Piazzo di Biella between history and breathtaking views

What is the Piazzo and where is it located?

The Piazzo is the medieval district of Biella, located in the upper part of the city. Founded in 1160 by the bishop of Vercelli Uguccione, it is a fortified village that dominates Biella from above and offers a spectacular view of the plain and the mountains. It is the historical heart of the city and one of the most picturesque places in Piedmont. Reaching it is simple: you can walk up the Costa del Piazzo or take the panoramic funicular, which connects the modern center to the ancient village. The journey takes a few minutes and provides a unique perspective on Biella and the surrounding landscape.

Why visit the Piazzo of Biella?

Visiting the Piazzo means immersing yourself in an atmosphere of bygone times. Its cobbled streets, medieval access doors, and noble facades tell centuries of history. The district still retains the original structure of the fortified village, designed to protect the inhabitants from incursions and to ensure a position of control over the valley. Today, the Piazzo is one of the most fascinating areas of Biella, where the past meets contemporary cultural life. Among historic buildings, exhibitions, events, and panoramic views, it is a place not to be missed.

What is the history of the Piazzo?

In the 12th century, Biella was experiencing a period of expansion. To better defend the city and its inhabitants, Bishop Uguccione of Vercelli decided to found a fortified village on top of the hill: thus the Piazzo was born. The village was protected by walls and towers and had four main access gates: Porta della Torrazza, Porta di Andorno, Porta di Ghiara, and Porta d’Oropa. Inside were the homes of nobles, shops, squares, and places of worship. Over the centuries, the Piazzo became the residence of the most important families of Biella and the political and cultural center of the city. Even today, it retains the same medieval charm, enriched by Renaissance and 19th-century interventions.

What are the most beautiful streets of the Piazzo?

The Piazzo is a maze of paved streets and panoramic views. Corso del Piazzo is the main street: here ancient palaces overlook, and markets and fairs were once held under the porticoes. Among the most characteristic side streets are Via Avogadro, Via del Monte, Costa di Riva, and Via della Repubblica, where historic homes and flowered courtyards can be found. Strolling leisurely, you can discover arches, coats of arms, loggias, and architectural details that tell the story of the village in the Middle Ages.

What historic palaces are found in the Piazzo?

The streets of the Piazzo are adorned with elegant palaces that today host cultural institutions. Palazzo La Marmora: once belonging to the eponymous family, it retains frescoed halls, period furnishings, and a beautiful garden with a panoramic view. Today it hosts events, guided tours, and cultural activities. Palazzo Ferrero: it is home to art exhibitions, concerts, and meetings. Palazzo Gromo Losa: one of the most refined, with an Italian garden and a terrace that offers one of the most suggestive views of Biella. These three palaces constitute the cultural hub of the Piazzo, a symbol of the artistic renaissance of the city.

What can you see in Piazza Cisterna?

Piazza Cisterna is the heart of the Piazzo and one of the oldest and most beautiful squares in Biella. It takes its name from the cistern that supplied water to the village and represented the center of daily life. The square is surrounded by medieval porticoes and elegant homes with brick arches. From here, some of the most picturesque streets start, and you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Biella plain. Throughout the year, Piazza Cisterna hosts events, markets, and cultural manifestations that animate the village and keep its spirit alive.

What panoramic views can be admired from the Piazzo?

From the Piazzo, you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views in Piedmont. From the terraces of Palazzo Gromo Losa and Palazzo La Marmora, as well as from the streets of the village, you can admire all of Biella Piano with its roofs, towers, and bell towers. On clear days, the gaze extends to the Vercelli plain and the mountains of the Aosta Valley. At sunset, the lights of the city create a romantic and evocative atmosphere, ideal for an evening stroll or an aperitif with a view.

What to do in the Piazzo of Biella?

The Piazzo is a place to experience, not just to visit. Throughout the year, its palaces host art exhibitions, musical festivals, and literary events. In the summer months, the streets come alive with open-air concerts, theatrical performances, and food and wine tastings. Those who love art can visit temporary exhibitions in the historic palaces, while those who prefer nature can simply enjoy the view from the terraces and squares. For photography enthusiasts, every corner of the Piazzo is a perfect shot: from ancient doors to stone stairs, from flowered balconies to views of the city.

Where to eat and sleep in the Piazzo?

The Piazzo offers restaurants and inns where you can taste typical dishes of Piedmontese tradition, such as polenta concia, Barbera braised meat, and alpine cheeses. Many establishments are located in restored historic buildings, preserving the ancient atmosphere with modern touches. For sleeping, there are B&Bs and boutique hotels housed in medieval palaces and historic homes, with panoramic rooms and breakfasts based on local products. Sleeping in the Piazzo means experiencing Biella from a privileged perspective, waking up to views of the city and the mountains.

What to do in the evening at the Piazzo?

In the evening, the Piazzo becomes one of the most romantic places in Biella. Soft lights illuminate the ancient stones and porticoes, creating a magical atmosphere. You can dine in one of the village's restaurants, attend a concert in the historic palaces, or simply stroll along Corso del Piazzo enjoying the silence and the view of the illuminated city. During the summer, the Piazzo hosts live music evenings and cultural festivals, transforming the village into a lively center of meeting and culture.

How to best experience the Piazzo?

The best way to experience the Piazzo is to explore it slowly, letting curiosity guide you. Every alley hides a story, every building has a detail to discover. Taking the funicular, walking to Piazza Cisterna, visiting the palaces, and admiring the sunset from the terrace are experiences that remain in memory. The Piazzo is the soul of Biella: a place where time seems to have stopped, but where culture and beauty continue to live every day.