Tornavento between the Ticino Valley and history

Tornavento can be explored through three themes: the landscape along the Ticino, trails through the forest and river landscape, and historic and cultural sites. This makes the town interesting for trip planning that combines nature, outdoor activity and history. When choosing accommodation, you can therefore first decide which of these focuses should shape your days.

The Ticino Valley and trails through the landscape

The Centro Parco “Ex Dogana Austroungarica” is located in Tornavento on a river terrace overlooking the Ticino Valley. The center provides visitors with information about the park, hiking trails, and historic and cultural sights. Landscape and local history are therefore presented here within a shared thematic context, without requiring you to limit yourself to just one way of exploring the area.

The first section of the Via Gaggio passes through forests of English oak, black locust and Scots pine. The Via Gaggio ends at the iron bridge over the Ticino near Lonate Pozzolo.

The Ipposidra hiking trail begins in Tornavento near the Ponte di Oleggio. The first section runs along the old bed of the Naviglio Grande and the Ticino River.

The Naviglio Grande begins near Tornavento, where it receives water from the Ticino, and ends at the Darsena di Porta Ticinese in Milan. For those interested in culture and nature observation, this waterway is another specific theme alongside the forest trails, the river landscape and architectural history. For a regionally focused trip plan, the waterway can be considered as a separate focus alongside the local trails and historic buildings. Its regional connection to the Milan urban area can be taken into account when scheduling a trip covering several themes.

The E1 hiking trail also runs directly through Tornavento, where the Ex-Dogana Austroungarica is located. Alongside the Via Gaggio and the Ipposidra, this provides another documented route directly connected with the town.

The piazza, architectural history and remembrance

Piazza Parravicino is one of the FAI’s “Luoghi del Cuore” (“Places of the Heart”). The Rievocazione Storica della Battaglia di Tornavento also provides a historical focus: it reenacts the battle fought on June 22, 1636, in the heathland of Gallarate. The Chiesa di Sant’Eugenio in Tornavento was completely rebuilt between 1750 and 1825. The piazza, historical event and church building thus offer different ways of approaching the town’s past.

The Museo della Basilica, Palazzo del Broletto, Villa Ottolini-Tovaglieri and Villa Ottolini-Tosi are located in the surroundings of Tornavento. For visitors who want to divide their days between landscape and culture, they provide additional specific destinations in the surrounding area.

Other places in the surrounding region

The Parco Bassetti, Parco Museo del Tessile and Parco dell'Altomilanese are also located in the surroundings of Tornavento. The Spiaggia dei Caravalle is located farther away in the surrounding region.

Other places in the region: Brinzio, Gornate Olona, Cocquio-Trevisago, Vergiate, Somma Lombardo, Venegono Superiore, Rancio Valcuvia, Brenta.

Larger region: Varese.