Biella and the Medieval Ricetto of Candelo
Duration: 10 hours
Languages: IT, EN, DE, FR, ES
Located in the north east of Piedmont, the city of Biella can be reached in a short time from Turin. In 2019 it was included in the “creative cities” of UNESCO thanks to it’s ancient propensity for the processing of fabrics and yarns pushed by the imagination and the creativity of the locals.
Located on 2 levels, connected by a funicular since 1886, Biella Piano and Biella Piazzo offer masterpieces from every era. Romanesque art is beautifully evoked in Piano by the baptistery and bell tower of the demolished church of Santo Stefano, while the beautiful facades of nineteenth-century villas and buildings embellish what is now considered the “modern” city of Biella. In Piazzo, on the other hand, you enter a real medieval village founded in 1160 by the bishop of Vercelli with the intention of building his residence in town. Over the centuries a set of residences of the great noble dynasties of Biella flourished, while those families played a driving role for the entire city.
The excursion, which includes a guided tour of Biella Piano and Piazzo, then continues a few kilometers out of the city to discover and admire the famous Candelo walled village, built between the 1200s and the 1300s by the local community to perform a defensive function in wartime. In fact, during the conflicts the inhabitants sheltered inside of it, while in times of peace it was used as a warehouse for food storage and as a community cellar.
Depending on the period and your preferences, the city of Biella can also be combined with the Sanctuary of Oropa or the Burcina Park. In fact, not far from Biella stands the Sanctuary of Oropa, one of the most important Marian centers in Piedmont. Located at the foot of Mount Mucrone, the complex overlooks the city of Biella like a balcony, offering the visitor one of the most beautiful Piedmontese scenic views. In the months of April and May, the nearby Parco Burcina offers an explosion of colors thanks to the flowering of azaleas and rhododendrons without forgetting the various species of native and non-native trees.
Inclusions: Car (or minivan), Guide.
Exclusion: tips, whatever not listed in the inclusion section
Detailed programme and quotations: events@petiteevents.com
