Discover Breia: Art, History and Regional Destinations

Breia combines ecclesiastical art, historical connections and a route shaped by forests. This creates a destination that can be explored through both specific sites in the town and destinations in the wider surrounding region.

Art and Ecclesiastical History

A particularly striking work is the painting “gloria di San Giovanni Battista” by Lorenzo Peracino the Elder, dating from 1761. It is located in Breia and was the first cycle created by Lorenzo Peracino the Elder for the parish church of Breia.

The parish church of San Giovanni Battista in Breia was built on the site of an older chapel dating from the 12th century. Its bell tower, completed in 1642, is 35 metres high. For those interested in culture, this architectural history adds specific points of reference to the view of the ecclesiastical artwork.

The art installation “Custode delle Vie d’Acqua” is also part of a widespread art project intended to raise awareness of environmental protection and the importance of water.

The traditional Simposio di Scultura takes place between the towns of Cellio and Breia. Those planning a cultural itinerary beyond the town centre can therefore include a second specific location in their travel plans.

Forest Trail and Sights

For nature and activity interests, the “Pista ciclopedonale della Valsesia” is a specific point of reference. It follows an uphill section on an unpaved surface through chestnut and beech forests to S. Bernardo di Breia. The “Chiesetta di S. Bernardo” in Breia is a sight along Stage 2B of the “Pista ciclopedonale della Valsesia”. When planning the day, the character of this stage is therefore shaped above all by the uphill section and the unpaved surface.

Breia between Valsesia and Cusio

The town’s history also reaches into the region’s past: Cellio and Breia were strategic points of the Valsesian resistance from the outset. Breia and its hamlets also formed a transit zone between Valsesia and Cusio.

Destinations in the Wider Surrounding Region

If you plan beyond Breia, the Montefenera Caves and the Grotte di Ara are two caves in the wider surrounding region of Breia. Monte Trevigno and Monte Piogera are located there as peaks.

The wider surrounding region of Breia also includes the “Come Eravamo” Museum, the Museo Meina, Arteadarona and the Museo Archeologico. Each of these four destinations is a museum.

When choosing a hotel for your trip to Italy, you can consider Breia according to your preferred focus: ecclesiastical art and history are found in the town, while the forest trail, caves, peaks and museums offer additional regional perspectives. This allows your accommodation choice to be aligned with your planned mix of visiting the town and taking excursions in the wider surrounding region.

More Destinations

More destinations for your reference: Bianzè, Crescentino, Cellio, Carisio, Livorno Ferraris, Rimella, Pila and Borgosesia.

For the overarching travel overview: Vercelli.