Lago Nord di Cinisello Balsamo

“So this is the Lago Nord?”. You might be surprised to hear that this peaceful lake wasn’t always here. In fact, it only emerged in 2011, but its story goes back much further. Lago Nord di Cinisello Balsamo is part of Parco Nord Milano, a vast metropolitan park that spans over 640 hectares, encompassing a mix of forests, meadows, and agricultural areas. Now, before you picture cows grazing here, this land was once quite different. Imagine factories and workshops filling the area, remnants of Milan’s industrial past. In the late 1960s, a bold vision took root, to transform these vacant spaces into a haven for nature and people. This vision came to fruition in 1975 when Parco Nord Milano became a regional park. Over time, the park blossomed, and one of its most prominent features, Lago Nord di Cinisello Balsamo, was created. This lake, fed by the Villoresi Canal, was born amidst the neighborhoods of Bruzzano and Niguarda. The lake sits in a secluded corner of Parco Nord Milano, offering a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. And you know what’s pretty cool? You can actually walk through the historic Villa Manzoni and its park in nearby Cormano to reach this lake. It’s a pretty unique way to delve deeper into Parco Nord Milano’s history and beauty. So, next time you find yourself gazing over the tranquil surface of Lago Nord di Cinisello Balsamo, remember that this little jewel of the park serves as a reminder of Milan’s transformation from an industrial hub to a haven of green spaces.