What to do and see in Province of Biella, Piedmont: The Best Castles

Il Castello di Castellengo, situato sulle prealpi biellesi sotto il Monte Rosa, ospita da secoli la produzione di pregiati vini che nascono nelle vigne circostanti su antichi terreni di origine glaciale marina, dove da sempre si coltivano principalmente Nebbiolo ed Erbaluce. Magda e Alessandro Ciccioni reinterpretano quotidianamente questa tradizione attraverso il recupero, quasi archeologico, delle antiche vigne, ricostituendo la storica proprietà chiamata oggi Centovigne perché composta da piccoli vigneti distribuiti sulle colline tra il Castello di Castellengo e Mottalciata, in Alto Piemonte. Le settecentesche cantine valorizzano l’utilizzo di vasche in cemento e di grandi botti di rovere per l’affinamento dei vini, unendo nuove conoscenze e tradizione in un connubio di tecnologia e storia.

One of the few historical castles that are still occupied by their private owners. The castle is more than 1300 years old and present into a medieval fortress, a really interesting art and furniture collection. The undergrounds of the castle are showing in a fresh and cool ambiance, the products of the local vignards and a small but interesting wine museum.

La Trappa is an ex-monastery located in the upper Elvo Valley at 1000 metres above sea level, between the Mucrone and Mombarone mountains and along the scenic route that links the three main local sanctuaries. It is a convenient rest stop for hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. It is also a place for people interested in carrying out a wide array of educational activities or artist residencies. Restaurant and guesthouse are part of the project "Slow Food Travel Biella Mountains", with a kitchen and is open from April to October (reservations are recommended). Guest quarters are composed of 6 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, with a grand total of 24 beds. There is one bedroom and bathroom that are suitable for guests with reduce mobility. The stable –which is a stopover point on the Biella District Horse Riding Trail- can house up to 10 horses. Internal and outside spaces are available for daily educational and training activities or residencies.