Trekking

If you want to enjoy cultural and sustainable tourism, you can walk the medieval Via Francigena, a route that crosses Lomellina from north-west to south-east, from Palestro to Carbonara al Ticino. Mentioned for the first time in 876, the path ran from Canterbury to Rome. In reality, it was a road system with many alternative routes, which were officially recorded in the travel diary of Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury, written in 990 on his way back from Rome. His diary, written in Latin and kept at the British Museum, describes 79 stages, including Piacenza, Tromello (the 42nd stage known as “Tremel”) and Vercelli. The two main Alpine passes used by the Romans were the Great St Bernard and the Mont Cenis. After Turin and Chivasso, the routes converged in Vercelli before continuing on to Robbio, Mortara and Pavia. Over the centuries, Lomellina has always been known for its hospitality. Even now, pilgrims can take refreshment and rest in Palestro (Ospitaliere La Torre Merlata), Nicorvo (rectory), Mortara (Sant’Albino Abbey) and Tromello (Acli parish church). The route was recognised in 1994 by the Council of Europe and in 2001 by the European Association of Via Francigena Ways (AEVF).