Discover Candelo: Ricetto, Baraggia and Alpine views

Candelo combines fortified history, sacred art, expansive Baraggia landscapes and regional specialties.

Ricetto and church art

The Ricetto di Candelo is a fortified complex that arose between the 13th and 14th centuries on the initiative of the people of Candelo. It was intended to preserve and protect the community’s most valuable goods, especially wine and grain. At the end of the 15th century, the Palazzo del Principe in the Ricetto was the residence of Sebastiano Ferrero, the feudal lord of Candelo. A restored rampart walkway is once again accessible.

The churches also preserve remarkable evidence of the past. Santa Maria Maggiore was built before the year 1000; its first documented mention dates from 1182. The church houses a panel depicting the Crucifixion of Christ, painted in 1572 by Boniforte Oldoni from Vercelli. There are also vault frescoes depicting the Fathers of the Church, attributed to Gaspare de Fornerio da Ponderano and dating from the 15th to the 16th century. Santa Maria Maggiore can be reached on foot from the Ricetto in just a few minutes.

The Chiesa di San Lorenzo acquired its present form between 1675 and 1696 over an older, dilapidated building and preserves 18th-century sculptures by the brothers Carlo Francesco and Pietro Giuseppe Aureggio. In the large sacristy of the Chiesa di San Pietro, you will find furnishings, paintings and wooden sculptures from the 17th and 18th centuries. The votive paintings by the De Bosis family were already counted among the national monuments at the beginning of the 20th century because of their historical and artistic value, and today they are a cultural and educational element of Candelo’s extensive Ecomuseo.

Ecomuseo, wine and events

The Ecomuseo of Candelo is an integrated museum system documenting the culture and landscape expressed in the Ricetto. It includes a reconstructed wine cellar in the Ricetto, where historic equipment and winemaking methods are presented. The Ecomuseo’s Eco-Vigneto is a laboratory between science and history that brings Candelo’s ancient winemaking culture back to life.

Thematic tours offered by the Ecomuseo explore Candelo’s historical, natural and religious heritage. A multimedia visitor route has also been set up in the Ricetto, incorporating previously closed areas and rooms renovated with modern multimedia technology. Every year, the Ricetto hosts important events such as “Candelo in fiore” and “Il Borgo di Babbo Natale”.

The Slow Food Mercato della terra offers beer, Toma and Maccagno cheeses, fresh fruit and vegetables, preserves, honey, hazelnuts, cured meats, grappa and flour.

Baraggia, paths and panoramic views

In Candelo’s Baraggione, there are numerous paths shaded by centuries-old oaks that are well suited to walking. The municipal area encompasses a large part of the extensive Baraggia. To protect and preserve this distinctive Baragge environment, the Piedmont Region established the Riserva Naturale Orientata delle Baragge by Regional Law No. 3 of 14 January 1992. It is also intended to enhance agriculture and ensure appropriate use of the area.

Stage 9 of the Grande Traversata del Biellese enters the Baraggia di Candelo, then passes through a wooded area and continues towards the road to Candelo. The Pro Loco of Candelo also offers nature tours in the Baraggia park. From the Altopiano di Bellavista, the view extends across almost the entire western Alpine arc, from Monviso via Monte Rosa to the Bergamasque Prealps.

Practical information for your stay

Candelo’s tourist office is located at the entrance to the medieval Borgo next to the monumental Torre Porta and offers visitors free information about restaurants, accommodation, events and services.

More places for planning your trip

Villa Del Bosco, Vivaro, Roppolo, Vigliano Biellese, Romagnano, Salussola, Sandigliano, Donato

To the main travel overview: Biella.