Gelso

Hidden within Milan’s bustling urban landscape lies a secret, a green oasis known as Parco del Gelso. This isn’t just any park. It’s a sprawling 980 hectares, a testament to a harmonious blend of nature and human ingenuity. Parco del Gelso stretches across three communes: Marcallo con Casone, Mesero, and Santo Stefano Ticino. Established officially in 2008, Parco del Gelso is more than just a green space. It’s a vital corridor, a green lung nestled between the A4 motorway and the high-speed railway. Imagine standing amidst the flat, fertile plains, the air filled with the scent of earth and the gentle murmur of flowing water. Parco del Gelso boasts a remarkable irrigation system. It’s a network of canals branching out from the Villoresi, interspersed with numerous fontanili, those unique spring-fed water sources. These fontanili, often marked by clusters of trees, were once shaded by mulberry trees (gelsi, giving the park its name). Now, you’ll find rows of robinias and late-blooming cherry trees. Picture yourself strolling along the historic, tree-lined roads connecting numerous rural courtyards, a glimpse into the area’s agricultural past. The landscape is a patchwork of cultivated fields, mainly corn, occasionally broken by poplar groves. Cattle farms, predominantly dairy, dot the landscape, a reminder of the agricultural heart of this region. Parco del Gelso is a haven, a testament to the delicate balance between progress and preservation. It’s a place where the whispers of history intertwine with the rustling leaves and the gentle flow of water, inviting you to explore its hidden depths and discover its secrets.