Piode: Church Art, Alpe Meggiana and Riserva della Piode

Piode is a destination for travelers who want to combine local history with an activity connected to nature. Santo Stefano, the routes to Alpe Meggiana and the Riserva della Piode offer three different ways to experience the area: church art, alpine destinations and a clearly regulated form of fly fishing.

Church Art in Piode

The parish church of Santo Stefano in Piode is a Baroque building dating from the late 17th to the early 18th century. It was probably completed in 1748; it was consecrated on April 24, 1845. If you would like to get to know the area through its architectural history, this clearly datable church provides a concrete starting point.

The interior contains frescoes by Antonio Orgiazzi. The Stations of the Cross in Santo Stefano are works by Lorenzo Peracino the Elder. During your visit, it is worth considering these two aspects separately: the fresco decoration and the Stations of the Cross as a distinct series of works.

To Alpe Meggiana

The Chiesa della Madonna della Prapolla is the historic church of the Meggiana alpine pasture and was recently restored. It can be reached via the path connecting Piode with Alpe Meggiana. If you would like to combine cultural sites with a destination along a route during your trip, this church can therefore be included in your plans around Meggiana.

For orientation at Alpe Meggiana, the change from driving to walking is clear. A drivable road leads to a barrier. From there, continue on foot along an unpaved road for a few minutes to the mountain refuge. Plan the final section as a short walk rather than as a continuous drive.

The Oratorio della Madonna delle Pietre Grosse lies along the route to Alpe Meggiana. From Piedimeggiana, it can be reached directly by car via the road to Alpe Meggiana; there are only a few steps to the entrance. You can therefore include it as another religious site along this route.

Riserva della Piode and Fly Fishing

The Riserva della Piode extends for 7 km, of which 5 km are in the municipality of Piode. Fly fishing is permitted exclusively there. Catch-and-release is mandatory; one trophy fish may be kept. Anyone choosing this focus should include the special regulation as part of the planned activity.

The reserve is home to endemic marble trout and “blue-finned” grayling, as well as native brown trout. The specific combination of fish species makes these waters interesting if you are interested in regional fish populations and a clearly defined fishing practice.

Choose Accommodation According to Your Travel Plans

When choosing accommodation in Piode, you can therefore start with your preferred focus. Whether you choose a hotel or another type of accommodation should sensibly depend on your planned daily schedule. Take into account Santo Stefano and its art, the route to the Chiesa della Madonna della Prapolla, the route to Alpe Meggiana, or the regulations and fish species of the reserve. Couples can combine culture with a single activity; families can give different weight to sightseeing and the short walk to the mountain refuge. What matters is your own pace: Piode brings together church art, routes to the alpine pasture and fly fishing without requiring them to form a single itinerary.

For more places in the same area, you can also discover Cigliano, Riva Valdobbia, Ferrera, Balmuccia, Rimella, Campertogno, Rimasco and Serravalle Sesia.

For the higher-level travel overview: Vercelli.