BIELLA | PIEDMONT

Discover Biella

To the north of Piedmont, bordering the Valle D'Aosta region and the Piedmont provinces of Vercelli and Turin is the province of Biella, established by law in 1992. Many pilgrims visit Biella’s sanctuaries. The Sacred Mount of Oropa has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Also worth visiting are the sanctuaries of Graglia and San Giovanni d'Andorno.
The landscape in the province of Biella is characterized in the north by the mountains of the pre-Alps, to the west by the "Serra" chain of hills, and to the east and south by plains planted with maize and rice.
The Biella territory is rich in water. The main rivers are the Cervo, Sessera, Oropa and Elvo. Lake Viverone lies between the provinces of Turin and Biella.
The province of Biella almost entirely part of the Baragge – Bessa – Brich Zumaglia - Mont Prève Regional Nature Reserve.

This strong attachment to nature provides local products of high quality, such as dairy produce and cold meats.
To the north of Biella one of the best Italian cheeses is produced: the cylindrical Toma Maccagno or Toma di Sordevolo. Among the most important wines are Erbaluce and Bramaterra, and Ratafia liqueur.
Polenta is a traditional part of the mountain culture, seasoned with locally produced melted butter and cheese.
The “Ricetto” in the town of Candelo, is one of the greatest testimonies to Biella farming life. The “Ricetto” was built by the local population between the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries and was used as a warehouse for agricultural products and as shelter in times of danger.
Among the greatest traditions of Candelo is the celebration of Carnival. Tasting the local confectionery is not to be missed.
Due to its mountain peaks, the province of Biella is famous for skiing.
Wool processing is an important Biella tradition that can be discovered by following the "wool route", a scenic road named after the wool industrialist, Ermenegildo Zegna. The "wool route" passes through Pray and Trivero to reach Valsesia.
Biella is also renowned for producing hats, which are exported worldwide.