Attractions and Places To See around Graglia - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Graglia, a comune in Italy's Piedmont region, offer a blend of historical, cultural, and natural features. The area is situated in the scenic Biella province, characterized by its prominent Sanctuary of Graglia and surrounding beech and chestnut forests. Visitors can explore significant pilgrimage sites, natural landscapes including peaks and lakes, and historical monuments. Graglia provides diverse opportunities for exploration, from ancient religious complexes to unique natural phenomena.
Best attractions and places to see around Graglia
- The most popular attractions is Oropa Sanctuary, a religious building that is the largest Marian sanctuary in the Alps. It is a Sacred Mount and houses the Black Madonna in its Ancient Basilica.
- Another must-see spot is Lake Pistono and the Archaeological Park of the Stilt Houses, a lake with an archaeological park. Visitors can see a full-scale reconstruction of a stilt house village from 6500 years ago.
- Visitors also love The Dancing Lands, a natural monument where the ground feels elastic due to peat resting on water. Jumping on the ground causes nearby plants to move, offering a unique experience.
- Graglia is known for its religious buildings, historical sites, and natural monuments. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient sanctuaries to unique geological features and archaeological sites.
- The attractions around Graglia are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 260 upvotes and over 300 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Oropa Sanctuary
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Lake Pistono and the Archaeological Park of the Stilt Houses
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The Dancing Lands
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It's definitely an experience worth trying 😉
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Oropa Sanctuary
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Bessa Gold Mining Archaeological Site
Highlight • Natural Monument
It is located between Biella and Ivrea, included in the municipalities of Borriana, Cerrione, Mongrando and Zubiena, on the orographic right of the Elvo stream. It is part of the Serra moraine, considered the largest in Europe.
A lunar appearance, with large mounds placed together like desert dunes, made up of stones of various sizes. Between one pile and another, curtains of often impenetrable plants and bushes. This is the aspect that one perceives when entering the Bessa Nature Reserve for the first time, established in 1985. But the charm of Bessa also lies in its history.
One thing is now certain. This entire large territory, almost ten square kilometers, has been entirely modified in its appearance by the work of thousands of men.
These were the Ictimuli - or Vittimuli - who inhabited a large part of the Biella area over two thousand years ago. Led and exploited by the Romans between the 2nd and 1st centuries BC. they transformed the Bessa into one of the largest open-pit gold mines in the world.
Traces of this immense work remain in the mounds, erected by piling up the stones discarded during the excavation.
Source: atl.biella.it/localita-dettaglio/-/d/riserva-speciale-della-bes-1
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Other adventures around Graglia
Tips from the Community
sanctuary about ten km above Biella, reachable by road bike along the only road from Biella, from Andrate, a town above Ivrea with the road called "Tracciolino" from Favaro, just above Biella by mountain bike along the route of the old train
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The path to the Sanctuary of Oropa is a journey through nature, history, and spirituality: trails pass through ancient forests, hills, and charming villages, all the way up to the majestic Biella mountains. The itineraries, at times challenging, test your pace and endurance, but reward you with breathtaking views and the unique thrill of reaching one of Piedmont's most fascinating sacred sites.
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Must do, at least once, interesting place.
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It is a unique place of its kind. In a rather small and circumscribed area 2 steps from the Montalto lake (also called "Rabbit" lake) there is an area with a very dark soil composed of water, peat, earth and medium-sized trees. Especially when the ground is wet or it has rained previously if you jump on the surface, it moves creating small waves making the surrounding trees dance. A real show! You can reach the dancing lands from 2 different dirt tracks. For those with good technical skills the entry or exit paths in both directions are also fun to pedal.
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Regardless of whether you reach the Serra di Ivrea or not, even wandering around these lakes, taking advantage of the good signage present, pays off! There is a nice variety of environments and paths, from single track to dirt road, ending on cobblestone sections, never too banal, especially in the wet... the lake environments are beautiful, given that most of these lakes are not very urbanized, the stilt houses rebuilt on the shore of Lake Pistono are very beautiful, they certainly deserve a stop. Places also suitable for children, given that in the lake area the differences in altitude are very modest... just watch out for hikers, because the paths are open to everyone!
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The sanctuary of Oropa is a Marian sanctuary - dedicated to the Black Madonna - located a dozen kilometers north of the city of Biella, in the Oropa hamlet, at about 1,280 meters above sea level, in a natural amphitheater of mountains that surround the city below and are part of the Biella Alps. The sanctuary includes, in addition to a Sacred Mount (the Sacred Mount of Oropa), the original church built on the basis of an ancient shrine and the current sanctuary itself, equipped with various structures intended to accommodate the faithful and tourists. And it is also the Arrival of the Stage of the Giro d'Italia. The most famous one was in 1999 with the comeback of Marco Pantani who went on to win the Stage (Arrival dedicated to Him).
