One of the things I love about the place I live is the fact that we’re so close to so many beautiful areas. We can hop in the car and be in the centre of Milan in less than an hour (depending on traffic of course). We can arrive at the Swiss border within 45 minutes and to the beautiful city of Lugano in a little over an hour. The Mediterranean Sea is a beautiful relaxing drive of less than two hours as well. It’s wonderful to be able to wake up on a Saturday morning, look out the window and decide what kind of landscape we’re in the mood to visit that day.
As I mentioned here a few months ago, this year we’ve decided to explore and discover as many new and lovely places as we can in the region of Piemonte. We are actually only minutes to the border of Lombardia and Piemonte (I do my grocery shopping there) and have actually seen very little of it over the 12 years that we’ve lived here.
Last Saturday morning we decided we wanted to do a nice little hike but weren’t in the mood to be in the car for very long. We looked at a map and decided on the town of Gattinara which is a mere 30 minutes from our doorstep.
We all packed into the car and off we went to find some beautiful spot to take a stroll. We arrived in the town and noticed there were signs that led up to a famous antique tower. We followed the steep road up into the hills and vineyards and found just what we were looking for.
We parked the car, visited around the tower for a few minutes then headed off on foot among the rolling hills covered in vineyards (which apparently are some of the best around). Along one of the dirt roads we decided to follow a sign for the abandoned castle of San Lorenzo. The weather was still a bit foggy (which it often is in Piemonte) and we slowly made our way up through the woods.
The castle of San Lorenzo (XII-XIII) is in ruins but well kept and great fun for the kids to explore and climb around. The sun broke through the clouds just in time for our picnic and we sat at a lovely old stone table in a little clearing in a wooded area. The view we had on the abandoned castle was just perfect.
After lunch we strolled around the castle grounds and enjoyed the first sun we had seen in days. In the middle of the ruins the kids found the ultimate climbing tree. So while they climbed we sat back and enjoyed the views over the region and the Sesia River.
As usual, we had the place to ourselves. I always find it amazing that you can find these gorgeous little deserted spots in the middle of nowhere.
Although it’s always a bit difficult to get the kids motivated to leave the house on week-end mornings they are always so happy when we are visiting these places. They love the walks through the woods, vineyards, hills and towns and they adore hearing about the history behind all these places.
Yet another great day out discovering Piemonte.
Jillian In Italy 
A great spot. As I say, things even go to ruin or rot artistically in Italy. What’s with the rubber boots for hiking?
We thought it might be a bit muddy. Plus, the hike was only a few hours long in total so no sore feet!
So beautiful and inspiring. As you said, sometimes it is so hard to drag them out of the house. I need to explore Holland a bit more!!
Seriously, sometimes we have to literally throw them out the door half dressed. They are such home bodies.
I’m a home body myself too, but LOVE to explore as well. I think it’s amazing that you had these places all to yourselves. It happens to us very often as well around here. It makes you feel “luxurious” (or how would you say that), don’t you think? Very cool pictures of your kids climbing & peeking through that hole!