Candelo: Ricetto, Baraggia and Culture

Candelo between the Ricetto and the Baraggia

If you would like to combine historic sites, art and landscapes, Candelo offers a variety of ways to do so. The Ricetto di Candelo is particularly distinctive: a fortified complex built between the 13th and 14th centuries on the initiative of the local population. It was used 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.

Churches and important works of art

Santa Maria Maggiore was built before the year 1000; its first documented mention dates from 1182. The church preserves an altarpiece painted in 1572 by Boniforte Oldoni of Vercelli, depicting the Crucifixion of Christ, as well as vault frescoes depicting the Church Fathers. These frescoes are attributed to Gaspare de Fornerio da Ponderano and date from the 15th to the 16th century. The Chiesa di San Lorenzo acquired its present form between 1675 and 1696, built over an older, dilapidated structure, and preserves 18th-century sculptures by Carlo Francesco and Pietro Giuseppe Aureggio. The large sacristy of the Chiesa di San Pietro contains furnishings, paintings and wooden sculptures from the 17th and 18th centuries.

The Ecomuseo and the history of winemaking

The Ecomuseo of Candelo is an integrated museum system documenting the culture and landscape expressed through the Ricetto. It includes a reconstructed wine cellar in the Ricetto, where historic winemaking equipment and methods are presented. Themed itineraries make Candelo’s historical, natural and religious heritage accessible. The Eco-Vigneto is a laboratory between science and history that brings Candelo’s ancient winemaking culture back to life. The De Bosis votive paintings were already classified as 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 widespread Ecomuseo.

Baraggia, trails and far-reaching views

A large part of the extensive Baraggia lies within the municipality of Candelo. To protect and preserve this distinctive Baraggia environment, the Piedmont Region established the Riserva Naturale Orientata delle Baragge through Regional Law No. 3 of 14 January 1992; it is also intended to enhance agriculture and ensure appropriate use of the area. Numerous paths run through the Baraggione, shaded by centuries-old oak trees and well suited to walking. From the Altopiano di Bellavista, views extend across almost the entire western Alpine arc, from Monviso via Monte Rosa to the Bergamasque Pre-Alps.

Routes and experiences in the area

Stage 9 of the Grande Traversata del Biellese leads into the Baraggia di Candelo, then through a wooded area and onward toward the road to Candelo. The Pro Loco of Candelo offers nature tours in the Baraggia Park. A multimedia visitor route has been created in the Ricetto, incorporating previously closed areas and rooms refurbished with modern multimedia technology. The restored rampart walkway of the Ricetto di Candelo is once again accessible.

Market, events and practical information

The Slow Food Mercato della terra offers beer, Toma and Maccagno cheeses, fresh fruit and vegetables, preserves, honey, hazelnuts, cured meats, grappa and flour. The Candelo tourist office is located at the entrance to the medieval Borgo, next to the monumental Torre Porta, and provides free information about food and drink, accommodation, events and services. Every year, the Ricetto hosts important events such as “Candelo in fiore” and “Il Borgo di Babbo Natale”.

More destinations for regional orientation

Villa Del Bosco, Camandona, Sordevolo, Graziano-Ruta, Lessona, Netro, Masserano and Castellengo

For the higher-level travel overview: Biella.