People empowerment

The rediscovered path

A journey through history, nature, and sustainable mobility in the Olona Valley

Country

Partner

FAI - Fondo Ambiente Italiano
Appiano Gentile e Tradate Pineta Park
Varese Province

Progetto finanziato da

Rediscovering a millenary heritage

Castelseprio and the Monastery of Torba tell a thousand-year-old story, nestled in the greenery of the Olona Valley. Although they are part of the same UNESCO site, today they appear disconnected—separated by an impassable stretch of forest and interrupted paths that limit their accessibility.
We want to rebuild this link, allowing local communities to rediscover the history and beauty of these places, while respecting the surrounding nature.

An ancient fortified city, a monastery deep in the woods, a landscape shaped by both history and nature. The area within the Local Park of Supra-municipal Interest Rile Tenore Olona holds an extraordinary cultural and environmental heritage: the Castelseprio Archaeological Park and the Monastery of Torba are two unique testimonies of the Lombard past. We are working to enhance the entire area and promote sustainable tourism.

A Path to Rediscover

We aim to restore continuity to the UNESCO site of Castelseprio–Torba by uncovering the ancient route that once connected the Castrum to the Monastery. An immersive itinerary weaving together history and nature, integrated into the RTO Park’s trail network and accessible to all.
Safer paths, scenic viewpoints, and rest areas will offer new perspectives on the landscape, while forest restoration will improve soil stability and habitat quality.

A New Space for Welcoming and Discovery

The former school of Torba will become a visitor hub—a place to get oriented, dive deeper, and experience the area through cultural and educational activities.

Sustainable Mobility and Green Connections

The entire visitor system will be integrated with the Olona Valley cycling and pedestrian path. Our goal is to link the trail to key points of interest through new safe crossings, making access easier and more enjoyable for hikers and cycling tourists.
Thanks to collaboration with the Province of Varese, we are also strengthening sustainable mobility services, with bike rental stations and e-bike charging points, for a more complete and eco-friendly visitor experience.

A Project for the Community

This project is the result of a shared effort among public institutions, local associations, and engaged citizens who care about the future of the Olona Valley.
Through a permanent working group, we promote a participatory approach to land management, actively involving local communities in the stewardship of shared resources.

The goal? To foster more conscious forms of tourism—environmentally respectful and capable of creating new opportunities for the region.

A project by Parco della Pineta di Appiano Gentile e Tradate, in collaboration with Istituto Oikos, FAI – Fondo Ambiente Italiano, and the Province of Varese.

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