Solo in the Royal Hunting Grounds: La Mandria Park, Venaria

#hellohalloween While the magnificent Reggia di Venaria draws the crowds, right next door lies a secret kingdom of wilder, quieter beauty. My solo trip to Parco La Mandria was an escape into a sprawling, green universe—a former royal hunting estate where you can wander for hours among forests, castles, and free-roaming wildlife, all on your own terms. My Perfect Solo Itinerary: A Day of Freedom and Fresh Air 10:00 AM - Entering the Green Kingdom I entered the park through one of its historic gates, paying the small entry fee that helps preserve this incredible natural reserve. The transition was immediate. The noise of the city vanished, replaced by the sound of birds and the wind in the tall trees. With a map in hand, I felt a thrilling sense of freedom—over 3,000 hectares of paths were mine to explore. 11:00 AM - A Castle for a King (In Exile) My first major stop was the Castello della Mandria, the secluded residence where the first King of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II, escaped with his beloved Rosa Vercellana. You can tour the beautifully preserved Appartamenti Reali (Royal Apartments). As a solo visitor, I could linger in the opulent rooms, imagining the private life of a king away from the formal court. 1:00 PM - A Picnic by the Pond I’d packed a lunch of fresh bread, local cheese, and salami from Turin. I found a perfect, secluded spot by one of the park's many serene ponds, the Laghi dei Cervi (Deer Lakes). Eating there alone, with only the dragonflies for company, was a simple, soul-restoring pleasure. 2:30 PM - On the Trail of Wildlife The afternoon was for hiking and wildlife spotting. La Mandria is a protected park, home to deer, wild boar, and countless bird species. I followed a quiet trail through dense woodland, and my patience was rewarded with a distant sight of a herd of fallow deer. The thrill of that quiet discovery, all by myself, was the highlight of my day. Solo Traveler Tips I Discovered: · Rent a Bike: The park is enormous. Renting a bicycle at the entrance is the best way to cover more ground and discover its hidden corners. · Wear Sturdy Shoes: Whether you walk or bike, you'll be on gravel paths and trails. Comfort is key. · Check the Opening Times: The opening hours for the Castello della Mandria and the park gates can vary by season. Always check the official website before you go. · Combine with Venaria Reale: Make a full day of it by also visiting the stunning Reggia di Venaria. The contrast between the manicured, overwhelming palace and the wild, natural park is fascinating. Parco La Mandria is a breath of fresh, wild air. For a solo traveler, it’s an empowering and peaceful destination that offers history, nature, and the priceless luxury of wide-open space. #solotravel #italy #turin #lamandria #natureescape