Stage 17
Cassano d'Adda > Andalo
The Dolomites at last.
Cassano d'Adda
The Dolomites at last. The 17th stage of the Giro finishes beneath the mountains that more than any others ignite the imagination of cycling fans. But the road to Andalo is long, and it is worth setting off early in order to fully enjoy the magnificent places crossed by the route.
Cassano d’Adda, the stage start, is dominated by the Visconti Castle. The fortress can only be admired from the outside, unlike the sumptuous Villa d’Adda Borromeo which, with its 5,000 square meters and seven hectares of gardens, is one of the grandest villas in Brianza. Its current appearance is the result of an 18th-century project by Piermarini.
Other residences of the ancient Lombard nobility accompany the first kilometers of the stage. These are the so-called “Ville di delizia,” elegant villas overlooking the Adda River or the banks of the Martesana canal, such as the 19th-century Villa Castelbarco Albani, perched on a gentle rise with views over both waterways.
Grumello al Monte, at the foothills of the Orobie Alps, is a land of wine - home to the renowned Valcalepio - which can be discovered through a visit to Castel Grumello. After the inevitable tasting beneath the Gonzaga-built manor, the route reaches Iseo, overlooking the lake of the same name. The town has carefully preserved its medieval layout and contains many buildings of historical significance, including Palazzo dell’Arsenale, the Pieve di Sant’Andrea, and Castello Olofredi.
Andalo
After crossing Passo dei Tre Termini, the route descends into Val Trompia, proud of its mining heritage and closely tied to metalworking traditions. This history is vividly recounted along the Via del Ferro e delle Miniere, which offers a journey through forges, hammers, themed museums, and mining sites still open to visitors, such as the Marzoli Mine in Pezzaze.
Then comes Lake Idro. This romantic body of water deserves a stop, made even more memorable by a visit to the Rocca d’Anfo, the largest Napoleonic fortress in Italy.
Where the lake ends, Trentino begins. The “pink caravan” climbs the Valle del Chiese, which reveals its beauty in full - defying anyone who considers this area merely a transit route toward more famous ski resorts. From Tione di Trento the road heads decisively toward the stage finish, but not before stopping at San Lorenzo in Banale, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, enchanting visitors with its seven hamlets and remarkable examples of traditional Giudicarie houses.
Lake Molveno offers one final opportunity for relaxation before the finish, with its small beaches and lakeside facilities. Along its shores stands the ancient Venetian sawmill Tajalacqua (16th century), recalling the days when local inhabitants worked and sold timber from these forests to the Republic of Venice and the shipyards of nearby Lake Garda. Just beyond lies Andalo, with its magnificent views over the Paganella massif and the Brenta Dolomites. The perfect conclusion to an unforgettable day.
