チェッレートカステッロの天然記念物・トップ13

great view from various points

The climb is very tough but once you get to the top the sanctuary is beautiful.

Oropa is an important Catholic pilgrimage site in the Piedmont Alps, about 12 kilometers northwest of Biella, Italy. It lies in a picturesque valley at an altitude of approximately 1,159 meters. In brief: * Pilgrimage site: One of the most important Marian pilgrimage sites in the Alps, dedicated to the Black Madonna. * History: According to tradition, the pilgrimage dates back to Saint Eusebius in the 4th century. * Sacro Monte: The Holy Mountain of Oropa, with 12 chapels depicting the life of the Virgin Mary, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003. * Basilicas: Consists of the old basilica (17th century), where the Black Madonna is venerated, and the newer, larger Basilica Superior (20th century). * Nature and activities: Surrounded by mountains, it offers opportunities for hiking, trekking, and mountaineering. There is also a botanical garden and an adventure park. * UNESCO World Heritage Site: Recognized along with eight other "Sacri Monti" in the region for its religious, cultural, and scenic significance. Oropa is a place of spiritual significance, impressive architecture, and natural beauty, attracting many pilgrims and visitors annually.

The climb to the Sanctuary of Oropa from Biella is a Piedmont classic. It is about 13 km intense and constant, which do not allow respite with always challenging slopes. The iconic and hardest stretch is the last kilometer on the scenic pavé, made legendary by Pantani's feat in the Giro '99.

A rare beauty of erosion, a wild and solitary place a stone's throw from civilization, easily accessible by bike or on foot (about 2km) from the Sp Castelletto Cervo – Cossato.

Super trail and terrain, drains immediately and grip always at the top!

interesting geological formations gullies overhanging the Cervo stream

source: Wikipedia. Baraggia di Candelo (BI). Manager: Management body for the protected areas of Ticino and Lake Maggiore. The Baraggia di Candelo, also called the Baraggione, is a protected natural area in Piedmont and is located within the Baragge oriented nature reserve. It is classified as a site of community interest. Its area includes the municipalities of Benna, Candelo, Cossato, Massazza, Mottalciata, Salussola, Valdengo, Verrone, Vigliano Biellese, Villanova Biellese which are located in the province of Biella. It has an area of approximately 1600 hectares. It occupies a plateau at the foot of the first Biella pre-Alps, the Cervo torrent forms the northern and eastern border, while to the west and south the Ottina torrent delimits the nature reserve. It is characterized by three plain levels of different ages separated by escarpments. Gully morphologies are observed due to the erosion of the streams and that of surface runoff. The soil on the summit surface of this natural area is clayey, composed of silty materials transported by the wind. The Baraggione consists of a balcony several hundred meters long which falls sheer onto the banks of the Cervo. The Candelo baraggia is characterized by different habitats, including wooded areas that occupy approximately 70% of the territory and moorland. It is sometimes called "the Biella Savannah"