Biella

Access

Biella is well connected thanks to the road network that links it to Turin, Milan and the nearby Valle d'Aosta. The city is served by a railway station with connections to Novara and Santhià, from where it continues on the Turin-Milan line. The nearest airports are Turin-Caselle and Milan-Malpensa, both of which can be reached in about an hour's journey.

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Introduction

Biella is a provincial capital located in the Piedmont region, lying at the foot of the Biella Alps, in a transitional position between the Po Valley and the mountains. The city develops in a territory that combines hilly and mountainous elements, offering a varied landscape characterised by the presence of watercourses, including the Cervo stream. Its origins date back to Roman times, but it was especially in the Middle Ages that Biella took on an important role thanks to its strategic position and trade. Today the city is known for its long manufacturing tradition linked to the wool industry, which has made it internationally famous.

Description

The municipal territory of Biella extends from the lowest part of the plain towards the hills and the first Alpine foothills, culminating in the hamlet of Oropa, famous for its Marian Sanctuary, one of the most important places of worship in Piedmont. Biella is subdivided into various historical districts and hamlets, including the Piazzo, a medieval core located on a hill and connected to the city centre by a funicular railway. The historic centre preserves evidence of medieval and Renaissance architecture, while the surrounding areas show examples of 19th- and 20th-century industrial buildings, today partly recovered and enhanced.
The city has experienced crucial moments linked to the development of the textile sector, particularly in the production and processing of wool. This vocation has shaped the local economy and cultural identity, creating a network of wool mills, factories and brands that have helped spread Biella's name throughout the world. Today, alongside this tradition, the area is developing sectors linked to innovation, culture and tourism.
In terms of culture, Biella is home to museums and exhibition spaces that tell the story of textiles and local art. There are also numerous traditional events, such as the San Bernardo Fair and the celebrations linked to the Sanctuary of Oropa, included in 2003 in the UNESCO World Heritage list together with the other Sacred Mountains of Piedmont and Lombardy. Gastronomic specialities include typical dishes such as polenta concia, local cheeses and the renowned wines of the Biellese hills, among which Bramaterra stands out.
For nature and hiking enthusiasts, Biella offers direct access to a wide range of itineraries. Highlights include the Bessa Special Nature Reserve, an ancient gold-mining area dating back to Roman times, the Burcina Park, a renowned nature and historical garden, and the trails leading to Monte Mucrone and Monte Camino. In addition to the sanctuary, Oropa is a starting point for excursions to the peaks of the Biellese Alps, which are popular in both summer and winter.

Information

Area: 46.69 square km
Altitude: 417m
Maximum elevation: Mont Mars (2600m)
 Number of inhabitants: 44817
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Bordering municipalities: Andorno Micca, Candelo, Fontainemore, Gaglianico, Occhieppo Inferiore, Occhieppo Superiore, Pettinengo, Pollone, Ponderano, Pralungo, Ronco Biellese, Sagliano Micca, San Paolo Cervo, Sordevolo, Tollegno, Vigliano Biellese, Zumaglia
 Villages and hamlets: Barazzetto, Chiavazza, Colma, Cossila San Giovanni, Cossila San Grato, Favaro, Oropa, Pavignano, Vaglio, Vandorno