Mountains: areas and excursions

The Way of St. Thomas, which takes you from Rome to Ortona across the Apennines, cuts the peninsula in two while taking in an exceptional amount of heritage, landscapes, environments, two national parks (Gran Sasso and Maiella) and four regional parks: the Appian Way, Castelli Romani, Monti Simbruini and Sirente-Velino. The inspiration is the pilgrimage that St. Bridget of Sweden, co-patroness of Europe, made between 1365 and 1368 from the Basilica of St. Peter to the Cathedral of Ortona, which houses the relics of St. Thomas. The modern route revives this thousand-year-old tradition and is the result of the initiative of a group of young Ortonians, hiking enthusiasts, who in 2013 drew up this splendid "experiential" itinerary in order to promote their land. The 316-kilometre journey is organised into 16 stages, one per day: the average lengths vary from 25 kilometres (the flattest) to about 15 kilometres where the terrain is more challenging. On the Lazio side of the Simbruini mountains, you can reach the summit of the Way, on the 1855m Monte Autore, but the Abruzzo hinterland also offers challenging climbs and descents. For this reason, the Way of St. Thomas requires a degree of training and practice. In return, you have the opportunity to explore areas of unspoilt beauty rarely visited by tourists, like some of the villages affected by the 2009 earthquake, such as Fontecchio and Capestrano, now back to their former beauty. Among the stages linked to spirituality and Christianity, along the St. Thomas Way you can visit, in addition to numerous shrines, renowned places such as Castel Gandolfo, Albano Laziale and the admirable Subiaco, as well as lesser-known destinations, such as the Abbey of San Liberatore in Maiella, surrounded by greenery around Manoppello, or the Oratory of Saint Pellegrino in Bominaco, known as "the Sistine Chapel of Abruzzo". From a naturalistic point of view, the Camino will not disappoint you: in fact, it contains numerous surprises, including views from the Pagliare di Tione and the fairytale springs of the Lavino stream. Some locations, such as Subiaco, Rocca di Mezzo, Tagliacozzo, and Manoppello, which are well-served by public transport, can be used as a starting and finishing point for those who wish to complete only part of the route. The entire route is flanked by facilities dedicated to hospitality.

Seven thousand hectares at an altitude ranging from 250 to 3841 metres above sea level. This is the area of the Monviso Park, populated by conifers and birches and crossed by the Po River. The journey we are proposing is to discover the mountain section of the Great River, included in the Cuneo area. An enchanting itinerary, full of different panoramas that will remain etched in your eyes and hearts.

This is a long route: 92 m to cover in 6 days, along the banks of the Tanagro, a river that flows gently at first but then swells to receive inflows from other streams, becoming an ideal habitat for many colonies of native birds and fish. Following the course of the Tanagro, you'll cross the diverse landscape of the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park and stumble upon the ruins of ancient temples, mills and villages. Passing below Roman bridges and swelled by the water from underground rock cavities, the Tanagro finally plunges into the Sele, ending its journey in the sea.

It is rare to see so much natural variety all concentrated in a single region. This is the Gargano, known as the 2spur of Italy" for its unusual position that it looks like a strip of land carried by the wind from who knows what distant shores. Here, every exploration is enhanced by a panorama of rugged coastlines, white cliffs, an emerald sea, pine forests with an infinite variety of habitats and also mystical and spiritual places. Compared to the southern coast, the northern part of Gargano is wilder and less flashy. Here, outside the period from June to September, you will find peace and tranquillity. Dunes and fine sand stretch as far as the eye can see, and the beauty of the natural environment is captivating, whether seen from the beach or from the heights of the perched villages, perhaps quenching your thirst with a Gargano IGP lemonade. There is not much else you could need, but nevertheless the Gargano, a region protected by the Gargano National Park, is also a paradise for nature lovers, explorers, birdwatchers with binoculars around their necks and sports enthusiasts. Cyclists, in particular, will rejoice because cycling is the best way to breathe in the essence of the place, with deserted coves, secluded views, lonely and silent places, and small villages to be discovered pedal after pedal. There are several possible routes of varying difficulty, here we propose a route from Peschici to Lake Lesina. You reach Rodi Garganico, follow the long straight road that skirts Lake Varano, and passing from Foce di Varano, once a fishing village and now a lively tourist port, you arrive at Foce di Capoiale, a characteristic canal port where you can enjoy the view of the lake with the mountains in the background and observe the life of fishermen and the casting of nets. If you wish, you can take a variant that goes all the way around Lake Varano, otherwise you continue straight on to Lake Lesina.

