What to see in Settala: the heart of the Po Valley a stone’s throw from Milan
Lombardy is a land of incredible beauty and history, rich in cities, towns, and municipalities that jealously guard their cultural and artistic heritage. Among these places, Settala, a municipality in the Milanese province that represents an authentic journey into the heart of the Po Valley and Lombardy’s history, deserves a mention. Let us therefore discover this place, where past and present merge into a fascinating tale and discover with AN Hotels what to see in Settala.
The thousand-year history of Settala
Situated in a privileged position between the Adda and Lambro rivers, Settala boasts ancient origins dating back to Roman times. The remains of a road built in the 1st century AD during the reign of Emperor Tiberius bear witness to the ancient Roman presence in the area. Settala’s existence at that time is further confirmed by the discovery of a medal bearing the name of duumvir Julius Settala, to whom the municipality probably owes its name.
Settala’s history is marked by significant events, such as the battle of 1036 between Corrado il Salico and Archbishop Ariberto d’Intimiano, which caused the partial destruction of the settlement. Nevertheless, in 1249, the noble Counts Settala decided to rebuild the village, leaving an indelible mark on Milanese history.
Historical and architectural heritage to discover
The municipality of Settala includes the hamlets of Caleppio (where our AN Park Hotel Settala is based) and Premenugo, rich in history and architectural beauty. Standing out among these is the Cascina Castello in Premenugo, a small 12th-century building with a charming pointed-arch portico. The small 16th-century church, with its statue of Mary Immaculate, is another highlight for art and history enthusiasts.
From agriculture to industry: the transformation of Settala
The transformation of the local economy from an original agricultural vocation towards industry is a significant aspect of Settala’s history. Today, the municipality has seen the birth of numerous companies operating in the construction, plastics, chemical and mechanical sectors, testifying to the community’s capacity for renewal and adaptation.
Settala: a destination not to be missed
Settala is a destination for anyone wishing to explore Lombardy and discover the lesser-known aspects of the region. A place where past and present intertwine and remain immersed in Lombardy’s history, in an area that, while evolving, does not forget its roots.
The Sorgenti della Muzzetta, natural heritage of the Milan metropolitan area
A few kilometres from Milan, the Sorgenti della Muzzetta is a unique nature reserve. The pride of this natural oasis are its seven springs, the hygrophilous forest and numerous species of aquatic vegetation. Visits must be booked in order to preserve the pristine beauty of the place.
Sorgenti della muzzetta, parco agricolo sud milano, some species that are present
In the eastern area of the Parco Agricolo Sud Milano, between the municipalities of Rodano and Settala, are the Sorgenti della Muzzetta, a site that has boasted the title of Biological Nature Reserve since 1983, hosting numerous plant species that enrich this natural oasis just a few kilometres from the Lombard capital. These springs are a distinctive element of the Lombardy landscape, particularly of the resurgence belt, which is the area where groundwater emerges to the surface, protecting an area that preserves the typical elements of the Lombardy lowland landscape, now largely disappeared due to anthropisation.
The resurgence area along the Rivoltana road was once characterised by natural emergencies, and the Muzzetta springs are an example of this phenomenon. This site therefore offers the opportunity to explore and better understand the resurgence ecosystem and to appreciate the natural beauty of this area.
A visit to the Sorgenti della Muzzetta can offer a unique experience for those interested in nature and geology, and is also a way of preserving and enhancing a significant element of the Lombardy landscape.
The reserve is characterised by the presence of seven springs. The Molino, Vallazza and Regelada springs, together with the adjacent hygrophilous forest, form the heart of the reserve. The others, Nuovo, Busca, Boscana and Schenone, located in a more peripheral position, complete the landscape of the reserve, introducing further elements of environmental diversification.
Visiting the Muzzetta Springs
The Muzzetta Springs are only accessible to the public through guided tours conducted by specialised personnel to preserve their naturalistic value. The itinerary through the Nature Reserve is enriched with illustrative panels, rest stops and a hut for observing aquatic avifauna.
What to see
Near the Molino and Vallazza fountains there is a hygrophilous forest where, among specimens of willows and elms, the black alder, a plant of the Betulaceae family, found throughout Europe, stands out. In addition, there is a rich aquatic vegetation to be discovered in this reserve. Here, it is easy to find tall plants such as cattails and water pepper, as well as bulrush and marsh fern. There are also a number of architecturally valuable historic farmsteads around the reserve.
How to get there
To reach the Sorgenti della Muzzetta Nature Reserve, you must arrive in Rodano, setting your navigator to the Vicinale del Duca road.
By car from Milan it takes no more than 35 minutes, driving along the SP14. By train the solution is less convenient because it is necessary to reach Pioltello railway station and from there take a bus.
Head office: C.so di Porta Vittoria, 27 – 20122 Milan (Mi)
Telephone: +390277401
email: parcosud@cittametropolitana.milano.it
Web: https://parcosud.cittametropolitana.mi.it/
https://www.cittametropolitana.mi.it/parco_agricolo_sud_milano/
Borromeo Castle in Peschiera Borromeo
The castle was built from 1422 onwards, according to written records, and is the oldest Borromeo possession in Lombardy. The walls, tower, ravelin and large moat are part of the original structure. The centuries-old plants in the walled garden, the courtyard and the frescoed rooms contribute to creating a unique atmosphere.
