Borgo Ticino: Sacred History, Nature and Movement

Borgo Ticino combines sacred architectural heritage, protected nature and cycling facilities. This makes it a place where, when planning your trip, you can give different weight to historical sites, woodland landscapes and active pursuits. The themes range from the Santuario di Santa Maria delle Grazie and the remains of San Zeno to Bosco Solivo, the Preaguzza and the stretch of the Valle del Ticino riverbank.

Sacred Buildings and the Historic Town Centre

The Santuario di Santa Maria delle Grazie has been documented since the 12th century. It preserves a five-storey Romanesque bell tower and a section of the northern wall featuring a fresco of the Madonna and Child dated to around the 14th century. Following its reconstruction in 1631, the Santuario now displays Baroque forms. The Baroque forms of the present-day Santuario provide the visible setting for the Romanesque bell tower and the section of the northern wall.

The remains of the 13th-century Chiesa di San Zeno include sections of the walls, the apse and the nave. San Zeno is considered the oldest religious building in Borgo Ticino. In the historic centre, you will also find palazzi and vernacular buildings that help shape the town's architectural character. In the historic centre, palazzi and vernacular buildings also come into view alongside the sacred remains.

Woodland Landscape and Local Tradition

The Bosco Solivo nature reserve covers around 300 hectares in Borgo Ticino. The main entrance to the protected area is at the end of Via Valle, providing a specific landmark for planning a stay in the landscape. The end of Via Valle thus marks the point for orienting yourself in the protected area.

A special connection between nature and tradition is represented by the Preaguzza, which is also known as Preia Guzzana. It is a large boulder of green serpentinite transported downhill by the movement of ancient glaciers. The Preaguzza is also associated with a magical tradition connected with fertility. The name Preia Guzzana refers to the same boulder and forms part of the local tradition surrounding the Preaguzza.

Cycling Facilities and Paths along the Ticino

The pump track in Borgo Ticino features berms and whoops. It is ridden without pedalling by deliberately moving your body and the bicycle. The track is approximately 78 metres long. A minimum age of six applies for its use, and a helmet is compulsory. The berms and whoops determine the course, while your body and bicycle control movement through the facility.

In addition, a section of the riverbank in the Piedmontese Valle del Ticino nature park can be explored on foot or by bicycle.

Further Places for Planning Your Trip

Further destinations you can consider afterwards include Dormelletto, Tornaco, Ameno, Sillavengo, Trecate, Divignano, Vacciago and Gozzano.

For the higher-level travel overview: Novara.