Abbazia di Morimondo

History

Founded in 1134 by Cistercian monks from Morimond, in Burgundy, the abbey of Santa Maria di Morimondo is a masterpiece of Cistercian Gothic in Lombard brick, overlooking the Ticino valley that the monks reclaimed with granges and canals. Its scriptorium produced codices still studied today. Fallen into decline under commendatory abbots and suppressed in 1799, it is now cared for by the Fondazione Abbatia Sancte Marie de Morimundo, which runs tours and cultural life; the village is a stage on the Via Francisca del Lucomagno.

Visiting

What to see

Romanesque basilica in red brick. Medieval cloister. Inlaid wooden choir from the XVIII century. Refectory. Cistercian water system with water meadows and canals.

Surroundings

South Milan countryside. Ticino River. Cycling tourism along the Navigli. Agricultural villages. Traditional Lombard gastronomy.

Visitor information

Winter: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM-12:00 PM, 2:30 PM-4:00 PM; Sun 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. Summer: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM-6:00 PM; Sun 9:00 AM-7:00 PM. Guided tours Sat 3:30 PM.

Contacts

02 94961919 · abbaziamorimondo.it · fondazione@abbaziamorimondo.it

Hospitality and where to sleep

Guesthouse available

Pilgrim hospitality in the abbey guesthouse (Via Francisca del Lucomagno network), by reservation through the Foundation; alternatively Hotel Morimondo on the little square.

Beds and prices

The abbey guesthouse is part of the pilgrim hospitality network of the Via Francisca del Lucomagno: basic beds by reservation through the Foundation (tel. 02 94961919, Mon-Thu 9am-12pm), conditions to be agreed. Right on the Piazzetta dei Cistercensi there is also the Hotel Morimondo, in a converted eighteenth-century farmhouse (mid-range); farm stays in the Ticino Park round out the options.

Services

Bars, trattorias and restaurants in the village, which thrives on Sunday outings; water available in the square and in the cafés. Via Francisca credential can be stamped. Seasonal church hours (morning and afternoon, longer on Sundays and in summer); good phone coverage, card payments in the cafés. The countryside around is the real thing: last serious resupply in Abbiategrasso.

Places to stay nearby (within 15 km)

No places listed within 15 km yet: the overnight network is a work in progress.

Getting there by bike

The classic, safe route from Milan: the Naviglio Grande cycle path to Abbiategrasso, then the cycle path towards Bereguardo with a turn-off for Morimondo, all flat, on asphalt and firm gravel, in the Ticino Park. The abbey overlooks the village square with a short final ramp; leave the bike in the square. Free entry to the church during opening hours; guided tours of the monastery on Saturday afternoons and Sundays by reservation.

The Naviglio Grande accompanies riders to Abbiategrasso, then the Ticino countryside leads straight to Morimondo. The guesthouse on the piazza is designed for those arriving on two wheels too. Beyond the village, serious supplies stay behind in Abbiategrasso.

Bike left in the piazza after the short final ramp. Bars, trattorias and restaurants in the village; last serious supply stop in Abbiategrasso.

Map and stages