It is actually an agricultural building that was renovated and fortified in the early 15th century.
The Borromeo Castle in Peschiera, the oldest Lombard estate of the Borromeos, represents the history of the family, which originated in San Miniato in Tuscany. The Borromeos, initially merchants and bankers, expanded their activities in Lombardy and abroad, so much so that they established a branch in London in 1435 to expand their trade.
Vitaliano Borromeo obtained permission in 1432 from Duke Filippo Maria Visconti to fortify Peschiera, transforming it from a rural building into a castle. San Carlo Borromeo (1538 – 1584) owned Peschiera for a short time before ceding it to his uncle Giulio Cesare.
In the 16th century, Renato, son of Giulio Cesare, completely restored the castle and gave it a residential character. Surrounded to this day by a moat dug five centuries ago, the Borromeo Castle is distinguished by its architecture and its history linked to the Borromeo family.
Guided tours of the Borromeo Castle in Peschiera
The castle, which is privately owned, is not open to the public and is located 5 km from Settala. However, guided tours are organised and are announced well in advance both on this site and in the local press.
When the castle is not the venue for other events, visits by groups of scholars or schools for pupils over seven years of age can be
arranged with the property between April and September. Any requests regarding these visits must be made exclusively by e-mail.
info@castelloborromeo.it
Piazza Castello, 1 – Peschiera Borromeo
Borromeo Castle of Peschiera
Piazza Castello, 1
20068 Peschiera Borromeo
https://www.castelloborromeo.it/
Borromeo Castle of Corneliano Bertario
In the year 1158, Frederick Barbarossa, wishing to cross the Adda with his army to lay siege to Milan, found himself facing the Cassano bridge garrisoned by the Milanese. He then looked for a ford further south and found it at Corneliano. During the river crossing, according to chroniclers of the time, he suffered the loss of over two hundred of his armed soldiers. At that time, the Adda formed vast swamps in the area known as Lake Gerundo.
Castello borromeo in corneliano bertario, photo by piero marzani
Four years later, Barbarossa returned to Corneliano where he established his camp for a short time. The town of Corneliano, founded by the Romans, was already a thousand years old at the time, as the archaeological finds demonstrate. It housed a ‘pieve’ with an adjoining rectory and by the 14th century there were three local churches.
In 1385, Barnabò Visconti, Lord of Milan, donated a vast agricultural and woodland estate in Corneliano to the Ospedale Maggiore. In the same years, the Bishop of Lodi claimed the right to extract gold from the banks of the Adda from Corneliano Bertario, up to its confluence with the Po.
The oldest part of the castle dates back to that period: the square tower at the corner of the square, with its imposing walls almost two metres wide, built with materials from older buildings. In the following 15th and 16th centuries, other parts were added: the building housing the hall, the ravelin with its small stone corbels, the stone wall and the rampart that defended the Castle from the Adda side. Finally, the tiny dungeons with only three logs. Ownership of the Castle passed from the Ospedale Maggiore to the Bigli family, then to the Gallarati Scotti family and finally to the Borromeo family.
Today, the castle is a venue for events and can be visited, but it is necessary to inquire and book directly at the contacts below.
Piazza Gallarati Scotti, 20060 Truccazzano (MI)
Phone: +39 335 595 6981
Mail: info@castellodicornelianobertario.it
Settala stands as a living witness to Lombardy’s history, uniting past and present. Passing through the ancient streets and historic buildings we have presented in this article, we were able to perceive the profound heritage of this locality, immersed in the Lombardy countryside.
But there is more to Settala than history and architecture; there is also its transformation from an agricultural centre to an industrial hub, a symbol of the resilience and adaptability of the local community. To complete the experience, we got to know better the Sorgenti della Muzzetta, a natural oasis of inestimable value, nestled between Rodano and Settala, offering a fascinating portrait of Lombardy’s scenic beauty. Settala is undoubtedly a destination not to be missed for those wishing to learn more about Lombardy.
AN Hotels: your starting point for discovering Milan and the whole metropolitan area
Staying at AN Park Hotel in Settala, you will be in the thick of the celebrations in the city. Our comfortable rooms and top-notch staff will ensure you have a pleasant stay, while you immerse yourself in the spirit of Milan.
External view of an park hotel milano est settala with the new official an hotels logo
Stay in Settala with AN Park Hotel
Why not make your trip an even more special experience by staying at AN Park Hotel Settala? Our location close to the city centre, but at the same time out of the chaos and immersed in silence, will allow you to easily reach all the events and places related to the Milan metropolitan area, including Settala, while our comfortable rooms and excellent service will make your stay in Milan a pleasure.
Experience Milan with AN Park Hotel Settala
Milan is the living stage for a trip to the top. Join us at AN Park Hotel Settala to celebrate the change taking place and discover all that Milan has to offer.
Come to Settala and book your stay at AN Park Hotel Settala. You will live a unique cultural experience, immersed in the charm and history of Settala. Don’t wait, book your room at AN Park Hotel Settala today!
AN Park Hotel ibis Styles Settala
Email: info@an-hotels.com
Phone: +3902839901
Address: Via delle Industrie, Snc, 20090 Milano