The Via di Francesco touches the places that were witnesses to the human adventure of Francis of Assisi, saint and patron of Italy. Monasteries, basilicas, hermitages: each of these places has a place in the Franciscan story. On the paths of the Via di Francesco you find walkers from all over the world and the atmosphere that prevails always evokes a mystical and religious sense of movement. In its entirety, the Route is just under 500 kilometres long and runs from the cliff of the Shrine of La Verna – not far from Sansepolcro, in the heart of the Tuscan Apennines – to Gubbio and Assisi, and then continue through the hills of Umbria towards Rome. We walk on the Via del Nord, which connects Chiusi della Verna to Assisi. An evocative route, 189 kilometres long, a distance that can be covered in ten stages and about 70 hours, passing through Chiusi della Verna, Pieve Santo Stefano, Sansepolcro, Citerna Monterchi, Città di Castello, Pietralunga, Gubbio, Valfabbrica, Perugia, Bastia Umbra and Assisi. You sleep in simple and minimalist hostels, or in the hermitages where Francis was also welcomed, the refreshments are welcoming and stage after stage, even for those who do not set out adhering to the spirit of "pilgrimage", you feel an intense spirituality that connects you deeply with nature and with yourself.

For lovers of walking and cycling excursions we propose an exciting itinerary to discover the National Park of the Casentino Forests, Monte Falterona and Campigna. A route in 4 stages in one of the most beautiful protected areas of Italy, between Romagna and Tuscany. Secular forests, shrines and waterfalls will surprise you, as will the variety of landscapes you'll encounter. A paradise for trekking!

An ideal territory for cyclists, who between one ride and another can refresh themselves between crescentines with the "cunza", borlengo and a glass of Lambrusco.

If you know by heart the unforgettable exploits of cycling champion Marco Pantani, you've probably already heard of Campo Imperatore. Just in Abruzzo, “il Pirata” flew in 1999 towards the first of his four stage victories of that Giro d 'Italia. Campo Imperatore is mainly known for its ski area, among the best known and equipped in central Italy. The town of Abruzzo is today a point of reference also for bicycle tourists. In addition to having cable cars, chairlifts and cranks, in fact, Campo Imperatore has a long tradition as a stage venue for the main cycling stage races, which have always attracted a festive crowd of cycling enthusiasts and which still today, in spring and summer, welcomes a constant flow of cyclists and bikepackers, arriving from Italy and abroad.

In the heart of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will find a perfect new dimension in uncontaminated territory where you can cycle on routes covering over 400 kilometres. Would you like to learn more about the opportunity? We’ll provide you with a few details. Given your particular interest, an ideal location would be Paganella, where the local bike park offers access to a series of routes winding across a spectacular mountain range, with downhill, free-ride and ‘flow’ trails, and also single-track zones. Tracks of various grades for all levels and types of biking activities.

Practised on a roller board of various sizes, skateboarding is not just an extreme sporting activity, but a real lifestyle. It makes use of benches, steps and handrails, as well as specially designed spaces such as skateparks. Rome, between one archaeological site and another, is home to numerous spots, but two locations deserve special attention: the Bunker Skatepark and The Spot Skatepark Ostia. Let's find out together.

Rocky coastline overlooking the sea paths that wind between the Mediterranean scrub, cliffs overlooking the beaches with vibrant colors and crystal clear waters: Sardinia with its wild interior and spectacular views has long been known as one of the most fascinating destinations for lovers of climbing. Thanks to its mild climate, the island offers the possibility to climb throughout the year and, as of late spring, a vacation that combines relaxation on the beach with sports. Cala Gonone in the province of Nuoro, Jerzu in the province of Ogliastra, Isili in the province of Cagliari, Supramonte in the central-eastern area, and Iglesiente in the southwest of the island, are just some of the places not to miss if you want to explore Sardinia’s walls of rock. Climbable walls are present, however, all over the island and recently areas such as Sassari and Alghero are becoming popular. These courses tend to be well-equipped and periodically checked. They were initially discovered and evaluated by Sardinian and European outdoorsmen, and are now beloved throughout Europe.

It is the trendiest discipline of the moment: and what city better than the cool, international city of Milan can offer suitable spaces for parkour, the adrenaline-fuelled urban sport of acrobatics, jumping, climbing and vaulting between ramps, walls, bars and railings? No other, in fact. So, enthusiasts, experts and all those aspiring, take note.

