by Nina Vaclavikova
Interviews: Mauro Bordin, president of the Regional Council of Friuli Venezia Giulia; Michele Babuder, Trieste City Councillor for Territorial Policies
A new walking route promoting health and community well-being was inaugurated this week at the Giardino di Guardiella in Trieste, part of the regional program FVG in Movimento. 10,000 passi di salute (“10,000 Steps of Health”).
The initiative, supported by the Friuli Venezia Giulia regional government, encourages citizens to integrate daily physical activity into their routines through designated walking trails across the region. The Farneto Woods route, unveiled with a new project signboard, adds to a growing network of paths designed to connect exercise with cultural and natural discovery.
At the ceremony, Trieste city officials Michele Babuder, Councillor for Territorial Policies, and Massimo Tognolli, Councillor for Social Policies, emphasized both the public health benefits and the collaborative nature of the project. Representatives of Federsanità ANCI FVG, the University of Udine, PromoTurismoFVG, and the local health authority also presented data on the initiative’s results since its launch in 2019.
“This path is not only good for health,” said Mr. Babuder, “but also offers cultural and historical insights into one of Trieste’s most meaningful green spaces.” Mr. Tognolli highlighted the joint effort behind the project, noting that complex challenges in public health and urban life are best addressed through cooperation.
The Farneto Woods were donated to the city in 1844 by Emperor Ferdinand I and today represent Trieste’s largest green area, covering about 2 million square meters. The new itinerary begins near the Guardiella playground, winds along the Farneto stream, and passes historic landmarks including Villa Revoltella and the Ferdinandeo Palace before circling back.
City official Francesco Panepinto, who oversees green space management, described the location as ideal for its tranquility, existing trail network, and role as a social gathering place for residents. “Here, people walk not only for exercise but also to build connections,” he said.
The Farneto route is one of several developed under the regional prevention plan addressing active aging and social inclusion. Data presented at the event underscored the program’s contribution to reducing sedentary lifestyles, particularly among older adults.
To introduce the path to the wider public, a guided walk will take place on September 18, beginning at the Giardino di Guardiella. The event, organized in collaboration with local sports associations and students of exercise science, will combine light physical activity with explanations of the woods’ natural and cultural features. Participation is free with advance registration.
Further information about the project and walking routes across Friuli Venezia Giulia is available at federsanita.anci.fvg.it/progetti and on the program’s Facebook page.
