The Groane is an area of great geological and botanical interest within the larger heathland territory that occupies the upper Lombardy plain. Forested surfaces and vast moorland moorlands constitute the key features of this area. The park is developed on a vast plateau whose soil originally consisted of gravel and sand. Acidification and transformation of the materials into a layer of reddish clay (ferret) made the soil unsuitable for agriculture, favoring the development of heathland, a vast grassland characterized by the presence of heather or calluna, a plant similar to heather. The presence of clay has also favored the spread of quarries for extraction and furnaces for processing. Brick routes are marked on the site, providing access to both quarries and kilns.
What to do in the park
The Groane Park is served by a network of bicycle and pedestrian paths. Along the paths there is a chance to see numerous historic villas dating back to the early 17th century, the furnaces that have made a profit from the park's clay soil since the 18th century, or the former powder magazine. Other sporting opportunities include fishing, archery and horseback riding, thanks to the many specialized centers in the area.
The various species that populate the park are a real treasure for birdwatchers. The LIPU Oasis is a favorite spot for sightings, but guided tours also depart from it, and environmental education initiatives are organized at the Alexander Langer Center. Every Saturday, on the other hand, GEVs (Voluntary Ecological Guards) organize free guided tours of the former powder magazine. To book, write to comunicazione@parcogroane.it.
Farms within the park offer agritourism, catering and educational farm services.
Ingresses
- Cesano Maderno - via Don Orione - Lipu Oasis
- Solaro - via Polveriera - Visitor Center and the Cà del Re site
- Lentate sul Seveso - via Oberdan - Foppa di S. Dalmazio
- Cesate - 14th street and via dei Martiri - Pineta di Cesate
- Misinto - via S.Francesco - Boschi di S. Andrea
- Seveso - via Marsala - Fosso del Ronchetto
- Serenella - FNM Station
- Bollate - 500 m from FNM Station
- Garbagnate - FNM Station
All entrances have parking
By train
- Milan North Railways: line Milan-Seveso
From Cesano Maderno and Seveso railway stations - Ferrovie Nord Milano: line Milan-Saronno-Como
From Bollate Nord, Serenella, Garbagnate Milanese and Cesate railway stations
Credits Photo Groane Park
