Piemonte: Le dimore del Biellese tra storia, bellezza e vini

The Private Residences Revealed

• Palazzo La Marmora
  From the Renaissance to the Risorgimento, from Neoclassicism to the 20th century, Palazzo La Marmora evolved under the influence of 17 generations of the Ferrero della Marmora family, now Mori Ubaldini degli Alberti La Marmora. Though the Ferreros often ventured far from Biella for their careers, they continually expanded and decorated their Piazzo home, transforming it into a grand palazzo. Its neoclassical façade (1789) conceals opulent interiors, adorned with furnishings and paintings that narrate family and historical events. The garden features a double-columned portico draped with an astonishing climbing ficus, while an octagonal tower, commissioned by Sebastiano Ferrero in the late 15th century, adds to its charm.
• Castello di Montecavallo
  Situated on a hill about 5 km from Biella’s center, Castello di Montecavallo has been renowned for its vineyards since the 13th century. Wine production has been a cornerstone of the estate since 1830, the year the castle was built. Constructed on the remains of a 13th-century fortified house, the design by architect Dupuy echoes elements of the famous Hautecombe Abbey. It is one of the rare examples of neo-Gothic architecture in Piedmont. The estate is surrounded by vineyards, a sprawling forest, and an Italian-style garden designed concurrently with the castle.
• Castello di Massazza
  Perched on a morainic spur, this settlement likely dates back to the Celto-Ligurian period, later passing to the Romans, fortified by the Lombards, and transformed into a castle around the year 1000. The site retains the characteristics of a medieval defensive village, serving as a storehouse for agricultural produce, a shelter for local flocks, and a protective bastion for the village to the north. The castle preserves Celtic altars with votive cups and Templar-era artifacts. Highlights include a tall stone tower, a Visconti fortress with Ghibelline battlements, a 14th-century chapel dedicated to St. Antoninus and St. Anne, a Romanesque apse and frescoes from the 1300s.

Key Locations

The Biella Region – A land that enchants with its timeless allure, where history intertwines with nature in perfect harmony. This region holds traces of a rich and varied past, reflected in its traditions, landscapes, and the stories of its people. The afternoon itinerary includes visits to Palazzo La Marmora and the Castles of Montecavallo and Massazza.

Journey Storytelling
An afternoon itinerary exploring Biella’s historic residences: prepare to be amazed!
Our journey begins in the early afternoon at Palazzo La Marmora, a true house museum featuring the Grand Gallery, the Fireplace Room, the Castles Room, the Motti Room, and the Green Salon. We’ll then explore the greenhouse, garden, and the nymphaeum, a magnificent terrace offering stunning views of the city and the Piedmont region.
Next, we head to Castello di Montecavallo to visit its historic cellars and savor local wines. Finally, we’ll explore the fortress of Castello di Massazza, with an exclusive guided tour led by its owner.
This is the charm of Italian heritage, just a short trip from home. Guests will be welcomed not as tourists but as personal guests of the proprietors!

The tour is part of the “Dimore Amiche del Piemonte” project, in collaboration with FIAVET Piemonte (Italian Federation of Travel and Tourism Associations).

Details and Prices

• Duration: afternoon tour, approximately 6 hours
• Price: €62.00 per person
• The tour is conducted in Italian. Please inquire in advance for other languages

The price includes:

• Roundtrip transportation on a reserved GT coach from/to Turin
• Highway tolls and parking fees
• Assistance from a tour guide
• Guided tours of the three residences with the presence of the owners
• Wine tasting
• Insurance

Info and Booking: piemonte@adsi.it (Reference #SW2406)