Sandigliano between Castles, Frescoes and La Bessa

The main attractions range from two castles and the ricetto to medieval and early modern traces, as well as the La Bessa cycling tour.

Castles and the History of Fortifications

The fortification of Sandigliano began in the 14th century with the construction of two castles and a ricetto. The Torrione is the older of the two castles; its first structural core dates back approximately to the 11th century. The Torrione retains its old keep and a distinctive arched defensive structure from the 16th century. The Torrione is privately owned. For the historical classification of the Torrione, the approximate dating of the first structural core provides a chronological reference; the surviving arched defensive structure points to a later construction phase.

La Rocchetta is also part of the history of the local rule. In the second half of the 15th century, it was the residence of the lords of Sandigliano. La Rocchetta is privately owned and is used as accommodation.

Frescoes between Romanesque and Gothic

Sant'Antonio al Torrione is a small building combining Romanesque and Gothic elements and probably dates from the late 13th or early 14th century. The apse is completely covered with frescoes attributed to the workshop of the Master of Christ on Sunday. They depict God the Father, the Apostles and the symbols of the Evangelists. The fully painted apse brings depictions of God the Father, the Apostles and the Evangelists' symbols together in one sacred setting.

Another important artistic testament is preserved inside the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta: it contains detached frescoes from the confraternity church of Saints Bernard and Charles. Visitors interested in culture can consider the two churches as separate focal points of sacred art in Sandigliano when planning their trip.

La Bessa as a Cycling and Landscape Theme

The La Bessa cycling tour begins in Sandigliano and runs within the Bessa Nature Reserve. Bessa is an archaeological site in the Biella area and an ancient gold-bearing area. The La Bessa cycling tour therefore provides a distinct cycling and landscape focus alongside the town's historic castles and churches.

Getting There and Choosing Your Focus

By car, Sandigliano can be reached from the Santhià motorway exit via the S.S.143. The nearest railway station to Sandigliano is Biella railway station. When planning your journey to Sandigliano, you can consider the road connection via Santhià and Biella railway station separately.

If you are mainly looking for historic architecture and sacred art, the Torrione, La Rocchetta, Sant'Antonio al Torrione and Santa Maria Assunta represent these two focal points. If you would also like to include a cycling element, the La Bessa cycling tour begins in Sandigliano and runs within the Bessa Nature Reserve.

For further comparison, you can also consider Lessona, Romagnano, Salussola, Cossato, Villa Del Bosco, Caprile, Camandona and Mongrando.

For the broader travel overview: Biella.