Located on the northern outskirts of Milan, Desio takes its name from the Latin “ad decimum” as it is 10 Roman miles from the capital. It was the setting for a battle between the Visconti and the della Torre families in 1277 and was where Pope Pius XI was born in 1857.
Things to do in Desio
In the heart of Desio is the Basilica dei Santi Siro e Materno, which was designed by Camillo Ciniselli in the mid-17th century. Its elegant facade features Ionic pilasters and a triangular tympanum while the interior of the church is decorated with frescoes depicting Biblical scenes. Take note of the Baroque high altar, which dates back to 1744.
One of Desio’s most magnificent buildings is Villa Cusani Tittoni Traversi, which was built on the site of a 13th-century Franciscan convent. The current Neoclassical villa was redesigned in 1776 by Giuseppe Piermarini while the English-style gardens were conceived with the help of botanist Luigi Villoresi. Join a guided tour to explore the villa’s period-furnished rooms and the Neo-Renaissance chapel, which features encaustic paintings by the Gerli brothers.
Desio makes an excellent base for visiting the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, a legendary racing facility that provides a setting for the Italian Grand Prix each year. Surrounded by woodlands, it features three tracks that have hosted some of the best Formula One drivers in the world. In addition to car and motorcycle races, the Monza Circuit also features cycling and running events featuring international stars.
Getting around Desio
Desio is a 30-minute drive from the centre of Milan and 40 minutes from Malpensa Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular trains connect from the Italian capital to the Desio railway station and buses travel throughout the city, accessing most of its attractions.