Senza categoria

Exclusive and private hospitality

The main feature of a Luxury Country House is personalized hospitality. Every guest is at the center of a tailor-made experience, in a private setting that ensures peace and quiet.

Refined design and authenticity

Luxury Country Houses combine the charm of tradition with contemporary elegance. Carefully curated interiors, natural materials such as stone, wood, and terracotta, harmoniously blend with modern design elements and top-level comfort.

Nature and wellbeing

Immersed in breathtaking landscapes, a Luxury Country House offers genuine contact with nature: blooming gardens, vegetable patches, vineyards, and stunning views. They often include wellness services such as panoramic pools, massages, and sensory experiences.

Cascina Facelli perfectly embodies the spirit of the Luxury Country House.
Located in the heart of Alta Langa, just a few steps from Piedmont’s most charming villages, Cascina Facelli offers:

Exclusive suites furnished with charm and personality.
Gourmet breakfasts with local products.
A panoramic pool immersed in nature.
Wellness treatments designed for deep relaxation.
Authentic experiences among hills, vineyards, and historic villages.

Every stay at Cascina Facelli is an emotional journey, where luxury is not ostentation, but care, passion, and authenticity.

If you dream of a place where the beauty of nature meets refined comfort,
Cascina Facelli awaits you with unforgettable moments.

Learn more and book your stay at www.cascinafacelli.com

See you soon!

The divine test and the submerged village

It is said that, centuries ago, there stood a village named San Martino on the lakeshore. A wealthy village, inhabited by proud people who were not inclined to charity. One day, a tired and hungry traveler knocked on their doors asking for food and shelter. He was welcomed only by a poor old woman who offered him hospitality. The traveler was actually an angel sent by God to test the goodness of the village.

As punishment for the villagers’ selfishness, the village was submerged by a huge wave of water, which gave rise to Lake Viverone. Only the charitable woman’s house was spared, and to this day – they say – her soul watches over the lake.

The bells ringing beneath the lake

On the quietest nights, fishermen swear they can hear the muffled sound of the San Martino church bells coming from the depths of the lake. It’s the ancient call of a lost place, trying to resurface to remind mankind of the importance of kindness.

A story of love and (of course) tragedy

Among the most romantic and heart-wrenching legends of Viverone is that of the Lady of the Lake. It is said that a young woman was betrothed to a fisherman from the village of San Martino. When the village was swallowed by the waters, her beloved vanished forever.

Overcome with grief, the girl began to wander each night along the shores of the lake, searching for her lover’s face in the waves. She died of a broken heart and, since then, her spirit has never left the lake.

The mystery of full moon nights

According to the elders, on full moon nights a white, delicate figure can be seen walking along the lake’s edge. It’s the Lady, dressed as a bride, gazing at the water in the hope of seeing her lost love again. Her face is sad, yet serene. She’s not frightening (though I’d like to see for myself): she’s an apparition that speaks of eternal love.

A monster feared by the people

In ancient times, it was believed that a monstrous creature lurked in the murkiest waters of the lake: a dragon. Its pestilent breath withered plants and frightened animals. No one dared approach the southern shore, where the beast was said to dwell. Legends say that every year, to appease its hunger, the locals offered it an animal as a sacrifice.

The legend of the miraculous defeat

The lake was finally freed thanks to Saint Bononio, a hermit and abbot who came to the area bringing faith and courage. It is said that with a simple cross and a prayer (basically, a stroke of luck!*) he managed to defeat the dragon, which sank into the waters and was never seen again.

On the site of his victory a chapel was built, now lost, but still remembered in local traditions as a symbol of the triumph of light over darkness. Once again, faith and nature come together, turning the landscape into a story.

*forgive me, I’m feeling a bit irreverent today 😊

Walking along Lake Viverone today, perhaps at sunset, is like flipping through a book. Its calm waters seem to hide ancient secrets, and every glimpse invites you to listen. The legends that surround it are not just fantastic tales: they are part of the collective memory, of the popular culture that links past and present. They are stories that remind us where we come from, and make us fall even more in love with this corner of Piedmont.

Want to read more authentic and magical stories from Piedmont?

Follow the blog, I’m preparing new tales coming straight from the heart of this ancient land.

The next article will be dedicated to rural life and agricultural traditions along the lake’s shores. Don’t miss it!

See you next time!

