The Via Francigena has been the main connection between Rome and Europe for centuries, and it continues to be so today. In fact, in 2004, it was declared a "Great European Cultural Route" by the Council of Europe, and in 2007, it was recognized as a "Reseau porteur," a key network. For the Province of Pavia, the Pavia section of the Via Francigena (as well as the entire route) serves as a model for enhancing and restoring the architectural and environmental heritage of the province's artistic and cultural assets. The Via Francigena is a valuable resource to be shared and offered to pilgrims and tourists alike, as well as to local residents, showcasing the beauty of the churches, monuments, the University, the river, and the forests that define the landscape along the route. The section of the Via Francigena that crosses the Province of Pavia begins in Palestro, in the heart of Lomellina, and reaches Chignolo Po, covering a total of 126 kilometers, which can be completed in three major stages: The first stage, about 42 kilometers long, runs from Palestro to Tromello. The second stage, 32 kilometers, goes from Tromello to Pavia. The final stage, 52 kilometers, extends from Pavia to the hamlet of Lambrinia in Chignolo Po. These three stages mirror the stops made in the Pavia area by Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury, on his return journey from Rome. He passed through Santa Cristina Bissone, Pavia, and Tromello, marking them as the 40th, 41st, and 42nd stops of the 79 total stages of the European route. This itinerary is designed for those who love to travel on two wheels. It can be tackled with either mountain bikes or city bikes and does not present significant elevation challenges. The maximum elevation gain is less than 15 meters, with the highest point at 121 meters in Palestro and the lowest at 50 meters in Lambrinia, along the Po River embankment, marking the final stop in the Pavia territory. The starting point is the wooden bridge over the Crocettone canal, marking the border between the provinces of Vercelli and Pavia. In the Province of Pavia, the cycling route runs near two railway lines, the Pavia-Mortara-Vercelli and the Pavia-Codogno-Cremona, both of which allow bike transport. On roads open to motorized traffic, it is recommended to always wear a helmet and to ride preferably between 9:00 and 11:30 AM or between 2:00 and 5:00 PM to avoid peak traffic hours.

April brings the spring to Lombardy, with trips out of town, seasonal flavours, art initiatives, and sporting events

A bicycle itinerary around Lake Varese

Alto Lago d’Iseo Tourism Office in Lovere is found in the centrally located Piazza 13 Martiri square, easily reached by any means of transport whether public or private, due to its strategic position linking Valle Camonica, all of Lake Iseo and Val Cavalina. The main services offered to visitors are:- information and distribution of materials regarding historical, naturalistic, cultural, artistic and sports issues of the specific area and the entire Bergamo province;- distribution of panoramic maps of paths and excursions for exploring the natural heritage of upper Lake Iseo;- information on lodging and dining in the upper Lake Iseo area;- information on transport and roads;- information and dispensing of sticker permits for watercraft moored in the harbours managed by the Lake Basin Authority for Lakes Iseo, Endine and Moro. At the Infopoint visitors can:- ask for and get #inLombardia Passport as well as #inLombardia Passport stamps;- get a stamp on their “Cammino di Carlo Magno”/”Cammino Alta Via delle Grazie”/”Cammino Tre Laghi” credential (passport). The upper Lake Iseo area is found on the northern Bergamo province shore of Lake Iseo, just kilometres away from the cities of Bergamo, Brescia and Milan and from Orio al Serio, Milan-Malpensa and Linate international airports, to which it is linked by an efficient public transport network. It is a land teeming with art, history, traditions and enchanting landscapes ranging from gentle and sunny hilltops the magnificent upland of Fonteno and stunning spectacle of the Orrido: dizzying sheer rock faces plunging into the lake. Countless panoramic views can be enjoyed at Castro and the communities of Solto Collina, Fonteno and Rogno, where there's the popular cycling track with a modern bridge over the Oglio River. With its marina, the town of Lovere is particularly renowned and the well preserved historic centre is considered one of Italy’s most beautiful with many imposing churches and magnificent palaces. Amongst these, the most important is undoubtedly the building of the Tadini Art Gallery and Academy, which contains several works of fine art by Antonio Canova. There has been growing interest for the “Bueno Fonteno” cave system, for the “Valle del Freddo” (Cold Valley) natural reserve and the wide variety of sports and leisure activities.  

Un anello che brilla di verde e blu