Manzoni, Leonardo da Vinci, and Checco Zalone: Less than 40 kilometers from Milan

When you think of Milan, you think of the frenetic and bustling pace of a modern city that is always at the forefront of fashion and innovation. Indeed, Milan is one of Italy's main economic and cultural hubs. However, just a few kilometers away from the city, you'll find places rich in history and tranquility, seemingly frozen in time, offering a perfect escape.

When you think of tranquility, how can you not think of Morimondo (35 km) and its Cistercian abbey, founded during the Middle Ages by French monks from Burgundy with the intention of creating an offshoot of the Morimond Abbey? Nestled amidst the greenery in the heart of the Ticino Valley, it's easy to relate to the etymology of the name, 'dying to the things of the world,' especially when considering the hustle and bustle just 30 kilometers away.

Amidst rice fields, farms, and orchards, you might recognize some locations from famous films, as the abbey has been featured in productions like Checco Zalone's 'Cado dalle Nubi,' snippets of Renato Pozzetto's 'Papà dice messa,' and the TV series 'Benedetti dal Signore' starring Ezio Greggio and Enzo Iacchetti.

Just outside Milan, you'll also find Trezzo sull'Adda, a town with Celtic origins (its original name, 'trecc,' would mean 'promontory' and comes from the Celtic tribe), where historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci, who studied its navigability, and Alessandro Manzoni, who set many scenes of 'I Promessi Sposi' here, have left their mark. This lush green place, perfect for escaping the fast pace of life, also offers the visitor the Visconti Castle, built by Barnabò Visconti, with one of its main towers standing at an impressive 42 meters.

It might sound peculiar, but a visit to the Taccani hydroelectric power plant is also worthwhile. It's a remarkable example of Art Nouveau architecture that blends perfectly with the surrounding environment. And for hiking enthusiasts, the iconic Pizzo Tre Signori is not too far away, offering options for various levels of preparedness and a desire to tackle climbs, providing the perfect setting for a day of beautiful landscapes, spirituality, and physical activity.

In the Milan branch of Edilfar Rent, you can rent a Yaris Cross for two months to visit these and other places in the Milan hinterland for your day trips! The Yaris 5-door hybrid SUV is ideal for a comfortable journey without compromising on power, with its front-wheel drive, maximum speed of 170 km/h, and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 11 seconds. Inside the cabin, you'll find multifunction controls on the steering wheel, a multi-information display with a 7-inch color screen, fabric interiors, and electric power steering. Come and discover it at our locations!"