Torazza between culture and the La Bessa cycling route

Cultural traces and regional routes

Torazza offers two different perspectives for planning your trip: the cultural and architectural history associated with the municipality of Sandigliano, and the easy La Bessa cycling route in the wider region surrounding Torazza. The destination therefore appeals to travellers who would like to explore historical themes and enjoy an active outing at their own pace.

Culture in Sandigliano

In Sandigliano, the Centro polivante Comunale promotes the area’s culture as well as music, theatre and literature. The cultural focus therefore extends beyond individual buildings and also encompasses various forms of artistic expression.

The old parish church of Santa Maria Assunta was located inside the Ricetto. In exploring the local architectural and ecclesiastical history, this connection is an important part of understanding Sandigliano’s past.

The Chiesetta di Sant'Antonio al Torrione is a small building that combines Romanesque and Gothic elements. It probably dates from the late 13th or early 14th century, bringing different architectural periods together.

Fortifications and change

The Castello del Torrione dei Vialardi developed around an imposing central fortification, or central defensive tower. Its history represents an architectural evolution in which military architecture and later representative use came together.

Between the 16th and 17th centuries, the Castello del Torrione dei Vialardi was transformed from a fortification into a stately residence. The original military architectural features were retained in the process.

The Oratorio dell'Annunciata is a subsidiary church and part of Sandigliano’s architectural heritage. Together with Santa Maria Assunta and the fortifications, it broadens the view of the municipality’s religious and architectural landmarks.

The Castello della Rocchetta is a heavily altered former fortified residence that has been converted into an accommodation facility.

Getting there and things to do

For travel connected with Sandigliano, the municipality can be reached by car from the Santhià motorway exit via the S.S.143. Biella railway station is the nearest station. Several regular bus routes also operate.

In the wider regional surroundings of Torazza, the easy but very interesting La Bessa cycling route runs through the Bessa Nature Reserve. Bessa is both an archaeological site in the Biellese area and an ancient open-pit gold-mining area. The cycling route therefore combines physical activity with an unusual landscape and historical theme.

The opening of guided trails in Bessa is planned so that the area can be better understood and protected. The planned nature of these trails should be taken into account when making your own plans; the proposed opening does not mean that guided tours are already available.

Important for planning your sightseeing: the Castello del Torrione dei Vialardi is not open to visitors. You can therefore include it as a historical part of your visit to the area, but should not plan a tour of its interior.

There are campsites in Torazza. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore decide whether to focus your stay more on the historical themes associated with Sandigliano, on the La Bessa cycling route in the surrounding region, or on spending the night at a campsite.

Other destinations: Viverone, Graziano-Ruta, Sandigliano, Bielmonte, Villa Del Bosco, Roppolo, Cerrione, Graglia

For the overarching travel overview: Biella.