Tre Fontane Spring, Casterno, Milan, Italy

## Overview Fontanile Le Tre Fontane ("The Three Fountains Spring") is a charming natural spring located near the hamlet of Casterno, in the municipality of Robecco sul Naviglio, within the metropolitan area of Milan, Italy. Nestled along the route toward Carpenzago, this spring takes its name from the three distinct water sources that feed it — a feature that has made it a beloved local landmark for generations. The spring is enveloped by lush, thick vegetation and natural galleries of mature trees, creating a shaded, tranquil retreat that feels worlds away from the nearby urban sprawl of Milan. The area around Casterno sits within the Ticino River valley, a region known for its network of fontanili — natural artesian springs where groundwater rises to the surface through permeable gravel and sand layers deposited by ancient glacial activity. These fontanili are an important part of Lombardy's hydrological and ecological heritage, supporting unique wetland habitats and historically providing clean water to surrounding communities. The water from Tre Fontane has been reported to flow pure and clear throughout all seasons, a characteristic typical of the deep-aquifer-fed fontanili of the Po Plain. Historically, springs like this one served as vital freshwater sources for local agriculture and daily life long before modern water infrastructure arrived in the region. ## Directions 1. From central Casterno (a frazione of Robecco sul Naviglio), head in the direction of Carpenzago along the local road connecting the two hamlets. 2. The spring is situated along this route, surrounded by dense tree cover — look for the characteristic canopy of trees and the clearing where the three fountain heads are visible. 3. **GPS coordinates:** 45.42°N, 8.87°E — use these for precise navigation, as the spring can be easy to miss amid the thick vegetation. *Note: The area is rural with narrow roads. Parking may be limited to roadside pull-offs near the spring.* ## What to Expect Visitors to Fontanile Le Tre Fontane will find a peaceful, shaded natural area where three spring sources emerge from the ground. The surrounding landscape is defined by dense vegetation and arching tree canopies that form natural galleries overhead, offering welcome shade in the warmer months. The water has been noted for its clarity and consistent flow year-round, which is characteristic of the fontanili springs found across the Lombardy plain. The setting is ideal for a quiet walk or a moment of rest in a genuinely unspoiled corner of the Milanese countryside. As this is a natural spring in a rural area, there are no formal facilities on-site. The terrain is generally flat and accessible, but paths may be uneven or muddy after rain. The spring is best visited during daylight hours, and the surrounding greenery is especially beautiful in spring and early summer when the vegetation is at its most vibrant.