan and, after the first traffic light, turn right.
• By train: use the Passante Ferroviario Trenord S13 (Milan Bovisa-Pavia and vice versa). The Certosa station is about 1 km from the complex and can be reached on foot.
• By bus: connections available from Pavia (via Trieste, opposite the railway station) and Milan (Famagosta).

For further details and updates, please visit the official website of the Certosa di Pavia.

museilombardia.cultura.gov.it

lombardiabeniculturali.it

certosadipavia.it

comunecertosadipavia.it

Castle of Belgioioso

A magnificent example of Lombard architecture, the Castello di Belgioioso is known for its elegant rooms and gardens. The Castello di Belgioioso, located in in the province of Pavia, is a prestigious historic residence that hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year. These events range from fashion to wellness, from comics to art, offering engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

Main cultural events

• Officinalia: from 1 to 4 May 2025, the historic event dedicated to organic, biodynamic and ecological food will be held. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in a journey of scents and flavours, taking part in tastings of products such as bread, oil, honey and balsamic vinegar. The 2025 edition will also include workshops, meetings with experts and cooking demonstrations focusing on a sustainable lifestyle.
• Belgioioso Comics and Games: on 14 and 15 June 2025, the castle will host a fair-market dedicated to comics and gadgets. The event will combine art and comics in a historical setting, offering visitors the opportunity to explore exhibition stands, participate in meetings with authors and attend live performances.

belgioiosocomics.co.uk

• Belgioioso Mini Art Festival: scheduled for 20 and 21 September 2025, this festival is dedicated to fans of the world of miniatures. The event will include competitive contests, a market area with exhibitors, workshops with international artists and an area dedicated to role-playing games with fantasy and historical themed demo tables.

belgioiosominiart.it

Information on admission and tickets

Details on ticket times and prices vary depending on the event. For example, for events such as Belgioioso Veg, the full-price ticket is €8, while the reduced price (for children aged 6 to 12, the over 60s, military personnel and the disabled) is €6. Tickets can be purchased directly at the castle ticket offices on event days or online, in some cases benefiting from discounts and priority access.

Experiences for families and children

The Belgioioso Castle offers numerous activities designed for families and children. Events such as the Belgioioso Comics and Games and the Belgioioso Mini Art Festival are particularly suitable for youngsters, offering creative workshops, play areas and interactive shows. In addition, guided tours are organised throughout the year, allowing families to discover the history and legends of the castle in an engaging and educational manner.

Tips for a memorable visit

• Planning: it is advisable to consult the events calendar on the castle’s official website in order to plan your visit to coincide with the events of greatest interest.
• Online Tickets: purchasing tickets online in advance can offer benefits such as discounts and priority access, reducing waiting times at the entrance.
• Children’s : activitiescheck for specific children’s workshops or activities during the events to ensure an enriching experience for children.
• Additional : servicesenquire about the availability of facilities such as picnic areas, refreshment stands and car parks to make your visit more comfortable.
• Organise your trips: an overnight stop in the vicinity of the castle allows you to enjoy the beautiful days in a more relaxed manner, and organise a nice weekend in the Po Valley. AN Hotel Milano Melegnano offers in this sense interesting solutions for your and your family’s stay, children included!

For further details and updates on events and activities at the Castello di Belgioioso, please visit the official website or contact the organisation directly.

belgioioso.it

• Seasonal activities: often hosting events and exhibitions
• Practical information: guided tours by appointment on 0382 970525

Focus on Melegnano and the Southern Area of Milan

What to see in Melegnano

Famous for its historic Castello Mediceo, Melegnano is an ideal destination for those wishing to explore history and culture south of Milan

• What to visit: the Castle is open to the public for cultural events and visits.
• Information: check your local events calendar for unique opportunities.

The Mediceo Castle in Melegnano, located in Piazza Vittoria, is an important historical testimony of the late Middle Ages in Lombardy. In addition to its architectural value, the castle hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for families and children.

Cultural Events at the Castello Mediceo of Melegnano

The Pro Loco Melegnano organises various activities to promote local culture. Among these, guided tours of the castle are particularly popular, offering insights into its history and the vicissitudes of its owners over the centuries.

In addition, events such as ‘Let’s Go Green’, held in the castle courtyard, highlight the local community’s commitment to educational and sustainable projects.

Information on admission and tickets

Guided tours are available at the following times:

• Winter period (winter time):
  • Open: Saturday and Sunday, 14:30 – 17:30
  • Guided tour: 15:30
• Summer period (summer time):
  • Open: Saturday, 14:30 – 17:30; Sunday, 15:00 – 18:30
  • Guided tours: Saturday at 15:30; Sunday at 15:30 and 17:00
• Closures: 15 July to the last Sunday in August; 15 November to the second weekend in March; 1 May; public holidays.

