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Biella - Il Santuario Di Oropa
The province of Biella stretches across northern Piedmont and borders the Valle d’Aosta Valley tothe west.
In this unspoiled land, nature has many faces, such as the picturesque Biellese pre-Alpine mountains dotted with pretty valleys, and in the south, the pleasant banks of Lake Viverone, a very popular spot with tourists. The reserves enclose wonderful landscapes: the wide moor of the Riserva Naturale Orientata delle Baragge, the Alpine environment of Oasi Zegna with its characteristic “Via dei Rododendri,” the Parco Naturale della Burcina, which is full of flowers and colours in Spring. As well as the wonders of nature, there are religious, cultural and artistic treasures.
This is a land of marked spirituality, as the many religious sites attest, such as the Santuario mariano di Oropa, one of the most important shrines in Europe.
Moreover, in the south, the remains of ancient churches and villages built during Middle age can still be seen along the via Francigena, a route for pilgrims that used to connect northern areas with Rome.
This territory encompasses picturesque villages and charming settlements, walled complexes the are little changed by time. Among these is the settlement of Candelo, unique in Europe.
The fascination of Biella is connected to important aspects of local culture, including the production of articles from high quality wool, crafts, an amazing cuisine and great wines.
An exploration of the territory begins in Biella, which is surrounded by wonderful mountains and divided in two districts: Biella-Piano and Biella-Piazzo, connected to each other by steep streets called “coste” and by a funicular.
Biella-Piazzo is the medieval district, dominated by the magnificent Palazzo Cisterna and ancient churches; in Biella-Piazzo lie the Duomo, the pre-Romanesque baptistery and the Museo del territorio biellese which gives detailed documentation of local history.
A land where faith is strong, Biella is the home of the Sacro Monte di Oropa, a monument whose Sanctuary is listed by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. The Biennial Religious and Cultural Tourism Market is held here.
The Santuario di Graglia and the Santuario Giovanni d’Andorno are worth visiting, both lying in panoramic positions in the midst of unspoiled nature.
An other site that unites the splendour of nature with culture is the Riserva naturale speciale della Bessa, an ancient Roman gold mine, where the rubble from the original extractions can still be seen.
Among the settlements in the province, the most important are Magnano and, above all, Candelo, a scenic village enclosed by fortified walls and angular towers, giving to the area great charm, including along with other villages and castles in the itinerary, “Andar per borghi nel Biellese.” The Cell Museums of Biella are interesting and bear witness to the local culture and traditions of the various valleys. Rosazza, in the Valle Cervo, known as the village of stone-cutters, offers a unique example of local culture and architecture, also renowned for its traditional stone dwellings.
The part of Via Francigena within the Biella area, with the villages ofCavaglià, Viverone and Roppolo, is a landmark of historical and religious merit, rich in medieval art works.
The ‘wool road,’ the Via della lana, is testament to local culture. Starting from Biella, it runs along the Sesia River past ancient spinning factories, such as the 18th century wheel factory of Pray, now a museum.
The pre-Alpine mountains of Biella encompass wild and unspoiled environments, and forms the ideal backdrop for active holidays in all seasons: from walking and trekking to trips on railways, Alpine mountaineering, or routes designed for snowshoes, not to forget some specialist activities at the Parco Avventura and Bungee Jumping at Veglio, known as the “Colossus” and, at a height of 152 metres, recognised at the European level is the highest, permanent bungee jump.
In winter, the well- equipped resorts of Oropa and Bielmonte offer both modern facilities and many ski and snowboard pistes, and the chance to try unprepared pistes, so ideal for Free Rides.
Between Bocchetto Sassera are Oropa, there are many opportunities for cross-country skiing at different levels and in various evocative and unique landscapes.
In the heart of the Biella Alpes, the Oasi Zegna and other areas are perfect for walking, trekking or mountain biking in summer.
Lake Viverone is the ideal destination for water sports: water skiing, canoeing, pedal boating, rowing, motor boats and sport fishing.
Numerous events and folkloristic festivals are staged here, such as the famous Carnival of Biella with a procession in Biella on Ash Wednesdays.
Not to be missed are Candelo in flower, and Vinincontro, a wine show in the Candelo, and at Christmas, the Mercatino degli Angeli in Sordevolo, one of the most typical markets of the area, and also the Presepe Gigante, a huge nativity scene, in Marchetto di Mosso, dressed with life-size statues dotted around the village. The Passion of Sordevolo is a very important religious event and commemorates the Passion of Christ Passion every five years from June to September, in which all the local people take part. The province also offers many chances to shop for the high quality fabrics that are an ancient tradition of Biella.
This mountainous area is rich in meadows where the main produce is cheese, such as the toma from Elvo Valley, fresh or seasoned, the "sancarlin” and “tumin eletric”, fresh, processed cheeses.
Other specialities are “polenta cunscia”, “fondua” and “ris an cagnum”, made with local cheese, “frità rugnosa” which is an omelette with salami, and, of course, “bagna caoda”.
Tasty but less known dishes are the ”supa mituna”, made with bread, broth, herbs or vegetables, and the “mactabe”, a soup with rice, milk and chestnuts.
The cured meats are remarkable: “salam d l’ula” made with pork preserved in fat, and also to beef and goat meat salami.
Apple mustard to accompany cheese or polenta is a typical combination in Biella.
The choice of desserts include torcetti, canestrelli and torroni.
Both white and red wines are produced in the area, including Erbaluce and Bramaterra, as well as the typical liqueur of Piedmont, the “Ratafià di Andorno”, which is made with black cherry juice from Andorno Micca.
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