Vigliano Biellese: Textile History and Hilly Countryside

Vigliano Biellese combines impressive buildings, a history of textile processing, and hilly countryside shaped by vineyards, nurseries and gardens.

Textile History and Remarkable Buildings

The first wool factory in Vigliano Biellese was established on the Cervo in 1868. The river water was used to wash the wool; further textile factories were later built there. This connection between river and industry gives the town a distinctive historical background.

One of the characteristic buildings is Castello di Montecavallo, a Neo-Gothic structure with a square floor plan and massive turrets with battlements at the corners. The chapel of Castello di Montecavallo, dedicated to Saint Philip, is connected to the castle by a covered passageway. Villa Era is another defining feature; it was built between 1884 and 1888 based on a design by Turin architect Enrico Petitti.

The Chiesa di Santa Lucia was built by the Avogadro family between 1501 and 1502. Its features include a loggia portico with stone columns and fresco decoration. Vigliano Biellese therefore encompasses an architectural spectrum ranging from medieval-style religious buildings to Neo-Gothic castle architecture and a late-19th-century villa.

Hilly Countryside, Gardens and the Surrounding Area

The grounds of La Malpenga include a new pond, grottoes, a treillage, fountains and an extensive terrace overlooking Vigliano. The terrace at La Malpenga provides the open visual connection with the town, while the pond, grottoes, treillage and fountains divide the grounds into different garden motifs. The hills around Vigliano Biellese are rich in vineyards and nurseries. They are also home to beautiful gardens with villas and historic houses, giving the landscape a cultivated and varied character.

The surrounding area of Vigliano Biellese includes Castello di Zumaglia, the Fondazione FILA Museum, Palazzo Gromo Losa di Prarolo, Palazzo Ferrero and the natural arch Porta della Torrazza. Alongside buildings and a museum, Porta della Torrazza adds a natural formation to the area. The mountains Monte Rovella, Cima Cucco and Monte Terlo are also located nearby.

Culinary Offerings and the Area pic-nic zona Malpenga

In summer, the Orto Accorto association organises immersive food and wine workshops at La Malpenga. La Fucina in Vigliano Biellese offers an agriturismo restaurant open by reservation, with a weekly changing culinary experience based on the seasonal produce of the farm. In culinary terms, the summer workshops at La Malpenga and the weekly changes at La Fucina represent different rhythms over time in Vigliano Biellese.

The Area pic-nic zona Malpenga on the road between Vigliano Biellese and Ronco is closed for maintenance work. Facilities include shaded tables and benches, barbecue areas, toilets, running water and an equipped play area.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

Other places in this destination area include Castellengo, Salussola, Sandigliano, Portula, Vivaro, Andorno Cacciorna, Candelo and Camandona.

To the main travel overview: Biella.