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Oropa, definitely worth a visit. Not only is it fascinating in terms of history, but also because of the surrounding restaurants. And last but not least, the Black Madonna.
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In this beautiful peat bog in Montaldo Dora there is a very particular natural phenomenon, which gives the place its name. The Terre Ballerine are in fact called this way because of the particular consistency of the ground, which makes those who walk on it feel like they are walking on a mattress.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main historical and religious sites to explore in Graglia?
Graglia is renowned for its significant religious heritage. The most prominent site is the Sanctuary of Graglia, a major pilgrimage destination dedicated to Our Lady of Loreto, featuring a large church with an octagonal dome and the Madonna Garden. Nearby, you can also visit the impressive Oropa Sanctuary, the largest Marian sanctuary in the Alps and a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its Black Madonna.
Are there any unique natural phenomena or landscapes to experience around Graglia?
Yes, Graglia offers unique natural attractions. You can visit The Dancing Lands, a natural monument where the ground feels elastic due to peat resting on water, creating a unique sensation when you jump. The area also features scenic beech and chestnut forests, and the communal territory includes the beautiful Lake Ingagna and the Mombarone Peak, offering panoramic views.
What family-friendly activities are available near Graglia?
Several attractions around Graglia are suitable for families. Besides the natural wonders like The Dancing Lands, families can enjoy Lake Pistono and the Archaeological Park of the Stilt Houses, where you can see a full-scale reconstruction of an ancient stilt house village. The Bessa Gold Mining Archaeological Site also offers an educational and engaging experience for all ages.
Where can I find historical archaeological sites in the Graglia area?
The region boasts fascinating archaeological sites. The Bessa Gold Mining Archaeological Site is a must-see, revealing the remnants of one of the largest open-pit gold mines from Roman times. Additionally, Lake Pistono and the Archaeological Park of the Stilt Houses provides insight into prehistoric settlements with its reconstructed stilt house village.
What kind of hiking opportunities are there around Graglia?
Graglia is an excellent base for hiking. The Mombarone Peak, within Graglia's communal territory, offers opportunities for challenging hikes and rewarding views. For a variety of trails, you can explore the Mountain Hikes around Graglia guide, which includes routes like the Monte Camino loop from Oropa.
Are there any cycling routes or gravel biking trails near Graglia?
Yes, the area around Graglia is suitable for cycling, particularly gravel biking. You can find various routes in the Gravel biking around Graglia guide. Options include scenic rides like the Oropa Sanctuary loop from Biella Piazzo or the Cervo Stream Badlands loop.
Where can I go running or jogging around Graglia?
For runners, there are several trails to explore. The Running Trails around Graglia guide offers options such as the Giant Bench loop from Graglia or the Burcina Pond loop from Sordevolo, catering to different distances and difficulty levels.
What is the Sacro Monte di Graglia and its current condition?
The Sacro Monte di Graglia was originally planned as an extensive complex with over one hundred chapels, though only ten were ever realized. While the Sanctuary itself remains a significant pilgrimage site, the chapels of the Sacro Monte are currently in poor condition. The church of Saint Charles, designed as its endpoint, houses a statue of Saint Charles Borromeo.
Is there a specific time of year recommended for visiting Graglia's attractions?
Graglia's attractions, particularly its natural and outdoor sites, are best enjoyed during the warmer months from spring to autumn (April to October) when the weather is pleasant for hiking and exploring. The scenic beech and chestnut forests are especially beautiful in autumn. For religious sites like the Sanctuary of Graglia, visits are possible year-round.
What is the acoustic phenomenon near the Sanctuary of Graglia?
An interesting acoustic phenomenon can be experienced along the path leading from the Sanctuary of Graglia to the hill of S. Carlo. Under ideal climatic conditions, an echo can repeat words up to eleven syllables, offering a unique and surprising experience for visitors.
Are there any other notable historical structures besides the main sanctuaries?
Beyond the major sanctuaries, you can also discover the Gate Tower and Corner Tower of Piverone. These structures are remnants of an ancient shelter, with the access tower to the village (clock tower) and the north-east corner tower dating back to the 13th century.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Graglia?
Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of historical depth and natural beauty. The unique experience of The Dancing Lands is often highlighted, as is the historical significance of sites like the Oropa Sanctuary. The archaeological insights offered by Lake Pistono and the Bessa Gold Mining site also receive positive feedback for their educational value.
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