The best walks and hikes around Chieve

The legend of the deaf-mute child is linked to the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Fontane, located in Casaletto Ceredano, in the province of Cremona (Lombardy). Tradition has it that before 1687, an eight-year-old deaf-mute boy named Abele got lost in the local marshes. The Madonna appeared to him, took care of him by making a fountain spring forth, and restored his hearing and speech.

In view of this small wayside shrine, which the builders dedicated to the Madonna, I would like to offer the viewer a brief reflection from Saint Padre Pio (Pio da Pietrelcina, 1887 to 1968): “Always stay close to this Heavenly Mother, for she is the sea that must be crossed to reach the shores of eternal splendor.”

In the left nave of the great abbey, a monosylvan canoe is proudly displayed, that is, dug out of a single oak trunk (Turkey oak), found in 1987 in the muddy bed of the Adda. It is a linter (from the Latin linter, lintris = vessel, small boat), a type of river vessel typical of the Po Valley, used for towed transport from the shore or for connections, for unloading goods, between the bank and the larger boats that were stationed in the middle of the waterway. Widespread between the 2nd century BC and the 11th century AD, lintres disappeared in the late Middle Ages due to the rarefaction of the large acorn-bearing oaks that characterized the local habitat. But if the Turkey oaks that dominated this floodplain area of the Adda unchallenged for millennia have almost completely disappeared, their memory has remained imprinted in the name of the towns; Abbadia Cerreto, precisely, and Casaletto Ceredano (that is, rich in Turkey oaks).

Beautiful little church on the cycle path from Vailate to Crema

Excellent location for a relaxing break during a bike ride. In fact, near the sanctuary there is a bench and water surface which are excellent for resting and enjoying nature.

A beautiful 11th-century Cistercian abbey nestled in the Lodi countryside. Inside, an ancient vessel dating back to the first centuries AD, discovered in the area, is preserved. The location is also perfect for a break during your tour, offering the opportunity to rest on the benches in the adjacent park (with a restroom available).

Legend has it that an eight-year-old deaf-mute boy, Abel, wandered away from home before 1687 and got lost in the swamps of the area. He was searched in vain, unable to hear the calls, he spent the night outside. The next day he was able to hear the calls and spoke, no longer being deaf or mute. He said he had spent the night in the company of a peasant woman who had made a fountain flow to quench his thirst. After this miracle, devotion to the Madonna delle Fontane began.

Place of devotion dating back to a legend that tells of a child who got lost in the swamps and was saved at this point by the apparition of a woman who gave him something to drink. Very quiet area for running.