Mongrando between the Bessa, Churches and Crafts

Between the Bessa and Crafts

Mongrando lies on the edge of the Bessa, a Roman open-pit gold mine. At the same time, the town reflects a location that was of considerable strategic importance in the Middle Ages, at the entrance to the road to Canavese. For you, this makes Mongrando a tangible destination whose history is shaped by archaeology, churches and traditional crafts.

Archaeological Traces in the Bessa

In the Riserva Speciale della Bessa, there is an imposing, fortress-like structure that has been called a “Castelliere” since its discovery in 1963. Based on the results of the archaeological excavation, it was possible to reconstruct the original layout of the mound of rubble from the gold-washing operations on which the Castelliere was built, as well as its structures. In this way, the history of Roman gold mining is linked to a site whose name marks its special place in the town’s history.

Churches and Local History

In the San Lorenzo district, the layout preserves traces of its origins in Roman times; the parish church of S. Lorenzo is flanked by a Romanesque bell tower. The church of San Michele retains its original Romanesque bell tower. The church of S. Agostino was built in 1614 by the confraternity of the same name, while the Oratory of S. Maria delle Grazie contains 16th-century frescoes.

The parish church of S. Rocco has an organ made by Vitani between 1608 and 1610. The organ case and gallery are carved and were designed and decorated around 1640 by Pietro Botto. The parish church of S. Rocco in the Ceresane district also preserves two paintings from the early 17th century attributed to Mario Zuccaro. For visitors interested in culture, the furnishings of a religious building are combined here with several works of art from different periods.

Alongside the few surviving ruins of the old castle, traces of the former church of S. Maria di Castelvecchio can be seen. Frescoes from the 11th century removed from this church are preserved in the Museo del Territorio di Biella. Together, these details complete the picture of a place where Roman, medieval and early modern traces have survived in different ways.

Crafts, Water and Living Tradition

The Ecomuseo offers metalworking workshops in Mongrando, focusing on materials, repairs and new creations. Fucina Morino is the only surviving family-run forge among the small workshops that once operated in this area. Along the waterways of the Ingagna, the remains of numerous forges bear witness to centuries of ironworking in this area. The cloth weavers in Mongrando also keep the old tradition of hemp weaving alive.

Visiting Fucina Morino

For your visit to Fucina Morino, you can leave your car in Piazza XXV Aprile, the square by the town hall. The route then continues via Via Marconi, Via Quintino Sella and Via Favre.

More Destinations

For further travel inspiration, you can also explore Salussola, Bielmonte, Bellaria, Cavaglià, Graglia, Cerrione, Vigliano Biellese and Simone.

For the higher-level travel overview: Biella.