Zumaglia

Access

Access to Zumaglia is easy thanks to the local road network that connects it with the capital Biella and neighbouring municipalities. Its proximity to major transport nodes such as the Biella railway station and regional airports facilitates connection to the area. The municipal area is just over 4 km², with a population of just over 950 inhabitants. The name in Piedmontese dialect is 'Zumaja' and the inhabitants are called Zumagliesi. The patron saints are San Fabiano and San Sebastiano. Neighbouring municipalities include Ronco Biellese and others in the province of Biella.

Introduction

Zumaglia is a municipality located in Piedmont, precisely in the province of Biella, characterised by a hilly terrain typical of the Biellese hills. The town is located at an altitude of about 580 metres, on a saddle between the basins of the Chiebbia and Riasco streams, tributaries of the Quargnasca stream. The territory takes its name from the Brich di Zumaglia, a 699-metre-high hill that, together with the nearby Mont Prevè, dominates much of the Biella plain and constitutes a distinctive landscape element. Historically, the municipality is linked to the ancient medieval castle that dominates the hill, dating back to 1291, and its history of feudal rule that saw the passage from the bishops of Vercelli to the House of Savoy and then to local noble families. Today, Zumaglia is also known for its protected natural area, the Brich di Zumaglia and Mont Prevè Equipped Area, which protects a park rich in vegetation and tree species, contributing to the area's tourist and nature attraction.

Description

The municipal territory extends over a hillside, with landscapes that alternate between dense forests, meadows and the hilly environment typical of the region. The presence of the Chiebbia and Riasco streams, albeit of modest size, characterises the local hydrographic structure. The area is rich in natural ecosystems that are protected by the equipped area established in 1995, a key element for environmental conservation and hiking enjoyment. Zumaglia's history is marked by the existence of its castle, which was a political and strategic reference point since the Middle Ages; its original construction is documented from the 13th century onwards, with subsequent events marking its destruction and restoration, especially its destruction in 1556 and reconstruction in the 20th century. The parish church, dedicated to St. Fabian and St. Sebastian, dates back to the 16th century and is another significant historical-cultural element of the village.
The local economy traditionally revolves around hillside agricultural activities, but in recent decades tourism related to nature, culture and hiking activities has become increasingly important. The presence of the castle, resurrected as a cultural venue for initiatives and theatrical performances, combined with the environmental protection of the park, offers opportunities for cultural and excursion interest. Local traditions, although less evident than in the larger towns, are reflected in the patron saints' festivals dedicated to Saints Fabiano and Sebastiano and in the village events that involve the local community, highlighting the historical and cultural roots of the place.
Tourism and hiking are facilitated by trails that connect Zumaglia with neighbouring towns, as evidenced by the Grande Traversata Biellese (GTB), with stages that pass through evocative landscapes and allow visitors to discover the surrounding nature and villages. The Burcina Park, a short distance away, is an example of a natural oasis with botanical varieties that enrich the visitor's experience. The Brich Area of Zumaglia, with its castle and surrounding woods, is an important panoramic and naturalistic point. The itineraries also link the municipality with other historical and natural sites, offering walking routes in the Biellese hills that combine nature, history and culture.

Information

Area:2.61 sq km
Altitude:580m
Maximum elevation:
Number of inhabitants:
Name in dialect:
Inhabitants' names:
Patron Saint:
Internet Site:
Webcam:
Bordering Municipalities:Biella, Pettinengo, Ronco Biellese