Sordevolo

Access

The municipality can be reached by car from the city of Biella, just a few kilometres away, along the and municipal roads. The nearest railway station is Biella San Paolo, connected to Turin and Milan; the reference airports are Turin-Caselle and Milan-Malpensa.

Introduction

Sordevolo is a village in the Biellese region located at an altitude of approximately 630 metres, at the foot of the Biellese Pre-Alps, in a panoramic basin overlooking the Elvo valley. Surrounded by woods, pastures and streams, the village is distinguished by its authentic atmosphere and cultural tradition that makes it known far beyond regional borders. Sordevolo's fame is linked above all to the performance of the 'Passion of Christ', a popular sacred representation that involves hundreds of inhabitants and attracts spectators from all over Italy and abroad.

Description

The municipality's territory alternates between hilly and mountainous areas, with a landscape ranging from chestnut groves to high-altitude meadows. Among the most significant reliefs is Mount Mucrone, which dominates the valley with its silhouette, and the paths leading to the Sanctuary of Oropa, one of the most famous Marian sanctuaries in the Alps. Numerous hiking trails connect Sordevolo to the Burcina Park, the Elvo Valley and the itineraries that lead up to the alpine refuges.

The history of the village is documented as far back as the Middle Ages: in the 12th century it appears in deeds linked to the feud of the Vialardi family, while in the following centuries it was linked to the community of Oropa and to Savoy rule. Its cultural roots are intertwined with religious traditions, culminating in the Passion Play, staged every five years from the 15th century to the present day. This event, which involves the entire village in a large open-air theatre, is a unique intangible heritage and represents the community's identity core.

The economy of the municipality was traditionally agricultural and pastoral, with livestock breeding and mountain farming; from the 19th century onwards, it grew thanks to the textile industry, like much of the Biellese area. Today, the main activities are oriented towards cultural and excursion tourism, hospitality and handicrafts. The local gastronomy offers traditional Biellese dishes, including polenta concia, artisanal cold cuts, alpine cheeses and homemade desserts.

The cultural and social life of Sordevolo is animated not only by the Passion, but also by country festivals, musical events and festivals dedicated to local products. The community keeps religious devotion alive through rural chapels and historic churches, including the parish church of Sant'Ambrogio.

In terms of tourism and hiking, Sordevolo is an excellent starting point for discovering the mountainous Biellese: the paths towards the Sanctuary of Graglia, the Cammino di Oropa trails and the treks towards the Oropa basin and Monte Camino are among the most popular. The nature, the views and the possibility of excursions of varying difficulty make the village an ideal destination for both mountain enthusiasts and families.