Skiing and hiking in Abruzzo Just two kilometres from the centre of Ovindoli, you can experience sport and adrenaline-filled adventures in one of the most beautiful natural settings in the whole of Abruzzo. Mount Magnola is a paradise for winter sports lovers. Beautiful in all seasons, it is at its best when its slopes are covered with snow. Due to its north-facing location, the Ovindoli-Monte Magnola ski resort allows skiing from December to May, ideal for those who have no plans to take the skis off even with the arrival of spring. The 11 ski lifts will take you to 21 slopes of varying difficulty levels, covering about 30 kilometres at an altitude ranging from 1,450 to 2,220 metres. On the Dolce Vita and Topolino slopes you can also ski under the stars, for a magical experience that you will not easily forget. If you prefer other types of winter sports, Mount Magnola is for you: here you can also enjoy snowboarding, snowkiting, nordic walking, and much more. Head to one of the many mountain huts, which you will find both at altitude and in the valleys, to spend the night on the slopes and try the local delicacies.

From the Resia artificial basin, one can ascend eastwards through the picturesque Vallelunga, at the end of which lies this hut, which could be described as a high mountain resort, such is the quality of its accommodation and culinary offer. Its 2,267 metres of altitude can also be reached by a pre-booked shuttle service. Here, regional products and typical recipes can be tasted; the star among the desserts is the Kaiserschmarren, a pancake with South Tyrolean flavours.

The paradise of hikers of all ages A beautiful and varied valley at the foot of two of the most beautiful mountains in the world, Pelmo and Civetta: the Val di Zoldo will conquer you at first sight thanks to its variety of landscapes, between different altitudes. Immersed in unspoiled nature and a treasure chest of ancient traditions, it is part of the National Park of the Belluno Dolomites and boasts a rich fauna composed of deer, chamois and ibex. Ideal destination for walkers of all ages and experience, it is the perfect opportunity to find yourself among walks for the whole family, more challenging excursions for those who have experience, but also simple tours between the countries inside, rich in history, art and flavors. Mount Civetta boasts, on the north side, a large vertical wall known as the "Wall of the walls", characterized by several climbing routes. Here there are plenty of easy or medium difficulty routes that lead to the top, but the most loved one will take you to Rifugio Coldai and the homonymous lake where you can relax. Mount Pelmo has two main peaks, known as Pelmo and Pelmetto. At the foot of the latter, on a rock, you can admire the footprints of some dinosaurs, a paleontological discovery of inestimable value that will excite even the smallest.

Snow-covered slopes, gourmet cuisine and aperitifs with friends are three vital ingredients for a skiing week. From traditional high-altitude refuges to designer chalets with gourmet restaurants and amazing night-life in the clubs, Trentino as ever ranks among the best choices for a relaxing and truly enjoyable mountain holiday.

Bandiera Arancione del Touring Club Italiano Dal borgo di Bova, in posizione panoramica, si scorgono sia l’azzurro del mar Jonio sia il verde delle montagne dell’Aspromonte. Ci si arriva salendo lungo una strada stretta e tortuosa, percorrendo la valle del torrente Sidèroni. Siamo nel cuore dell’area della cultura grecanica, la cui identità viene preservata e valorizzata dagli abitanti. Il centro storico è dominato dai resti del castello normanno, cui sono legate diverse leggende, e sulla rocca è ancora visibile l'orma di un piede di donna che secondo la tradizione sarebbe appartenuta ad una regina greca. Bova ha una lunga storia, le cui tracce si trovano lungo le vie del paese. Meritano una visita il Museo di paleontologia e scienze naturali dell’Aspromonte, anche per conoscere meglio i principali momenti della storia evolutiva della zona, la cattedrale con una Madonna con Bambino di Rinaldo Bonanno, la chiesa di S. Leo e il Museo della lingua Greco-Calabra “Gerhard Rohlfs”. In una piazza di Bova, inoltre, è esposta una locomotiva 054 del gruppo 740: rappresenta l'emigrazione e il progresso che ha portato allo spopolamento del piccolo centro, oggi è un bellissimo monumento e un luogo curioso dove scattarsi una foto ricordo. Da gustare assolutamente la lestopitta: impasto di farina e acqua, fritta, viene consumata calda farcita con ripieno salto o dolce, magari accompagnata dal vino tipico, IGT Palizzi. Nel borgo ogni anno si tiene un evento unico: nelle settimane precedenti alla Domenica delle Palme, alcune famiglie locali si riuniscono e iniziano la produzione delle “Parme”, stupende figure femminili con foglie di ulivo intrecciate, fiori, primizie e nastri colorati. Vengono aperti laboratori per far partecipare bambini e ragazzi delle scuole e chiunque voglia cimentarsi nell’intreccio. La Domenica delle Palme, poi, i manufatti vengono portati in processione lungo le vie del paese.