Tariffs and prices

• Adults: €7.00
• Children 0-6 years: Free
• Reduced (6-14 years): €5.00
• Groups (min. 10 persons): €5.00
• Groups with midweek reservation: €7.00

Payment is only accepted in cash at the cash desk. For midweek visits, reservations must be made at least 20 days in advance by writing to: info@prolocomelegnano.it.

prolocomelegnano.it

Experiences for families and children

The castle offers guided tours suitable for all ages, with amateur historical guides available at weekends. Evening and special openings, costume tours, concerts and educational workshops for children are particularly popular with families.

Tips for a memorable visit

• Planning: check opening hours and any seasonal closures before visiting.
• Booking: for large groups or midweek visits, make sure to book in advance.
• Children’s activities: find out about workshops or special events for children.
• Accessibility: the first floor of the castle is barrier-free and accessible via a lift that complies with current regulations.

For further details and updates on events and activities at the Castello Mediceo in Melegnano, please consult the official website of the Pro Loco Melegnano.

Recommended itinerary in the south of Milan

1. Morning in Pavia: start with a visit to the Charterhouse Charterhouse Museum of Pavia, followed by the for a full immersion in history.
2. Afternoon in Belgioioso: stroll through the gardens of the Belgioioso Castle and discover the current exhibitions.
3. Evening in Melegnano: end the day with a visit to the Mediceo Castle and discover the cosy atmosphere of the clubs in the centre. Then dive into the relaxed atmosphere of one of Melegnano’s top restaurants.

The southern must-see area for discovering the cultural wealth of the south of Milan. part of the Milan metropolitan area is a Mainly because you get away from the chaos of the city and discover that just a few kilometres from the centre of Milan there are things to see that make you feel like you are in the open countryside. Whether you are a fan of history, art, or simply looking for a different kind of outing, the area south of Milan offers extraordinary cultural wonders. Don’t miss the chance to enrich your knowledge by exploring these hidden treasures.

The area south of Milan with the Milan South Agricultural Park and the Chiaravalle Abbey

Organising a weekend around Melegnano offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and history, visiting the WWF Oasis Parco delle Noci, exploring the Parco Agricolo Sud Milano and discovering the Abbey of Chiaravalle.

WWF Oasis Walnut Park

Located in Melegnano, at the end of Via Don Minzoni, the Parco delle Noci Oasis is an area of about 4 hectares, the result of an environmental recovery project. The park features a wood with typical species such as farnias, alders, willows and poplars. Part of the area is dedicated to environmental education, with thematic routes and information boards, while a more protected section is reserved for the reconstruction of the natural ecosystem. A renovated building serves as a teaching room and small museum. The oasis is open to the public in the spring and early autumn months; the opening calendar is published on the social channelsWWF Sud Milano. For information and bookings for guided tours, contact WWF Sud Milano at 333/9584890 or by email at sudmilanese@wwf.it

wwf.it

Milan South Agricultural Park

This vast park of more than 47,000 hectares stretches south and south-east of Milan, including agricultural areas, outlying villages, rivers such as the Lambro and Ticino, scattered woods, historic farmsteads and monuments such as the Abbey of Chiaravalle. The park offers numerous itineraries for hiking and cycling, ideal for families. One of the recommended routes leads from Nosedo Park to Chiaravalle Abbey, passing through characteristic rural landscapes.

parks.co.uk

Abbey of Chiaravalle

Founded in the 12th century by St Bernard of Clairvaux, the abbey is a magnificent example of Cistercian architecture, with Romanesque and Gothic elements. Located at 102 Via Sant’Arialdo, a few kilometres south of Milan, the abbey is still inhabited by a monastic community. In addition to the church, it is possible to visit the annexed mill, recently restored, which offers educational workshops for children and families. For information on visiting hours and activities, please consult the official website or contact the infopoint at 02.84930432 or by email at . infopoint@monasterochiaravalle.it

monasterochiaravalle.it

Weekend tips

• Saturday: Start the day with a visit to the WWF Oasis Parco delle Noci, taking part in a guided tour to discover the local flora and fauna. In the afternoon, explore the Parco Agricolo Sud Milano, following one of the recommended nature trails.
• Sunday: dedicate the morning to visiting Chiaravalle Abbey and its mill, participating in the educational workshops offered. In the afternoon, continue exploring the park, perhaps visiting one of the historic farmsteads in the area.

For an optimal experience, it is advisable to check opening hours and any booking requirements for guided tours or educational activities in advance.

 

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