Her presence cannot be explained—it is felt. Just over a meter tall, the Black Madonna of Oropa watches with eyes that seem to know. They say there’s no dust on her face. Not even after a year. Every November, during the ritual cleaning, the cloth remains white. Always.

Carved from light wood but darkened by time—or perhaps by divine will—the Virgin holds the Child on her knees and a globe in her hand: a symbol of salvation. But her real strength lies in the people. Those who look at her feel watched. Those who pray to her, feel heard.

Some say they tried to move her, but the statue became heavy. Too heavy. Impossible to lift. And so she stayed, where she had chosen to remain.

The Ancient Basilica came first—modest, intimate—built around the erratic boulder where it all began. Then, in the 19th century, as pilgrims numbered in the thousands, a larger space was needed. Thus rose the Upper Basilica: imposing, neoclassical, with a dome seemingly reaching for the heavens.

Walking through its courtyards is like leafing through a book of stone. The arcades, guesthouses, chapels, cloisters—every corner speaks. Every corner prays.

There’s a climb that doesn’t weigh on you. It starts at the sanctuary and gently winds through the greenery, among beech trees and silence. It is the Sacred Mount of Oropa, built in 1620, with its twelve chapels dedicated to the life of the Virgin. Each chapel is a sacred theater, where life-sized statues tell a scene, an emotion, a mystery.

Here, piety becomes art. Here, art becomes prayer.

Every year, the city of Biella walks. Since 1599, the vow is renewed: a procession ascends with songs and silences, to thank the Madonna for protecting the city from the plague.

And every five years, from Fontainemore in Valle d’Aosta, they set off before dawn. They cross passes, streams, valleys. They arrive on foot, tired but joyful, with banners and tears.

And then there’s the coronation. Every hundred years. Since 1620. A rite like no other. The statue receives a new crown. The crowd gathers close. Time stands still.

There’s a rock beside the basilica, the so-called “fertility stone.” In the past, women sat on it, asking for a child. It was an archaic rite, perhaps pagan, but one that still lives on in memory.

And then there are miracles. Like the mute man who, before the statue, found his voice. Or the face that refuses to collect dust.

Every sanctuary has its mysteries. Oropa preserves them with reverence.

Today, Oropa welcomes over 800,000 people a year—pilgrims, tourists, the curious. But everyone leaves changed. Because this is not a place to visit. It’s a place that enters you and never lets go.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Oropa is also a cultural center, museum, place of music, art, and reflection. Its guesthouses welcome wanderers and researchers. Its stones still speak.

There are places that stay with you, even after you leave. Oropa is one of them. It captures your eyes with its beauty, but stays in your heart for what cannot be seen—for that silence full of presence. For that dark face that looks at you and, maybe, understands you.

Let Oropa touch you. Plan your visit, dive into its history, and live the unique experience of a sanctuary that is soul, memory, and wonder. Take home that image, that feeling, that silence. Oropa asks for nothing—it simply offers what you need.

Rose Blooming Festival

In early June, Bossolasco celebrates the beauty of its roses with a festival that blends nature, art, and flavor: floriculture exhibitions, rosé wine tastings, and themed menus enliven the village.

Feast of St. John the Baptist

Every June 24, the community comes together to honor its patron saint with religious services, music, markets, and traditional dishes, reinforcing the spirit of togetherness.

Cheese Under the Stars

A summer evening where local cheeses meet the great wines of the Langhe, served outdoors under the starry sky: an event that blends flavor and social gathering.

Autumn Chestnut Festival

In October, the village honors chestnuts with roasted varieties, rustic peasant dishes, and folk music, recalling the old winter gatherings around the fire.

In addition to these festivals, Bossolasco hosts art events such as “Art in Bossolasco” and “Painters in Bossolasco”, highlighting the bond between contemporary art and local identity.

The oral tradition of Bossolasco preserves stories of *masche*, the witches of Piedmontese folklore, protagonists of tales passed down during winter vigils (the “vijà”). It’s said that even at Cascina Facelli there was a stone—just before our garden—where they would gather for their rituals! Women with mysterious powers, blamed for controlling the weather, spoiling milk, or bringing misfortune. These stories, mixing superstition and folklore, are a vivid lens into local rural culture.

Wolves (which do exist here) and forest spirits are also part of the region’s legendary heritage.

Tradition and innovation

Though high in the hills, Bossolasco boasts a rich winemaking history: Dolcetto, Barbera, and Nebbiolo are the traditional stars. But today, Alta Langa DOCG stands out—sparkling wine made using the Classic Method from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown up to 1,000 meters.

