Montevecchia

Montevecchia is a small village in Lecco province, between Milan and the city of Lecco, in northern Italy.

Understand
Montevecchia is most renowned for its cosy historical center, Montevecchia alta, which lies on the top of a tall hill offering great views on the entire Po Plain. For this reason it's known as the Tetto della Brianza (Brianza's rooftop)

The hill it also stands in the middle of the Parco Regionale di Montevecchia e della Valle del Curone, a green and quiet oasis in the middle of the busy and noisy Brianza.

By car
You can reach Montevecchia by car from Milan (about 45 minutes), take the A51 (tangenziale est) motorway northward up to Agrate, then continue toward Lecco until you reach Cernusco Lombardone, then turn left toward Montevecchia.

Be aware that in sunny days it can become overcrowded and park your car can become a difficult task.

By train
You can also reach the park by train, from Milano to Cernusco-Lombardone/Merate station, but it's a bit far from the park border and the first part of the journey can be boring. Take a map with you, the path to the park border is not always well marked.

Once you are inside the park, you can reach the top of the hill if you don't mind to climb a bit.

Get around
The park and the village is best enjoyed by foot or by bike.

Few paths are forbidden to bikers, to prevent erosion damages. Check the signs before taking a path with your bike.

See
Montevecchia alta is worth a visit to enjoy spectacular views over the po' plain. You can spot Milan skyscrapers in the distance, and even the Appennines on the other side of the plain if the weather is particularly good (best view are in sunny and windy days, unfortunately Milan's smog usually pollute the view).

Just stroll around the old village, the center is forbidden to cars.

In the main plaza you can spot Villa Agnesi, here the great Italian matematician Maria Gaetana Agnesi lived for a while. The villa is privately owned and it is not accessible.

Climb to the highest point of the village, the Santuario della Beata Vergine del Carmelo. On Sunday the terrace is opened for free.

Do
The Curone park is a quiet place with many well maintained paths good for walking, MTB or just some relax in the sun.

The park offers facilities for picnic at the Ca' del soldato structure. Be aware that this is a favourite spot for locals and can be crowded on sunny days, especially during summer weekends.

Ca' del soldato also hosts a little museum, about the local flora and fauna. The museum is free and kept opened by volunteers, it's open on Saturnday and Sunday.

Buy
The park is a well established (although not famous) wine zone, and famous goat cheeses (formaggini di Montevecchia) are also made inside the park.

Wine bottles can be bought at various locations. You can also buy fresh cheese, but keep in mind that it should be kept refrigerated and doesn't last long.

Eat
Restaurants can be found in Montevecchia. Traditional cuisine, usually in agritourism is offered in the park.

Go next

 * Paderno D'Adda