Photo: Sacro Monte di Biella — Cappella dell'Incoronazione / Wikimedia Commons
Biella may not have the international fame of Turin or Milan, but those who make the journey are rewarded with one of Piedmont's most compelling itineraries — a UNESCO heritage site, a sprawling alpine nature reserve, medieval villages that have barely changed in centuries, and a textile heritage that shaped global fashion. This guide covers the top things to do in Biella, from the unmissable highlights to the hidden gems.
The Sacro Monte di Biella is the city's crown jewel. This UNESCO World Heritage site consists of 21 baroque chapels arranged along a winding woodland path that climbs the hillside above Biella Piazzo. Built between the 17th and 19th centuries, each chapel contains life-sized terracotta and painted figures depicting scenes from the life of Christ — the Nativity, the Passion, the Resurrection — rendered with astonishing realism. The craftsmanship of the statues, combined with the frescoed interiors and the natural setting, creates an immersive spiritual and artistic experience.
The walk from Piazzo to the top takes about 45 minutes along a well-maintained path through chestnut and oak woodland. The views expand with every turn, culminating in a panoramic sweep across the Po plain with the Alps lining the northern horizon. The site is free to enter year-round, though the chapel interiors are unlocked only during certain hours. Guided tours are available for €5–8 per person and provide detailed explanations of the iconography and history. Plan at least two hours for a thorough visit.
Created by the Ermenegildo Zegna family in the 1930s, the Oasi Zegna is a 30 km² protected nature reserve spanning the mountains north of Trivero. It was conceived as a philanthropic project — the Zegna family planted over 500,000 conifers and built the Panoramica Zegna, a 26 km scenic road, to make the alpine landscape accessible to everyone. Today it is a paradise for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers.
The Panoramica Zegna is the backbone of the reserve, offering pull-off viewpoints at Bocchetto di Sessera (1,420 metres) with staggering views of Monte Rosa. Dozens of hiking trails branch off from the road, ranging from easy family walks through beech forests to challenging ascents to alpine ridges. In autumn, the foliage display is spectacular. The reserve is also popular for trail running, mountain biking, and — in winter — snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Entry is free, and the road is typically open from May to November, weather permitting.
Biella Piazzo is the historic heart of the city, perched on a hilltop at 500 metres above sea level. Its narrow cobbled streets, medieval towers, and noble palaces speak of the wool barons who built their fortunes here from the 14th century onward. The main square, Piazza Cisterna, is one of Piedmont's most beautiful piazzas, with a 16th-century well at its centre, flanked by Gothic porticos and the Palazzo La Marmora.
Via Italia, the main artery of Piazzo, is lined with elegant shops, cafés, and restaurants. The Mercato di Biella Piazzo takes place every Saturday morning in the covered market building, offering local cheeses, salumi, honey, and seasonal produce. Nearby, the Museo del Territorio occupies the Palazzo La Marmora and presents a fascinating collection covering Biella's natural history, archaeology, and textile manufacturing heritage. Allow half a day to explore Piazzo properly — and don't miss the views from the belvedere at the edge of the quarter.
The Funicolare di Biella has been connecting the lower town (Piano) with the upper town (Piazzo) since 1885. It is a charming, slightly rickety funicular railway that climbs a 170-metre difference in altitude over a 700-metre track. The journey takes just under two minutes and costs €1.50 one way. The views over the lower town and the Po plain from the upper station are excellent.
The funicular is more than just transport — it is an experience in itself. The original terminus buildings are still in use, and the ride feels like a journey back in time. It runs every 15–20 minutes during the day and is the easiest and most atmospheric way to move between the two halves of the city.
Biella is the historic heart of Italy's textile industry. The wool mills of the Biellese area have supplied fabric to some of the world's most prestigious fashion houses for centuries. Ermenegildo Zegna, founded in Trivero in 1910, is perhaps the most famous. The Fondazione Zegna at the company's original headquarters offers exhibitions on textile history, design, and sustainability. The foundation also manages the Oasi Zegna nature reserve, connecting the family's industrial legacy with environmental stewardship.
