The Sanctuary of Oropa

About 40 minutes by car from our hotel is the Sanctuary of Oropa, a Marian sanctuary dedicated to the cult of the Black Madonna located at an altitude of about 1159 meters in the heart of the Biellese Alps.

The Sanctuary is made up of an original ancient church, a Sacro Monte, a new basilica recently renovated and several buildings used to welcome pilgrims.Inside the ancient church stands the statue of the black Madonna which, according to the belief, has no trace of wear and that on the face of both the Virgin and the dust never settles.

The beauty of this place of worship nestled under Mount Mucrone has a mystical charm that surrounds believers and non-believers. The mountains that surround the Sanctuary are an ideal destination for walks, both on foot and by mountain bike and in winter it is possible to practice sports such as skiing and skating.

The restaurants serve the typical dish, which is polenta concia, a polenta with butter and local cheese.

Who goes to the Biella area is an obligatory stop, and for the Biella people a place of the heart.