Relatively populous among the small municipalities of Montefeltro - although not even here do we reach two thousand inhabitants - Carpegna is located on the southern slopes of Monte Carpegna, in an area that is part of the Sasso Simone and Simoncello Interregional Park. In short, the area is excellent for hiking, mountain biking or horse riding, thanks to the many trails available. Climbing to an altiude of 1,204 metres on Sasso Simone, for example, not only offers remarkable views but also lets you reach the remains of a Benedictine abbey and a fortress built by Cosimo de' Medici in the second half of the 16th century. Palazzo Carpegna stands out in the town, with its façade embellished by architectural elements in grey stone and a beautiful two-flight staircase, built by Cardinal Gaspare Carpegna from 1674. Even more remarkable, a couple of kilometres outside the village along Provincial Road 18, is the Parish Church of San Giovanni Battista, of 14th-century origin. The local gastronomic pride is Carpegna ham, cured locally for at least thirteen months, protected by a denomination of origin, and appreciated for its delicate and fragrant flavour.

Sauris Zahre, the "Alpine Pearl", dotted with malghe (shepherd's huts) and pastures, is located between 1,000 and 1,400 metres above sea level and is the highest in the entire Friuli Venezia Giulia Region. It is said that this German-speaking community was founded by settlers from Austria, who brought with them the customs and traditions of their homeland. The name of Sauris is linked to that of its exquisite PGI ham, lightly smoked according to the traditional Sauris recipe. Ideal to accompany the ham is the local, raw, unpasteurized and unfiltered beer. The vastness of the alpine pastures makes it possible to produce the tasty malga cheese, and the production of the sweet little fruits and derivatives is also very popular. The particular environmental conditions and the difficulties in connecting with neighbouring countries have allowed the maintenance of consistent traditions both in the spoken language, a High German dialect, and in the gastronomy and in the religious and popular festivals, such as the Carnival rite, whose protagonists here are the Rölar, covered in soot and equipped with noisy cowbells, and the Kheirar, armed with a large broom.

Bagno di Romagna is a land of great natural beauty and historically has been the crossroads of various peoples and travellers. It lies in the National Park of the Casentinesi Forests, Monte Falterona and Campigna and is well-known for its hot springs. The thermal water, which flows at a temperature of 47°C, has been known since Roman times for its healing properties, which has made this ancient village one of the most famous thermal resorts in Italy.

Campigna, the small Emilian town with a big green heart Located between Florence and Forlì, a little higher up, immersed in one of the most interesting naturalistic parts of the Emilia Romagna region, Campigna is the smallest village in the Bidente Valley. Located on the border between Romagna and Tuscany. Campigna is a perfect destination in all seasons, for nature lovers. Whether during the summer, exploring the greenery and shaded areas going on walks discovering the local biodiversity or off horseback riding. In the autumn, to experience the beauty of when the colour of the leaves change to red-orange and gold, Campigna is an ideal location. Walking in nature The beating heart of the Natural Park of Casentinesi Forests Monte Falterona and Campigna, established in 1993. Here you'll find the first Italian integral Nature Reserve of Sasso Fratino, from 1959 and open only to scholars with prior authorization. It is easy to understand that this is an area of ​​great naturalistic value, a real paradise for lovers of the mountains and of outdoor living. The ideal starting point for excursions and walks in Campigna is from the Information Point of “La villetta” Park. From there, the Nature Trail starts through the fir trees and then the natural forest of beech trees, silver firs and mountain maples. If you are in Campigna with your family do not miss the educational path "Where the trees touch the sky" along the Cullacce road and the highly accessible equipped path known as "the path for all… the senses". With 600 km of trails, you can spend wonderful days walking in nature, while for those who love mountain biking, there are as many as 20 itineraries to juggle. Passion for skiing Campigna is also perfect in winter, with its ski resort that starts at an altitude of 1510 meters and goes up to 1650. An ideal place for both downhill and cross-country skiing and / or mountaineering. It is also fantastic for hiking and snowshoeing enthusiasts to enjoy the scenery through the white snow-covered trees. Campigna for food lovers After spending the day on the slopes, whether medium or strong difficulty, or on the bobsleigh and sled slopes, hunger will be calling. To restore your strength, Campigna brings the right mix of Romagna and Tuscany to the table, with porcini mushrooms, tasty meats, and renowned cheeses. Spa relaxation for everyone For those who are looking to relax, Campigna also has three thermal spas nearby. In Bagno di Romagna the waters reach 45 °. You can indulge in a restorative bath outdoors with a glorious view of the snow capped mountain peaks.

