La Mandria Natural Park

La Mandria Natural Park (Parco naturale La Mandria) in Venaria Reale, Italy, is a captivating haven of nature and history, nestled between the Stura di Lanzo and Ceronda streams, just northwest of Turin. Established in 1978, it holds the distinction of being Italy's first regional park, a title that underscores its importance in the preservation of the region's natural and cultural heritage.

The History of La Mandria Natural Park

The origins of La Mandria Natural Park are steeped in royal history. In the mid-19th century, King Victor Emmanuel II of Italy constructed a 30-kilometer-long wall to enclose the park, making it the second largest walled park in Europe, after Chambord in France. This wall, built at a cost of one million lire, was intended to protect the royal apartments of La Mandria Castle, where the king lived with his morganatic wife, Rosa Vercellana, affectionately known as La Bela Rosin. The wall also served to safeguard one of the last remnants of the ancient plain forest that once covered the Po Valley.

Throughout its history, the park has seen various transformations. In the medieval period, the land belonged to the now-vanished community of Rubbianetta. The area still houses the charming San Giuliano Chapel, adorned with frescoes dating back to 1493, and the ruins of a medieval fortification and castle once owned by the Viscounts of Baratonia.

In 1882, after the death of Victor Emmanuel II, the estate passed to the Medici del Vascello family, who preserved its natural and architectural features. By the mid-20th century, the estate was a bustling community with over 900 residents, complete with churches, schools, a theater, a cinema, a newspaper, and even a small swimming pool for children.

In 1976, part of the estate was sold to the Piedmont Region, which established the park in 1978. The park is divided into two main areas: the preparco, a 3,446-hectare buffer zone surrounding the walled core of the park, and the area attrezzata, a 3,124-hectare core area dedicated to the preservation of its natural and cultural heritage, equipped with recreational facilities for visitors.

Exploring La Mandria Natural Park

La Mandria Natural Park offers a plethora of activities for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The park is accessible through several entrances, with public access points at Ponte Verde and Tre Cancelli (Venaria Reale), Rubbianetta and Cascina Oslera (Druento), and Bizzarria (San Gillio). Visitors can explore the park on foot or by bicycle, as motor vehicles and dogs are not permitted.

The park organizes various activities to help visitors enjoy its natural beauty, including trekking, nocturnal train tours, nature conferences, and carriage rides. The park is also a Site of Community Importance (SIC), part of the European Union's Natura 2000 network, aimed at conserving biodiversity through sustainable management practices.

Flora and Fauna

La Mandria Natural Park is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. The park's forested areas feature typical temperate climate species such as oak, elm, ash, alder, willow, hazel, birch, and hornbeam, as well as plants native to the Po Valley understory. Other areas of the park resemble the acidic molinia meadows typical of the high plains.

The park's fauna includes deer, wild boar, foxes, hares, badgers, and various nocturnal birds of prey like owls and tawny owls. Notably, the park is home to the black woodpecker, which nests exclusively in La Mandria in the plains, and the rare Osmoderma eremita beetle. The park also supports an equine breeding program for the native Tpr horse breed at the Cascina Vittoria stables.

Points of Interest

Within the park, visitors can explore several historical buildings. La Mandria Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see. It once hosted Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Italy for the 1961 Expo. The Castle of the Lakes, a small hunting lodge built for King Victor Emmanuel II, and various farmhouses and hunting lodges dot the landscape.

One of the park's most curious structures is the Castelletto della Bizzarria, located near the San Gillio entrance. This whimsical building, with its eclectic architectural style, resembles a mix of Art Nouveau and Moorish towers and was conceived as a small hunting pavilion.

Near the Druento entrance, visitors will find the Rubbianetta farmhouse, built between 1860 and 1863 by Victor Emmanuel II as a horse breeding center. Adjacent to it is the San Giuliano Chapel, founded around 1250 and renovated in the late 15th century, featuring exquisite contemporary frescoes.

Visitor Facilities and Activities

La Mandria Natural Park is well-equipped to cater to visitors. Along its scenic pathways, visitors will find rest areas, picnic spots, and bicycle rental points at Prato Pascolo within the park and near the Druento entrance. The park also offers an area for camper vans near the Druento entrance, which has become quite popular in recent years.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, the park offers guided tours along its lesser-known trails, perfect for observing the park's native plant and animal species. These educational programs are a staple for local schoolchildren, who often visit the park as part of their curriculum.

In the private section of the park, visitors can enjoy a four-star hotel, a restaurant, and a wellness center, all housed in a meticulously restored 18th-century farmhouse. Nearby, the Circolo Golf Torino and the Royal Park I Roveri are among Italy's top golf clubs.

La Mandria Natural Park is not just a protected area; it is a living testament to the region's rich history and natural beauty. Its blend of historical landmarks, diverse ecosystems, and recreational facilities make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Piedmont region. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, La Mandria Natural Park offers something for everyone.