10 stages in Piedmont

10 STAGES IN PIEDMONT

We are on our second appointment, and this time we will have a walk in Piedmont. Let’s see what surprises we will find!

#1 – SACRA DI SAN MICHELE

My aunt brought me here a few years ago. I didn’t know what it was, but as soon as I found myself under this mountain dominated by the Sacra, I decided that I would start exploring the world. Stories of magic and legends revolve around the site; it is said to be on the magic line of San Michele, which connects Mont Saint Michel in France to Monte Sant’ Angelo in Puglia. This is the place that inspired Umberto Eco for The Name of the Rose. The sanctuary consists of various buildings on several levels in Romanesque and Gothic style. At the top of the entrance staircase you can find the masterful zodiac door.

#2 – ORTA SAN GIULIO

Lake Orta is an Italian pearl, and one of my favorite places. Walking through the tree-lined avenues that lead to the Sacro Monte, eating a miaccia stuffed with Toma cheese, or taking the ferry to reach the island of Orta San Giulio, you will be filled with an unforgettable emotion. The island was once inhabited by scary dragons and poisonous snakes, which only San Giulio managed to cast out. The path of silence that runs throughout the island is also interesting.

#3 – SAFARI IN VARALLO POMBIA

Take your car and go in search of antelopes, rhinos, lions, giraffes, and more. For a different Sunday, it is the perfect experience; you can also visit the botanical gardens, the reptile garden, the aquarium, and enjoy some fun activities. Do not miss the Jurassic Park, with reproductions of the most famous dinosaurs.

#4 – VIGEZZINA RAILWAY

The blue Ttrain of Vigezzina connects Domodossola with Locarno. It was born by the desire of the population in the twentieth century. Along the 52 km of tracks, you can enjoy breathtaking views with waterfalls, forests, and mountains. You will also travel across 83 bridges and through 31 tunnels. The website offers you the opportunity to view the gallery dedicated to each season, to choose when to leave!

#5 – VARALLO SESIA

Here it is, finally! My second home, the place of the heart. Piedmont is the land of the sacred mountains, in fact you will find one here too, reachable via the steepest cable car in Europe. Valsesia is an area that offers various activities, from rafting to horseback riding, from trekking to cultural visits. During my frequent trips I’m always spoiled for choice, but just to get to Varallo and breathe the air of serenity already feels good!

#6 – CAVE OF BOSSEA

Located in Val Corsaglia, this is a cave blessed with an underground river coming from Lake Ernestina. Among stalactites and stalagmites colored by mineral salts, you can see some of the 50 types present inside the cave. The route runs between 3 km and 1,300 steps, for an hour and a half, but you can opt for the shorter version.

#7 – GORGE SAN GERVASIO

Do you want to have a very different experience from the usual which will bring strong emotions? Here is the solution. Make an adventurous crossing of the Gorge of San Gervasio where a 468 m Tibetan bridge (the longest in the world) is suspended 40 m above the gorge. For 10 €, you can securely cross the narrow bridge and admire the beautiful landscape and unspoilt nature that surrounds you. 

#8 – BOSCO DELLE MERAVIGLIE

Right at the foot of the Sacra di San Michele, there is a park, the first in Italy, dedicated to the emotions of the senses and fantasy. Gnomes, knights, fairies, and witches will accompany you as you discover their secrets in a natural context that makes it all the more magical. Every child (and adult) will have the opportunity to choose their fairy tale and live it with all the senses, actively participating. In the end, travelling around the world is beautiful, but imagination also needs its spaces!

#9 – THE TEMPLES OF DAMANHUR HUMANITY

The website speaks of the visit as a spiritual enrichment and opportunity for exchange. I can only confirm this; my day was intense and exciting, with an exceptional guide, Argo Capper. Weird, isn’t it? But the inhabitants choose names by joining animals and vegetables. But what is Damanhur? It is a spiritual community founded on solidarity, sharing, mutual love, and respect for the environment, so much so that it receives ONU recognition.

#10 – STRADA DELLE LANGHE E ROERO

Eternal romantics, where are you? Here is the itinerary for you: a trip between different towns, each with landscapes which could make even the most reluctant fall in love. You will pass through towns such as Neive, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Sinio, where you can toast your love with a glass of Barolo or Dolcetto, and Vezza d’Alba, where you can taste a plate of spaghetti with truffles to share with your love. It is an itinerary that will take you between castles and vineyards while you enjoy sensational views, food, and wine delicacies.