Park of Ticino, Ponte Vecchio

The first Regional Lombardy river park area was established along the banks of the Ticino with the aim tocontrol the river, protect its banks and bed, as well as its wildlife and vegetation. The enterprise is intended to conserve the natural characteristics of the river landscape and to regulate farming and tourist activity in the area. The park stretches from Pavia to Sesto Calende, over 90,000 acres, and can be divided into four main areas: the splendid river valley, worn by the river over the plain; the irrigated plain, to the south, where there is intense farming activity; the alpine foothills in the Varese region and the higher, dry plains to the north, covered in woodland. In addition to attractive walks, there are numerous sites of historic and architectural interest in the hills and plains around the Ticino: scenic abbeys, the villas along the Naviglio Grande are just some of the tourist attractions offered by Ticino park.