• Parks
    • Active & Green

Groane Park Lombardy

Settled close to the cities the park is marked by its moorlands and some important historical villas

Groane Parkwhich covers over 3,400 hectares, occupies the most continuous and important semi-natural terrain of the Lombard high plains north west of Milan.

The last forests of great oaks and towering pines stand protected between houses, buildings and industries. The old ruins of industrial kilns mark the landscape with their brick walls. The ancient aristocratic villas that dot the landscape with their gardens serve as a reminder of the past.

The Regional Park was founded in 1976 through the concerted efforts of Lombardy's cities and regional government. Since 1984 a spatial plan has been instituted that regulates the use of the areas, to create a harmonious balance between nature conservation, agriculture and tourism. The nature reserves found here have been named sites of Community interest. All of these wonders are located within the confines of the city, amid the swarm of traffic and the bustling rhythm of urban life. The park also has a series of bicycle paths, which allows the locals to stay in touch with nature, without having to leave the city.

Groane Park is a moorland area of peculiar geological interest, consisting of clay "ferritized" shelves that harbour the park's unique environment and flora. The moors are vast grasslands, characterised by a small shrub, known as Calluna, a variety of heather that explodes in late-August with lush pink blossoms. The pine forests are sparsely populated mostly with Scots pines, especially in Cesate, which was planted by the forestry commission in the 18th century. The oak forests are the most mature forests in the park, with their mighty English oaks and durmast oaks, with the alternating presence of birch, maple, hornbeam, with ash trees in the cooler corners of the woods. The most interesting species of wildlife that call the park their home include the fox, squirrel, woodpecker, dormouse, kestrel and the long-eared owl.

The park also encompasses many sites of historical and artistic interest, such as the hamlet of Castellazzo di Bollate, the Valera di Arese mansion, Villa Borromeo in Senago, the Cascina Mirabella farmhouse in Lentate sul Seveso and the traces of industrial archaeology.

On the same topic

The treasures of Monza Park

An oasis of peace, well-being and culture, Monza Park is a popular spot for an invigorating break in contact with nature.
  • Parks
The treasures of Monza Park

From Lake Ceresio to Lake Maggiore through Valcuvia

  • Parks
Valcuvia

In Monza for the Foliage

From the Villa Reale Gardens to the monumental trees in Monza Park, find the best corners to enjoy the foliage.
  • Parks
Foliage Parco di Monza

Mincio Park

Along the river Mincio, from Lake Garda to the Po, along foot and cycle paths crossing a mosaic of evocative scenery
  • Parks
Parco del Mincio

South Milan Agricultural Park

A green belt around Milan that includes municipalities, with protected areas, itineraries, many initiatives and events
  • Parks
Sud Milano Agricultural Park

6 parks close to the city

From the green heart of Como to Vanzago Woods, check out 6 parks for day trips
  • Parks
Oasi WWF Vanzago (MI)

Park North Milan

The green lung of Milan: woods, meadows and fresh springs
  • Parks
North Milan Park

The mills and the river olona

A path to fully understand the life of the river, which from a natural element becomes strength at the service of man.
  • Parks
The Mills and The River Olona

Spina Verde Regional Park

Into the park woods, discovering a rich flora-fauna and architectural heritage
  • Parks
Spina Verde Regional Park

Lombard Park of the Ticino Valley

The territories along the blue river are populated by excellences of fauna and historical beauties
  • Parks
Lombard Park of the Ticino Valley

St. Martin's Day, chestnuts and wine

North Adda Park: autumn traditions.
  • Parks
San Martino, chestnuts and wine - Pontida, vineyards and forests in autumn

North Grigna Park

The Lake of Lecco on one side and Valsassina on the other of the Park to determine the wealth of habitat and fauna
  • Parks
Parco della Grigna Settentrionale

Park Bergamask Orobie

In the park that includes a hundred of lakes, both natural and artificial, the ptarmigan and the golden eagle are at home
  • Parks
Bergamo Orobie Mountains Park

Six things to do with children in Lombardy

Museums, Indiana Jones-style adventures and school farms. Discover Lombardy for children
  • Parks
Vista di Grosio

Parks to rediscover the wildlife

True sanctuaries dedicated to biodiversity, these nature reserves safeguard Lombardy's wildlife heritage and teach us to respect it
  • Parks
Parks to rediscover the wildlife - istockphoto - folaga lago di comabbio

Park Campo dei Fiori

Located in the Pre-Alps, the park of Varese is home to wetlands, natural areas and a rich variety of flora and fauna
  • Parks
Campo dei Fiori Regional Park

Alto Garda Bresciano Park

With an area of about 38,000 hectares, the park is positioned between lake Garda and mountains
  • Parks
Alto Garda Bresciano Park

Sunday at Mincio Regional Park

  • Parks
Sunday at Mincio Regional Park

Lodges in Lombardy

  • Parks
I migliori rifugi in Lombardia

Appiano Gentile and Tradate Pinewood Regional Park

A plain-forest, lively and rich in naturalness, in forestry, agricultural and social activities
  • Parks
Appiano Gentile and Tradate Pinewoods Park