Vivaro between Bisingana, history and Bramaterra

Vivaro between river, forest and wine

Two streams merge near the hamlet of Vivaro to form the Bisingana. After joining near Vivaro, the river flows south through a wooded valley into which numerous small streams drain. In this section, the Bisingana is accompanied by the SP 234 Pray-Curino-Brusnengo. To orient yourself in the area, its course can be followed by the confluence of the streams, the southerly flow direction and the accompanying road.

The landscape is also characterized by the Rive Rosse hills in Curino. They are shaped by crumbling quartz-bearing porphyry; this rock explains the name Rive Rosse. One section of the Sentieri del Biellese offers a view of the Romanesque bell tower of Santa Maria, while another section includes Vivaro in its panorama. The Rive Rosse hills add the geological reference of porphyry to the connection with the waterways.

Hiking, water and mountain biking trails

If you would like to explore Vivaro on foot, GTB Stage 39 is a clearly defined example: the hiking route passes through Brusnengo and Curino, is 5.84 km long, includes 140 m of ascent and has a stated duration of 2 hours 15 minutes. For day planning, the 5.84 kilometres, the 140 metres of ascent and the duration of 2 hours 15 minutes can be considered together. Trout are released and caught in the Bisingana. The Soprana Mountain Bike Park runs along paths and forest tracks around Cima la Guardia. GTB Stage 39 and the Soprana Mountain Bike Park therefore represent two different types of routes.

Romanesque art and historical local references

In the municipality of Curino, the apse and bell tower of the Church of the Assumption in the hamlet of Santa Maria are examples of Romanesque art. A small oratory, initially dedicated only to San Bernardo in 1661 and later to San Bernardo and San Bernardino da Siena, was located in the hamlet of Cantone Vivaro. For those interested in culture, the Romanesque architectural elements of Santa Maria are connected here with the oratory of Cantone Vivaro.

Vivaro and the cantons of Santa Maria, Termino, Ronco, Ortovivaro, Colmo and Olzera appear to have developed as a continuous settlement at the foot of San Giorgio hill. This historic settlement was probably the castrum loci Quirini, below which the Curtem Quirini developed.

Bramaterra from Curino

Bramaterra DOC is produced in the municipality of Curino. Its composition combines Nebbiolo (50–70%) with Croatina (20–30%) as well as Bonarda and Vespolina (10–20%). When planning a trip, Curino's wine connection can be considered a distinct culinary focus alongside the landscape and cultural themes.

More destinations

More travel destinations to read about: Cerrione, Camandona, Bielmonte, Campiglia Cervo, Salussola, Biella, Muzzano, Candelo.

To the higher-level travel overview: Biella.