Morimondo: Abbey, Museums and Trails

Morimondo brings together the Cistercian abbey, several museums, and trails in the surrounding area of Parco del Ticino. If you are looking for a hotel in Morimondo, you can plan your stay around your interests: architectural history and art, religious themes, or a trail that takes in the forest and agriculture.

The Abbey and Its Architectural History

Morimondo Abbey was founded in 1134 by Cistercian monks from the French Abbey of Morimond. Construction of the abbey church began in 1182 and was completed in 1296. The founding and church construction thus mark different stages in the history of the site. A notable feature inside the church is the wooden choir stalls: their 70 walnut inlaid seats were made by Francesco Giramo by 1522.

Museums with Different Areas of Focus

The Museo dell'Abbazia is devoted to Cistercian monasticism and presents its architecture, art, and miniature painting, as well as the transformation of the surrounding area. The museum’s former dormitory displays Lombard wooden sculptures from the 17th and 18th centuries. This places topics from the history of the monastery alongside works from a later period.

The Civico Museo Angelo Comolli preserves a collection of works by Angelo Comolli, an Art Nouveau artist and fresco painter. It consists mainly of large preparatory cartoons for figurative decorations. The museum can only be visited as part of a guided tour, which lasts about 30 minutes. Check visiting arrangements before you arrive.

The Museo d'Arte Sacra offers a different focus: across 1,500 square metres, it presents themes from faith, art, and tradition. The museum includes 42 dioramas, all of which come from Santa Maria alle Grazie. If you compare the museums, you will find a thematic focus on religious subjects here, while the Museo dell'Abbazia explores Cistercian monasticism from several perspectives.

Trecentesca and Medieval History

Trecentesca is an international event dedicated to historical reenactments of the Middle Ages. It is set in the era of the Visconti and is associated with the Battle of Casorate. Since May 2015, it has been held in two formats: in even-numbered years, there is a full edition with military camps and a battle reenactment. In odd-numbered years, it is followed by the shorter Aspettando Trecentesca – Giornate Trecentesche, which focuses on scenes from everyday life and medieval crafts. The specific programme may vary from year to year; check the dates for your travel period.

Trail and Landscape

Parco del Ticino features the Sentiero Morimondo – Percorso tra storia e agricoltura, an educational trail about 2.7 kilometres long. The trail passes through a small woodland with vegetation typical of the forests of Parco del Ticino. The educational programme for the 2020/21 school year also included observing and analysing the rice, maize, and cereal crops present. A trail description from that school year gives the start and end point as near the car park by Morimondo cemetery; check the route on site. Larger stands of Marcite can still be found near the abbey today.

There is also a specific connection to the area around the abbey for cyclists: the Naviglio di Bereguardo has a stretch of paved, easy-to-ride cycle path there. On foot, the seventh stage of the Via Francisca del Lucomagno reaches its first point of interest, Morimondo, after seven kilometres. If you plan to walk this stage, check the route before setting out. This lets you distinguish between an educational trail focused on woodland and agriculture, a section of cycle path, and a long-distance walking stage when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: San Zenone Al Lambro, Cusano Milanino, Ortica, Cerro Maggiore, Pozzo D'adda, Magenta, Concorezzo, Arconate

For the overview of the wider area: Milan.