The landmark of this town is undoubtedly the Torre delle Dodici. At 46 metres high, it dominates Sterzing right from the centre of the town. It was erected in the second half of the 15th century (but rebuilt at the end of the 19th century after a fire) above what was then the city gate, and enriched with a sundial. Next to the tower stands the Jöchlsthurn, a late Gothic residence that now houses the Mining Museum, and the Town Hall, whose splendid council chamber is well worth a visit . The Multscher Museum houses the valuable late Gothic altar panels made by Hans Multscher of Ulm for the parish church. The same building houses the Municipal Museum, while the Hunting and Fishing Museum moves on to Wolfsthurn Castle, one of the symbols of the Baroque in South Tyrol. On the surrounding fortresses stand castel Tasso, with its perfectly preserved rooms, and castel Pietra.

Venzone, Malborghetto-Valbruna and Sutrio are three villages located in the north eastern part of Friuli Venezia Giulia. These three villages are ideal for mountain lovers - the Julian Prealps, the Julian Alps and the Carnic Alps are just around the corner! Would you like to discover them with me?

The Great Crossing of the Alps, known as the GTA, is a long-distance, medium-difficulty hiking route to be undertaken on foot, which runs along the Pennine, Graian, Cottian and Maritime Alps, as far as the valleys of the Ligurian Alps. In Piedmont, the GTA route covers 1,000 km and is divided into 55 stages, starting from Viozene, in the Ligurian Alps, and ending at Molini di Calasca, in the Anzasca Valley, in the Verbano Cusio Ossola region. A spectacular alpine trek for lovers of slow tourism and wildlife watching between valleys, villages and alpine lakes in wild landscapes along paths and mule tracks, all signposted and certified by CAI (Club Alpino Italiano), which make it possible to pass from valley to valley crossing the most accessible passes. Each stage involves 5 to 8 hours of walking. The recommended period is from mid-June to September, when (except for seasonal exceptions) there is no snow and all the places and shelters are accessible and open. All trails are identified by white and red signs, as well as metal flags with the GTA logo. At the end of each stage, you will find GTA accommodation or Italian Alpine Club mountain huts. Loop routes are also connected to the GTA, allowing you to start and return to your starting point. Departure Rivetti Mountain Hut 13811 Andorno Micca (BI) Arrival Barbara Lowrie Mountain Hut 10060 Bobbio Pellice (TO) Zone: Biella Valsesia Vercelli, Turin Departure: Andorno Micca Arrival: Bobbio Pellice Distance: 221.00 km Hiking time: 140 hours Departure height: 2,200 m Arrival height: 1,765 m Climb difference: 25,800 m Descent difference: 26,700 m Difficulty: Medium

The position is enchanting. Dobbiaco stands just above 1200 metres at the beginning of the high Pusteria valley, the "Land of the Three Peaks of Lavaredo", right at the mouth of the Landro valley, which stretches south towards Cadore and Ampezzano, creeping between high Dolomite peaks. At the gates of the town, there is also a lake, a shallow basin formed by the Rienza, with a perimeter of 4.5 kilometres: a gem set between the two natural parks of Fanes-Senes-Braies and Tre Cime. It's not difficult to understand why this town was one of the first tourist destinations in the region, famous already at the time of the Belle Époque and the Finis Austriae, when aristocrats, intellectuals and artists such as the composer Gustav Mahler (1860–1911) met in Dobbiaco: people accustomed to the elegance of Vienna who demanded the highest level of accommodation facilities. For them, the "new" part of the village was developed, with the railway station inaugurated in 1871 and the Grand Hotel, built in 1877–78, today home to the Tre Cime Nature Park and a large number of cultural initiatives. Dobbiaco boasts, in fact, a highly respected programme of artistic and musical events, centred between July and August on the concerts of Gustav Mahler Musikwochen. Further north, the historic centre of Dobbiaco clusters around the baroque grace of the Church of St. John the Baptist (1764–74) and Herbstenburg Castle (private), built from a medieval tower and expanded in the 1500s. Halfway between the two villages is Mondolatte, an ideal point of contact between culture, local traditions and gastronomic pleasures: this is the museum of milk and the art of cheese-making of the Latteria Tre Cime dairy, which also organises workshops and tasting sessions.

