Ricetto di Magnano

The ricetto is a medieval structure typical of Piedmont; a medieval grouping of houses surrounded by walls where the inhabitants of the countryside took refuge in case of danger. The ricetto di Magnano is less known than that of Candelo, but it keeps very well. This complex, together with the church of S. Giovanni, is a small pearl set in the hills of the Biella area.

Magnano's ricetto is less known than the more famous Candelo's ricetto. It was built on a hill as a fortification in the 1200s, to free itself from Vercelli and become a free village. Just below the Ricetto, the 16th century parish church of S. Giovanni Battista is worth a visit.

It was the upper village that served as protection for the population when they were attacked by bands of thieves. They were also defended by walls of which only the section near the tower remains.