Loro Piana, another Biella-born luxury fabric house, has its headquarters in nearby Quarona. While the working mills are generally not open to casual visitors, the Loro Piana shop in Biella Piazzo offers a window into the quality and craftsmanship that defines the region's textile heritage. For a deeper dive, the Museo del Territorio and the Lanificio F.Ili Cerruti in Coggiola both have dedicated textile exhibitions.
Just 10 minutes east of Biella lies one of Piedmont's most extraordinary medieval structures: the Ricetto di Candelo. This 14th-century grain fortress is a perfectly preserved complex of vaulted brick cellars and stone buildings arranged around a central courtyard. It was built as a communal grain store — local farmers brought their harvest here for safekeeping behind fortified walls.
Today the Ricetto is a cultural venue hosting wine tastings, medieval festivals, and exhibitions. The cellars now hold wine bars and tasting rooms, with local producers offering Barbera, Nebbiolo, and Coste della Sesia wines. The structure itself is a photographer's dream — the brick arches, cobbled courtyard, and medieval atmosphere create a time-capsule experience. Admission is free, and the site is open year-round.
Perched at 1,200 metres in the Biellese Alps, the Santuario di Oropa is a magnificent Marian sanctuary dedicated to the Black Madonna. The complex includes a Renaissance basilica, a 17th-century royal palace built for the Savoy court, and a series of chapels and devotional buildings spread across the alpine clearing. The location is breathtaking — surrounded by larch forests and high mountain pastures.
The sanctuary is a popular destination for both pilgrims and hikers. The interior of the basilica houses the revered wooden statue of the Black Madonna, said to have been carved by Saint Luke. Outside, the network of hiking trails offers access to the higher peaks of the Biellese Alps, including the Rifugio Capanna Renata at 2,200 metres — a full-day hike for experienced walkers. By car, Oropa is 30 minutes from Biella.
Lake Viverone (Lago di Viverone) is Piedmont's largest natural lake, covering 5.8 km² just 20 minutes south of Biella. The lake is a popular summer destination with beaches, bathing platforms, and boat rentals. The lakeside towns of Viverone and Azeglio offer restaurants serving freshwater fish and lakeside wine bars. Paddleboarding and cycling around the lake are popular activities.
The lake is also an important bird habitat — the surrounding reed beds host herons, grebes, and various waterfowl. The Parco Naturale del Lago di Viverone protects the southern shore and provides walking trails with observation hides. It is an easy half-day trip from Biella and a refreshing contrast to the alpine landscapes to the north.
Start in Piazza Cisterna with a coffee at one of the cafés. Explore Via Italia and the Palazzo La Marmora (Museo del Territorio). Ride the funicular down to Piano for lunch at a trattoria. In the afternoon, take the Sacro Monte trail from Piazzo — allow two hours for the walk and the chapel interiors.
Drive or take a bus to Trivero (20 minutes). Visit the Fondazione Zegna for a textile exhibition. Drive the Panoramica Zegna, stopping at the Bocchetto di Sessera viewpoint. Walk a short section of the nature trails (the 4 km loop from the Bocchetto is ideal). Return to Biella for dinner in Piazzo.
Morning visit to Ricetto di Candelo (10 minutes by car or bus). Explore the cellars and taste local wines. Head south to Lake Viverone for lunch by the water. Afternoon swim or paddleboard, followed by a lakeside walk in the nature park. Return to Biella for a final evening in the Piazzo quarter.
Is Sacro Monte di Biella worth visiting?
Absolutely. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site with 21 baroque chapels climbing a wooded hillside, each containing life-sized terracotta figures. The setting overlooking the Po plain with the Alps behind is unforgettable.
What is the Ricetto di Candelo?
The Ricetto di Candelo is a remarkably well-preserved 14th-century grain fortress with vaulted brick cellars and stone buildings around a central courtyard. Today it hosts wine tastings, medieval festivals, and cultural events.
How do I visit the Oasi Zegna?
Oasi Zegna is a 30 km² protected nature reserve free to enter, 15 km north of Biella. The Panoramica Zegna scenic road runs through it with multiple viewpoints and trailheads. Explore by car or rental bike, stopping for short hikes.