Piazzo Biella

Perched on the hill to the west of Biella, the Piazzo is a place where time seems to have stood still: this charming village welcomes visitors with its ancient gateways and a picturesque maze of cobbled streets that wind between elegant historic buildings, recounting centuries of history and traditions. Founded in 1160 by the bishop of Vercelli, Uguccione, the Piazzo quickly became the beating heart of the city, a centre of commerce, culture and administrative life. Even today, strolling through its alleyways, you can sense the echo of this vibrant past.

What to see

A must-see is the picturesque Piazzetta Cucco, from which there is a view of the Elvo and Oropa valleys. Here you can admire a rare half-timbered house from the Late Middle Ages, a precious testimony to the architecture of the time. Continuing under the charming medieval arcades, you reach the refined Piazza Cisterna, the lively heart of the neighbourhood, which is particularly bustling in the summer months thanks to the restaurants and bars that make it an ideal place for a romantic break. Among the most striking architectural features are the terracotta arches of Casa Teccio and the splendid sixteenth-century façade of the Palazzo dei Principi Dal Pozzo della Cisterna. Nearby are also the church of San Giacomo, the oldest in the city, and the ancient Ospedale degli Esposti, evidence of the district's long history. Returning to the square, the Palazzo dell'Antico Comune welcomes visitors with its finely frescoed porticoes.

The palaces of the nobles

From here, we continue towards the residences of the great noble families of Biella: Palazzo La Marmora, Palazzo Ferrero and, opposite, Palazzo Gromo Losa. Together they form the Piazzo Cultural Hub, now a venue for exhibitions and events that animate the cultural life of the city. Palazzo La Marmora, a historic 16th-century residence that has still belonged to the same family for over eight centuries, offers the opportunity to visit a charming house museum and a romantic English garden overlooking the city. Palazzo Ferrero, built between the 15th and 16th centuries, is now municipal property and its octagonal tower is one of the most recognisable symbols of Biella. Palazzo Gromo Losa, whose origins probably date back to the 14th century, is famous for its large Italian-style garden, renowned for its roses and botanical variety. The Piazzo also preserves traces of a more hidden history: the ancient Jewish ghetto was located here, and there is still a synagogue that can be visited on special occasions.

The most beautiful village in Italy

Since 2025, this charming village has been part of the prestigious circuit of the "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy".For those who wish to continue their exploration, it is worth going down to the Vernato district, which can be reached by a pleasant stroll along the coast of the same name. The route offers evocative views, including ancient half-timbered houses, the fresco of the Shroud and the picturesque Church of San Nicola di Tolentino.