… a world away from the metropolis. The Parco Regionale di Montevecchia e della Valle del Curone (Montevecchia and Curone Valley Regional Park) is only 30min by train from Milan, so one could even consider coming here after work, depending on the light. Cyclists, hikers and runners alike delight in the clean air and in the splendid forested hills, passing active and abandoned farmhouses as they meander up the vineyard-covered hill of Montevecchia. Crowned by its sanctuary church, Montevecchia is clearly seen on the approach by train, as it is the first hill to rise above the Po river plain in the direction of Lecco. Local wineries have started making some fine wines (try the Viognier by Terrazze di Montevecchia), and there are a number of good restaurants along the Montevecchia crest – but to truly experience the area one should explore on foot or bicycle before settling in for an aperitif or lunch.
The 5:50pm train from Milano Centrale arrives in Cernusco-Merate at 6:17pm, at the base of the park. Hikers/runners should leave the train station from the back entrance (towards the hill), take a left and then the first right up Via Carlo Porta. Follow this road until it ends on Viale Europa (a busy road). Directly across the street is a small parking lot and a trail entrance to the park. After about ten minutes walking along this trail, take a left on a small path that crosses a stream and starts to ascend through the cornfields. After another 15-20min you’ll reach the asphalt road; follow this uphill to the sanctuary church and village. This is the quickest route to Montevecchia (1-1.5 hour’s walk from the train station); there is no way to avoid the road but there are nice views towards Resegone and Grigna mountains (above Lake Como) and across the Po river plain towards Milan, and on a clear day one can spy the curve of the Alps towards Monte Rosa and Monviso. For the descent: from the water spigot which you passed on your way up (near a park office), instead of going back the way you came to the left, head right down the stairs. There are good views up to Montevecchia; this trail/road is well-marked and leads you back to the Viale Europa parking area.
With more time/daylight one can make a loop from Montevecchia by continuing on the asphalt road past the village – the asphalt eventually becomes dirt, and a number of trails lead off to the right into the park. You might get lost, but that is half the fun (maps should be available at the park offices – but you still might get lost). You’ll eventually hook up with the lower trail coming from the Viale Europa entrance. Allow for several hours hiking; you can make a picnic by purchasing cheese and wine from some of the producers in town.
Montevecchia is a favorite for cyclists. Road cyclists often arrive from Milan, following the Martesana canal path to the Adda river path, then up the Adda towards Lecco. They can then take their bikes back to the city on the train.
Enjoy an aperitif with local wine and cheese at one of Montevecchia’s bars. Attenzione with the imbibing – remember, you still have to make it down the hill to the train station or your car in the twilight!
Buona esplorazione in Brianza!
