Sentiero per Oropa

The Sentiero per Oropa is one of the most meaningful trails in all of Piedmont — a pilgrimage path that has connected the faithful of Biella to the beloved Sanctuary of Oropa for centuries. Starting from the lush Parco Burcina, a botanical gem celebrated for its spectacular rhododendron blooms, the route gradually winds through the heart of the Biella hills, where ancient beech and chestnut trees create a cathedral-like canopy that feels timeless. Rated E by the Italian Alpine Club, the trail is well-suited to families with older children, following a steady and manageable gradient throughout its four-and-a-half-hour journey. Along the way, glimpses of the Po Plain open between the trees, while roe deer, squirrels and a rich variety of birds often make their presence known in the quiet of the forest. The destination — the magnificent Baroque Sanctuary of Oropa, nestled in a high alpine valley — rewards every step with a sense of arrival that goes well beyond the physical. Spring and early autumn are the finest seasons to walk this route, when light and colour transform the woods into something truly unforgettable. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are warmly welcome.