Between Villa Crivelli and the Maria della Noce SanctuaryViale dei Cipressi extends , an enchanting path surrounded exclusively by cypress trees.
The choice of cypress is emblematic of the sacredness of the avenue , since, within the Christian tradition, it is considered one of the woods used for the cross of Christ, together with palm, cedar and olive tree.
The Viale dei Cipressi d'Inverigo, one of the first baroque works of linear perspective, stands out for its monumental grandeur, conceived by the Crivelli family to celebrate their prestige and power.
Its history has its roots in September 1664, when the Marquis Giovan Battista Crivelli decided to create this stretch of road to facilitate the connection between the village of Inverigo and the Sanctuary , defining it "a shorter way to reach the source of salvation" . Even today, a plaque walled up at the entrance to the avenue commemorates its creation.
Subsequently, in 1691, Enea Crivelli decided to extend the avenue , maintaining its linearity but starting to climb a slope up to Roccolo del Navello , known today as "stradùn in pee" by the locals.
In 1722, the avenue was further extended, reaching the "Giant's Staircase" and reaching a total length of 2 kilometres.
Evidence from the past reveals that the avenue , centuries ago, was surrounded by terraces with fruit trees, vines and stone statues, of which today only the bases remain.
The history of the Viale dei Cipressi was marked by the advent of the Milan-Asso railway in 1879, when the Crivelli family agreed to the passage of the tracks through the avenue , on the condition that every train always stopped in Inverigo. Although this interrupted the continuity of the avenue , it guaranteed the town an important railway service.
Environmental protection of Viale dei Cipressi
In 1960, the Viale dei Cipressi was declared an environmental restriction and recognized as a distinctive element of Inverigo, representing a place of regional identity. In 2004, the "Le Contrade" association financed a restoration to restore the stone guides along the avenue .
Today, the Cypress Avenue is an integral part of the Camino di Sant'Agostino, helping to preserve and enhance the rich cultural and landscape heritage of the region.
To reach the suggestive Viale dei Cipressi in Inverigo , you can follow different roads depending on your starting point:
By Car: If you are traveling by car, you can reach Inverigo via the SS35 dei Giovi (Strada Statale 35), then follow the signs for the town centre. Once there, look for signs to the Santuario Maria della Noce or Villa Crivelli, the starting points of the Viale dei Cipressi.
Public Transport : If you prefer to use public transport, you can take a train to Inverigo station, located along the Milan-Asso line. From the station, you can reach the center of Inverigo on foot or with a short local bus ride. Once in the centre, follow the signs for the Santuario Maria della Noce or the Villa Crivelli to begin your walk along the Viale dei Cipressi.
On foot or by bike : If you want a more active experience, you can reach Inverigo on foot or by bike following the paths or cycle paths in the area. Once in the village, head towards the Maria della Noce Sanctuary or Villa Crivelli to begin your journey along the suggestive Viale dei Cipressi.
Regardless of the means of transport you choose, once you arrive at the starting point, simply follow the signs and enjoy the tranquil beauty of this walk surrounded by majestic cypress trees.