Ermenegildo Zegna is a name synonymous with high quality craftsmanship and striking design, but in Italy, it is known for more than just fashion. In 1993, inspired by his love for the natural landscape of Northern Italy and his passion for environmental protection, the fashion house’s eponymous founder created Oasi Zegna. This protected park covers 100 square kilometers in the area of Biella in the Northern Italian alps.

Today, Oasi Zegna is frequented by tourists looking to explore the natural Italian beauty, by families and sports enthusiasts who use the park for hiking, biking, running, climbing and organized sports, and by scientists who are ambitiously archiving and studying the innumerable species of flora and fauna found there. The park is the first example of environmental patronage in Italy, and with the support of Ermenegildo Zegna, the goal of the Oasi Zegna Foundation is to protect the area from degradation, so that its delicate ecological system remains untouched.

Epitomizing the spirit of Oasi Zegna, Project Life will conclude its studies in the park in December 2015 and serve as a testament to the value of Zegna’s vision. The project focused on a specific species of beetle, the Carabus Olympiae, native to the Biella area and other parts of the Piemonte region. In the last two decades, it became endangered as a result of excessive capture by collectors. Project Life has promoted biodiversity and utilized forestry and grazing management techniques to make Oasi Zegna more hospitable for these endangered beetles.

Not only has Oasi Zegna been praised for its efforts with respect to the Carabus but it has also been lauded as a model for forestry management and development and environmental conservation. Visitors to the park can experience just how special and unique it is and take advantage of regularly scheduled events, organized sports, hiking and biking trails. Oasi Zegna features guided biking excursions, routes for the disabled, horseback-riding, stargazing, meditation and nordic walking programs to suit everyone’s needs. The “Panoramic Plaza” with indoor fitness and recreation facilities, a swimming pool and a breathtaking view combine with Oasi Zegna’s several restaurants and lodging options to round out a truly unforgettable experience.

As if this isn’t enough, the park is also home to the operating Ermenegildo Zegna wool mill, which churns out high quality fabric for the famous brand. Sitting on the mill property is the Casa Zegna, a museum owned and operated by the Zegna family. Casa Zegna showcases the park, Zegna design and natural resources used for garment production.

Those who are joining us on our Splendid Northern Italy: Off the Beaten Path tour will get to explore the amazing Oasi Zegna themselves, complete with a tour of the Casa Zegna museum and a chance to spend time with the Zegna family! The trip will also include seven days worth of sightseeing in the Piedmont and Lombardy regions, and two full days at Expo Milano. Click here for the full itinerary.

Limited spaces are still available! Click here now to sign up