Argomenti trattati
Just a short drive from Turin, nestled in the heart of Canavese, lies a hidden gem that will astonish visitors. Known as the Terre Ballerine, this enchanting area combines the serenity of a forest with the playful spirit of a trampoline. Walking here feels like stepping onto a giant natural waterbed, where the ground bounces beneath your feet, creating a whimsical experience that is rare in Italy. Surrounded by the picturesque lakes of Pistono and Sirio, the Terre Ballerine is a geological marvel that invites exploration.
The magic of bouncing ground
The name Terre Ballerine, or ‘Dancing Lands,’ is not just a whimsical title; it accurately describes the sensation of the ground beneath you. Each step you take sends ripples through the earth, making the trees sway gently, creating a surreal atmosphere. But what causes this fascinating phenomenon? The answer lies in the floating peat bog that formed over time in what was once Lake Coniglio. In the late 1800s, a local entrepreneur drained the lake to harvest peat for fuel, transforming the landscape into a wetland rich with decomposing organic material.
Over the years, layers of plant sediments accumulated, forming a dense, sponge-like layer that sits atop a thin layer of water. The result? An elastic terrain that reacts to movement like a natural raft. Jumping or even walking on this surface feels like bouncing on a trampoline in the middle of the woods—a delightful experience that sets the Terre Ballerine apart as a truly unique destination.
More than just bouncing woods
While the Terre Ballerine is a remarkable attraction, it’s not the only geological wonder in the area. The Canavese region is also home to the Serra Morenica di Ivrea, a long glacial ridge stretching over 25 kilometers from the Aosta Valley to the plains of Turin. This area boasts numerous morainic lakes, with Lago di Viverone and Lago di Bertignano being among the most famous. However, it’s around Montalto Dora that visitors can find the clear waters of Lago Sirio and the culturally rich Lago Pistono, both worthy of exploration.
Just a short walk from the Terre Ballerine, you’ll find the Archaeological Park of Lago Pistono. This open-air museum narrates the lives of human communities that inhabited the region during the Neolithic era, around 7000 years ago. The park features an indoor exhibition space located in the Exhibition Space for Archaeology at Piazza IV Novembre in Montalto Dora, alongside an outdoor section that includes a reconstructed Neolithic hut and an archaeological trail immersed in nature.
Exploring the archaeological park
The indoor exhibition offers a detailed scientific overview of archaeological findings from the area, showcasing artifacts dating back to the 5th millennium BC. Informative panels explain the daily lives of Neolithic communities, while models and experimental reconstructions of ancient technologies provide a comprehensive insight into the prehistoric Piemontese lifestyle.
The outdoor path, accessible to all, winds along the shores of Lago Pistono, leading to a reconstructed hut elevated on stilts, furnished to reflect Neolithic life. This structure is based on documented models from Northern Italy’s Neolithic sites and is built using materials and techniques from that era: walls made of intertwined wood plastered with clay and straw, a double-sloped roof of reed, and a palisade to protect it from flooding. Along the trail, panels illustrate the construction techniques and the environmental context in which prehistoric communities lived.
Visiting tips for families
The Terre Ballerine and the archaeological park can be explored independently, but it’s advisable to check in advance for accessibility and park conditions. For families, especially those with children, consider joining one of the guided tours offered on Sundays. These tours typically last around two hours and begin at the exhibition space in Piazza IV Novembre. After visiting the museum, participants embark on a scenic walk through the morainic hills, passing the medieval castle of Montalto Dora before reaching the reconstructed hut by the lake.
During the tour, the guide—often an archaeologist—takes the group on a journey back in time, sharing stories of ancient landscapes and daily life in the Neolithic period. It’s an educational yet fun experience for the entire family, with affordable rates: adults pay 6 euros, while children aged 6-12 are charged 3 euros. Entry is free for children under 5, disabled visitors, their companions, and journalists.
Getting there
The Terre Ballerine is located approximately 60 km from Turin, making it easily reachable by car in under an hour. Simply take the A5 motorway towards Aosta, exit at Ivrea, and continue to Montalto Dora. It’s recommended to park near the church of Sant’Eusebio Vescovo, adjacent to the market area, from where the trail to Lago Pistono begins. After a pleasant stroll through lush greenery, adorned with panoramic views and shaded paths, you will arrive at the bouncing peat bog of the Terre Ballerine. The route is well-marked and suitable even for those without a high fitness level.