(ANSA) - TURIN - The Parco della Collina Torinese (Park of the Hill of Turin) is formed of two protected areas, the Vaj Wood Nature Reserve and the Superga Hill Natural Park. It is a green oasis surrounding Turin, which provides the perfect site for excursions either on foot or by bike along gravel paths, hiking trails and asphalt roads. There is extensive public transport, making it ideal either for outings of a few hours or for full-day excursions. The park spans 750 hectares and is chiefly covered by woodland in Bandissero, Pino, Torino and San Mauro. These areas are now all managed by the Colina Torinese nature reserves authority, which is headquartered in Castagneto Po. One of the possible excursions, which can all be found on maps or at www.parks.it/parco.collina.torinese, sets out from Cordo Moncalieri, near Civil Route 147 at Parco Leopardi. Take Route 16, called the Sentiero dei Parchi (Parks Trail), until you come to the San Vito Municipal Trail (asphalt) in Revigliasco. Turn left and after around 100 metres you enter the San Vito Park to your right. The route climbs until reaching an information panel which shows the Alpine Circle. Continue climbing off to the left and you will exit the park, after which head north on Viale Seneca, until coming to the Vigne di S. Vita Road on the right. Follow this for around 150 metres uphill, until coming to a gate. Go through the gate, remembering to close it behind you, and you will then reach a rustic staircase which leads on to the Strada dei Boschi (Woodland Street). This woodland route runs for around a kilometre, overlooking the Gola dell'Infero, until reaching the Raby Crossroads. The crossroads marks the lower border of the Maddalena Park. There are plenty of routes leading up to the park, thanks to a dense network of trails and tracks. Choose any until arriving at the summit (715 metres' altitude), which is home to the Victory Lighthouse, one of the hill's best panoramic spots. There are various routes inside the park but the Red Trail not only leads to the top of the hill but is also the easiest way to reach the Grande Traversata della Collina (the Great Hill Crossing), which is marked with signposting labelled GTC. This new trail leaves the north face of the Maddalena Park and climbs across the far side until reaching the south side of the Bric della Croce. It descends down the slope and then circles the Bric della Cresta alongside Trail 31, leading to the Pera del Tesor and the nearby Monsferratus archaeological site (4th to 6th century BC) on Bric San Viter. Follow the GTC trail north (Trail 32), which will take you along an almost flat section until you reach the remains of the Camaldolesi Hermitage. Built in 1606, all that is left now is the bell-tower and the remains of the Tower of Princes. Continue along the GTC and follow the route down the south side until coming to the Margherita Farmstead and the Tetti Rosero di Pecetto (Trail 33). The route then climbs up again to the Mongino Plain. After a brief stretch of asphalt road on the ridge in a northerly direction, you come to the Gallo Trail (GTC) on your right. Take this trail, which will lead you to the centre of Pino Torinese after a couple of kilometres. You then turn towards the Santissima Annunziata Parish Church, which offers a wonderful panorama over the areas around Chieri and Asti. The route then follows the Via Maria Cristina, climbing upwards until crossing the Montosolo Hill near the cemetery.

From here, head downwards in a northerly direction until coming to the Strada dei Colli, which is renowned for its views. You then come to the Superga Natural Park and continue on until reaching the Basilica. From here, you head downhill, where you can take public transport or walk to Corso Casale. The entire route, which is enjoyable at any time of year, takes 6.5 hours and offers spectacular views throughout. (ANSA).