An extraordinary itinerary stringing together some of the most enchanting roads in the Upper Biella area and dipping down to the famous Sacro Monte in Varallo, Valsesia. Characterized by a wide variety of landscapes and breathtaking panoramas in the final section, the trail requires robust athletic form.

This “spiritual” trail touches on 11 sanctuaries, including Oropa, the most important Marian sanctuary in the Alps. At the halfway stage, the medieval Ricetto di Candelo, renowned as one of the “most beautiful villages in Italy”, is a must.

FIRST LEG: Oasi Zegna Bielmonte – Candelo (115 km)

Starting from the Piazzale in Bielmonte, the trail follows the Panoramica Zegna road, crossing the picturesque Rhododendron Bowl and on towards Valle Sessera. On reaching Borgosesia, it heads for Varallo along the right bank of the Sesia.

Having left the Sacro Monte (a World Heritage site) in Varallo, the trail passes by the prestigious vineyards between Grignasco and the Boca Sanctuary, where North Piemonte Nebbiolo (here called Spanna) is grown. After Gattinara, it follows long straight roads through the rice fields, with imposing views of the Biella Alps at the foot of Monte Rosa.

From the town of Mottalciata, there’s a short climb to Baraggia di Candelo, a plateau nicknamed the “Biella savanna”, a tract of uncultivated land between the plains and the foothills of the Alps that’s reminiscent of Africa. Lastly, a long straight road leads to Candelo, where there are numerous B&Bs and also the Ricetto (well worth a visit), one of the best preserved examples of medieval defensive architecture in Italy.

SECOND LEG: Candelo – Oasi Zegna Bielmonte (80 km)

On leaving Candelo, the trail leads to the Serra Hill and on reaching Sala Biellese takes a road of rare beauty and practically no traffic through the birch woods typical of the Serra (moraine).

The climb to Andrate offers a spectacular panorama over Valle d’Aosta and the Ivrea Morainic Amphitheatre. At Andrate, it takes the Tracciolino, a magnificent panoramic road across the slopes of the Biella Alps. It also touches on the ancient Trappa Monastery and three sanctuaries (Graglia, Oropa (UNESCO Heritage) and San Giovanni).

From the Oropa Sanctuary, the trail climbs to the Galleria Rosazza (a tunnel at 1,488 m a.s.l. that is not lit, so bring suitable lights), which leads back to Valle Cervo before returning to Bielmonte. Before the final climb, it’s well worth stopping off at Rosazza, the “most mysterious village in Italy”.