Lake Braies is an emerald of water that shines at an altitude of about 1490 metres, enveloped on three sides by a crown of Dolomite peaks that, reflected in its waters, doubles in size: Croda del Becco (2810 m) dominates over them all, with a wall that plummets to the southern shore of the lake. This is the heart of the Fanes-Senes-Braies Natural Park, in a "world apart" of forests, alpine pastures and plateaus, where we arrive by taking a ten-kilometre detour from the Val Pusteria state road and cycle path, heading south. The splendid "postcard" of Lake Braies, with the bulk of the Croda in the background, is also well known for other reasons: the credit goes to the successful television series Un passo dal cielo (English: One step from heaven) with Terence Hill, filmed on its shores and broadcast by RAI since 2011. Approximately 1,200 metres long, up to 400 metres wide and more than 35 metres deep, the lake has a character that differs from almost all other Dolomite basins: it was formed by a huge landslide that fell from the Sasso del Signore onto the course of the Rio Braies, creating a natural barrage, neither glacial nor moraine in origin. Along the banks, between fir forests, runs a walk of about an hour, very pleasant and a little overcrowded in summer. The charm of the landscape and the great television fame have made the lake so popular that limits have been introduced to reduce the impact of tourism. This means that in summer, you cannot get there by car but only by bike or by shuttle (line 442 from Dobbiaco and Villabassa) or on foot from the car park (to be booked) in the village of Ferrara: this is where the theme path "Viktor Wolf Edler von Glanvell" starts, which takes an hour and a half. For those looking for more challenging hikes, the Alta via no. 1 of the Dolomites starts from the lake, the "Classica", which arrives in Belluno at the foot of the Schiara group.

The twin basins on the border with Slovenia Two crystal-clear stretches of water, surrounded by imposing mountains and wild nature, on the border between Italy and Slovenia. The ideal place for a breathtaking hike in all seasons or, simply, relax on the shore and unwind surrounded by greenery. The Fusine Lakes are two small but precious gems of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. These basins of glacial origin, one called Inferiore and the other Superiore, are connected by an underground water system and mirror the peaks of the Ponze ridge, the Mangart, the Masso Pirona and many other mountains in the Alps. The surrounding spruce, fir and beech forests are the perfect habitat for roe deer, red deer, chamois and various species of migratory birds. Trekking enthusiasts will find challenging trails in this area, such as the one leading to Rifugio Zacchi and Capanna Ponza, with spectacular views of the entire valley. In winter, the white of the snow makes the panorama even more magical. Have fun exploring the area with skis or snowshoes.

Baveno, where the sunsets are even more romantic. Nestled among green hills sloping gently down to the waters of Lake Maggiore, Baveno is a Piedmontese municipality in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola of about 5,000 inhabitants. The ancient village, rich in history, tradition and culture, is enriched by a splendid view of the Borromean Islands and the breathtaking and evocative panorama makes Baveno a jewel of peace and relaxation. The village, located along the Via Severiana Augusta that connected Milan with the Sempione Pass and known for its low-mineral waters and pink granite quarries, was already an important commercial hub in ancient times and a crossroads of art and culture, as evidenced by the 5th-century Baptistery and the Romanesque parish church of SS. Gervasio and Protasio. Walking along the narrow streets of Domo and Baitone, the two districts that make up the historic centre of Baveno, it is possible to admire suggestive views as far as the lake, where a romantic walk along the lakefront offers visitors a beautiful panorama of the Borromean Islands. Over the centuries, this unique place has attracted more and more visitors, including illustrious ones, who have wanted to take up residence here: Villa Fedora, Villa Branca, Casa Morandi, Villa Durazzo, are just a few of the many marvellous residences that adorn the Piedmont shore of the lake and that, since the mid-19th century, have hosted numerous internationally renowned personalities. With a host of trails to visit, Baveno has plenty of opportunities for visitors to discover its history and culture as they stroll through fragrant flower-filled parks and picturesque streets with unique views in a calm and romantic setting.