Tornavento: Nature, Trails and History

Tornavento brings together the landscape along the Ticino, hiking trails and historic sites. At the Centro Parco “Ex Dogana Austroungarica,” visitors can get information about the park, hiking trails, and historical and cultural attractions. The Centro Parco is located on a river terrace overlooking the Ticino Valley. If you are looking for a hotel in Tornavento, these different points of interest can help you decide what to focus on during your stay: nature and trails on the one hand, local history on the other.

Landscape and trails along the Ticino

The first section of the Via Gaggio passes through woodlands of English oaks, black locusts and Scots pines. The trail ends at the iron bridge over the Ticino near Lonate Pozzolo. In its first section, the Via Gaggio passes through woodlands of English oaks, black locusts and Scots pines; it ends at the iron bridge over the Ticino near Lonate Pozzolo.

The Ipposidra offers a different perspective. It begins in Tornavento near the Ponte di Oleggio; its first section follows the old bed of the Naviglio Grande and the Ticino. The E1, meanwhile, passes directly through Tornavento, where the Ex-Dogana Austroungarica is located. The Ipposidra therefore focuses on its starting point and the waterway, while the E1 is directly connected with the town of Tornavento.

The Naviglio Grande in its regional context

The Naviglio Grande itself begins near Tornavento, where it draws water from the Ticino, and ends at the Darsena di Porta Ticinese in Milan. Together with the old bed along the first section of the Ipposidra, this offers two different scales: the route can be understood through a specific stretch in Tornavento, while the canal can also be considered along its course from there to Milan. This broader regional perspective complements the focus on individual trails with a regional waterway.

Local history and remembrance

Piazza Parravicino is one of the FAI’s “Luoghi del Cuore” (Places of the Heart); this recognition relates to the town’s cultural heritage. The Chiesa di Sant’Eugenio in Tornavento was completely rebuilt between 1750 and 1825. This period runs from the mid-18th century to the early 19th century, providing a historical timeframe for the church’s construction. Here, you will encounter two distinct historical points of reference: the recognition of the piazza as part of the town’s cultural heritage, and the church’s architectural development.

Another historical perspective is explored by the Rievocazione Storica della Battaglia di Tornavento. It reenacts the battle fought on June 22, 1636, in the heathland of Gallarate. Tornavento appears in the event’s name; however, the battle’s historical site was the heathland of Gallarate. The date places the reenacted event in the 17th century and distinguishes this part of local history from the church’s later rebuilding.

Discover more destinations: Sesto Calende, Maccagno, Casorate Sempione, Barza, Lonate Pozzolo, Solbiate Olona, Mercallo, Lavena Ponte Tresa

For the main travel overview: Varese.