Increa Quarry Park in Brugherio is an 18-hectare green oasis reclaimed from a former clay quarry. It offers a pond that attracts ducks, moorhens, and herons, trails through oak and maple trees, and a large fenced dog area. Ideal for walks, picnics, and nature observation just minutes from the town center.
- Central pond with various waterfowl species like ducks and herons
- Fenced dog area of approximately 2,000 square meters, one of the largest in the province
- Nature trails through woodland and wetland areas with amphibians and insects
- Strategic benches and shaded rest spots for picnics and relaxation
An 18-hectare urban park created from a former clay quarry. Features a central pond with ducks and herons, nature trails, a 2,000 sq m dog area, and scenic benches. Free entry and stroller accessible.
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An Unexpected Oasis
Parco Cava Increa in Brugherio is a green surprise in the heart of Brianza. What immediately strikes you is the contrast between the industrial past and the current natural beauty. The former clay quarry, active until the 1970s, has been completely transformed into a 13-hectare urban park that now features a central pond surrounded by spontaneous vegetation. Walking along the paths, you breathe in an incredible atmosphere of peace, considering you’re just minutes away from the town center. The park has become an essential green lung for the community, with spaces for relaxation and physical activity perfectly integrated into the environment. The view of the pond, especially at sunset, offers moments of pure urban magic.
From Quarry to Park
The story of Cava Increa began in the early 20th century as a clay extraction site for brick production. For decades, it fueled the local industry until its closure in the 1970s. The abandonment allowed nature to spontaneously reclaim the spaces, creating a unique ecosystem. In the 1990s, the Municipality of Brugherio initiated the redevelopment project, definitively transforming the area into a public park in 2003. Today, it stands as a brilliant example of urban regeneration that has returned a space of significant environmental and social value to the community.
- Early 20th century: opening of the clay quarry
- 1970s: cessation of extraction activities
- 1990s: start of the redevelopment project
- 2003: inauguration of the public park
Naturalistic Trails and Biodiversity
The trails of Cava Increa wind through diverse natural environments, offering a true open-air ecology lesson. The main path runs alongside the pond, where you can observe ducks, moorhens, and herons that have chosen this habitat as their home. The vegetation includes native species such as willows, poplars, and oaks, along with aquatic plants that naturally filter the waters. Along the pathways, educational panels explain the local flora and fauna, making the visit an educational experience as well. The environmental diversity is surprising: you transition from the wetland area of the lake to the drier woodland areas in just a few minutes of walking.
Dog Area and Socializing
One of the most appreciated features of Cava Increa is the dedicated dog zone, spacious and well-equipped. This fenced area of approximately 2,000 square meters allows four-legged friends to run freely and socialize safely. Owners will find shaded benches and water stations, creating the perfect environment for animal lovers to meet. The area has become a reference point for the pet-friendly community in Brugherio and the surrounding areas. The careful maintenance and constant cleaning demonstrate the attention given to this service, making the park accessible and enjoyable for all family members, including the four-legged ones.
Why Visit
Three concrete reasons to plan a visit: first, the ease of access – the park is reachable on foot from Brugherio city center and offers free parking. Second, the versatility of the spaces: here you can go jogging on well-maintained paths, engage in sport fishing in the pond (with permit) or simply relax on the scenic benches. Third, the total accessibility – the main trails are navigable with strollers and wheelchairs, making the park inclusive for all ages and abilities. Plus, admission is always free, a significant advantage for families.
The Perfect Moment
The park offers different emotions at every moment of the day. Early in the morning, you can witness the awakening of wildlife, with birds beginning their daily activities. But it’s at sunset that Cava Increa reveals its most magical face: the setting sun’s rays reflect on the pond’s water, creating spectacular light displays. The temperatures are milder and the atmosphere becomes particularly romantic. Even after a summer storm, the park has its own charm, with the clean air and the vegetation’s colors appearing more vivid.
In the Surroundings
Complete your day with a visit to the Colombo Mill in Brugherio, a recently restored ancient water mill that tells the story of the area’s rural heritage. Just a short drive away, you can then reach Monza Park, where you’ll admire the Royal Villa and stroll along its vast tree-lined avenues. Both sites offer fascinating insights into the evolution of the Brianza landscape, from its historical agricultural heritage to its contemporary green spaces.
💡 Did You Know…?
The quarry was active until the 1970s for clay extraction used in the nearby Brugherio kilns. During reclamation works, Roman archaeological finds emerged, testifying to the area’s ancient agricultural vocation. Today, the old quarrymen’s paths have become nature trails, keeping the memory of the place alive.