Monte Fenera Natural Park

Monte Fenera Natural Park covers approximately 3,300 hectares of land situated between the Novarese plain and Sesia Valley, with its highest points reaching around 900 meters in elevation. The terrain combines gentle slopes with steeper hillsides and contains karst caves formed through natural erosion.

Archaeological excavations in the karst caves revealed Neanderthal remains and Paleolithic artifacts dating back approximately 20,000 years. Cave bear fossils were also discovered, showing that the area was an important habitat for prehistoric species for a very long time.

Traditional Taragnan structures dot the grounds here: stone huts with straw roofs that once sheltered herders during their work in the mountains. Visitors can still see these buildings today and understand how people adapted to life in these hills.

The area is best explored on foot, with marked trails that wind through different landscape types and vary in difficulty. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and bring plenty of water, as shade can be limited on many routes.

Black storks have nested in the park since 1994 and breed there regularly, sparking extensive research and monitoring programs by park management. The return of these rare birds has made the area an important observation point for bird watchers.