Biella Location Guide

My Biella…
Biella's past is reflected through the Romanesque, Renaissance and Baroque architecture of city's main buildings whilst its history is inexorably linked with textiles, particularly wool. Today this town in Piedmont is known as the Cashmere City, due to its production of cashmere for the major Italian fashion houses of Milan, Rome and Florence.

Biella is divided into two distinct areas, Biella Piazzo, founded in 1160 sits on a hill with panoramic views, and enjoys medieval buildings, porticoes and paved streets. Below is Biella Piano, a flat area overlooking the River Cervo, and home to the pretty cobbled Via Italia and the Duomo. A funicular railway links the two parts of this provincial capital.

The area around the city is rich in natural beauty with springs, lakes and mountains in abundance. Nearby attractions include the viewpoint at Zegna, Bielmonte ski resort and the Burcina Nature Reserve. Visit the nearby Sacred Mountain of Oropa, a pilgrimage site and World Heritage Site. At 1200m above sea level, it was built around 1620, on the initiative of a Cappuccino Friar. The star of the show is the beautiful carved wooden statue of a Black Madonna.

Local Events
The Passion of Christ at Sordevolo
Every 5 years the medieval town of Sordevolo, just outside Biella, re-enacts the Passion of Christ, a tradition dating back two centuries. The 3 hour performance is performed by 400 amateur actors and walk-on characters and takes place in a outside. Set in a reconstructed part of Jerusalem in 33 A.D., the set features Herod's Palace, Pontius Pilate's Praetorium and the Garden of Gethsemane.

Food and Drink
Both Biella and the Biellese area are rich with many local delicacies. For cheese try Toma and Beddu whilst those with a sweet tooth should try Torcetti, paste 'd melia (made from cornflour) and Canestrelli (fragrant chocolate and hazelnuts wafers).
Caluso Passito is a dessert wine produced in Piedmont for centuries, and worth a sip are the D.O.C. wines of Bramaterra, Canavese and Coste della Sesia. The local beer, Menabrea, is full-bodied and delicious, whilst the mineral water is noted for its exceptional lightness.

Adrian's Spotlight on the 'Oasi Zegna'
It is nearly 20 years since the 'Oasi Zegna' (Zegna Oasis) opened. The brainchild of the wool industrialist, Ermenegildo Zegna, the site is dedicated to the environment and it is effectively an open-air laboratory for nature lovers. For those who enjoy the outdoors, there are many activities including marked trails, mountain biking, horseback riding, paragliding to kite-flying, and winter. There are also spectacular views of Monte Rosa from the Oasis.

How to Get There
By Plane: The nearest airports to Biella are Aeroporto di Torino (Turin) and Milan Malpensa both of which are about 60-70 minutes, Milan Linate is a little further, about 70-80 minutes. All are well served by major airlines as well as budget ones including Easyjet and Ryanair.
By Car: A26 autostrada Genova - Gravellona Toce (exit at Romagnano Sesia)
A5 autostrada Torino - Aosta (exit at Viverone or Ivrea)
A4 autostrada Torino - Milano (exit at Santhià or Carisio)
By Bus: Direct bus connection to and from Milan's Molino Dorino subway stop, 2 buses a day from Monday to Friday and one on Saturday.
By Train: Biella S. Paolo station has a frequent service from Milan (via Novara) or (via Santhià) from Turin.
 

Top Ten Things to See and Do
1. Take the funicular from Biella Piano up to Biella Piazzo
2. Wander the paved streets of medieval Piazzo
3. See the Palazzo Ferro Lamarmora and its frescoed interior
4. Visit the Museo del Territorio (Museum of the Biellese Territory)
5. Admire the St. Stephano Bell Tower
6. See the splendid Baptistery in the Piazza Duomo
7. See the Baroque church of SS Trinity
8. Admire the Renaissance Architecture at the Basilica and the cloister of St. Sebastian
9. Visit the Factory of the Wheel in nearby Pray Vallefredda
10. Check out the factory outlet stores of prestigious textile companies like Loro Piana and Ermenegildo Zegna