Terroir and climate change

Limestone soils, cool climate, and strong temperature variations make this area ideal for premium sparkling wines. Pioneering vintners like Giorgio Rivetti have invested in new vineyards, reshaping the agricultural landscape and leading the way in this “vineyard ascent” trend.

From hazelnuts to medicinal herbs

Bossolasco is part of the renowned “hazelnut land”: the Tonda Gentile delle Langhe variety is grown among groves and forests, hand-harvested, and turned into premium products.

Crops include grains, fodder, and fruits as well, supporting diversified and sustainable farming.

Shepherds, cheese, and biodiversity

Livestock farming—especially sheep—has given rise to iconic cheeses like Murazzano DOP. Summer pastures and transhumance preserve an ancient tradition, now renewed through small artisanal dairies.

The growth of agritourism and educational farms reflects an agricultural world in dialogue with tourism and quality-conscious visitors.

From *bagna càuda* to *tajarin* with white or black truffle, from *agnolotti del plin* to chickpea and tripe soup: the cuisine of Bossolasco tells a story of bold flavors and top-quality ingredients. Main courses celebrate meat, game, and cheese, while desserts—like hazelnut cake and *bonèt*—close the meal with simplicity and taste.

The Angel of Alta Langa

A striking aluminum monument symbolizing solidarity: it commemorates the rescue of Jewish families during World War II, and dominates the square with its asymmetrical wings. Go see it—it will feel like a giant embrace!

Artist signs

In the 1950s, painters like Felice Casorati gifted the village true artworks in the form of hand-painted signs. Today, they are reproduced on a large open-air wall museum.

The Rose Park and Altalanga Wall mural

Art, nature, and community come together in the Rose Park and the collective mural painted by students in 2022—a colorful tribute to local creativity.

The Big Bench of Lomonte

A giant bench overlooking the hills of Alta Langa: perfect for a scenic break or a postcard-worthy photo.

Bossolasco—and we—are waiting for you with roses, stories, and authentic flavors. Want to experience an unforgettable stay surrounded by beauty, peace, and nature?

Book now at: www.cascinafacelli.com

See you soon!

The area around Lake Viverone has always had a rural vocation. Traditional farming life developed in harmony with the morainic hills where vineyards and fruit trees flourished, while the plains were cultivated with cereals and vegetables. Cattle farming and chestnut gathering from the surrounding woods also significantly supported the local economy. Until a few decades ago, it was common to see farmers engaged in now nearly vanished tasks, like hand milking, baking bread in communal ovens, or spinning wool in barns during the winter. All these activities marked the slow pace of a simple yet hardworking life.

In memory of the region’s rural heritage, the agricultural-ethnographic museum “La Steiva” in Piverone (not far from the lake) was established.

Traditional fishing in the lake was also a key aspect of local life: species such as perch, whitefish, and bleak were caught using nets and rowboats with age-old techniques. Some fishermen still carry on this activity today, keeping alive a nostalgic knowledge built on respect for the lake and its natural rhythms.

Lake Viverone lies in the heart of a historic wine-producing area. Specifically, the surrounding hills are part of the Erbaluce di Caluso wine region, one of the most renowned white wines of Piedmont. Erbaluce, a native grape variety, has legendary and historical roots: its name is said to be inspired by the nymph Albaluce, daughter of the Sun and Dawn. Erbaluce was first documented around the 17th century and later became the first white wine in Piedmont to receive DOC status in 1967. Today it holds the DOCG Caluso designation and is a proud symbol of the region.

Viticulture on the Serra morainic hills benefits from a unique microclimate: the morainic reliefs, the presence of lakes, and the winds from the Aosta Valley create ideal conditions! The landscape is dotted with typical *pilun*, sturdy stone pillars once used to support vineyard pergolas.

Local winemaking traditions are maintained by both small family-run businesses and historic cooperatives like the Cantina Sociale della Serra in Piverone, founded in 1953 thanks to the vision of Adriano Olivetti and a hundred local winegrowers. The Cantina della Serra, still open for tastings, is joined by notable private producers like the Orsolani family and innovative newcomers who have revived hillside vineyards.

We particularly enjoyed the Erbaluce from the Azienda Agricola Pozzo Elisa and, I admit, we bought quite a bit of it! The winery is run by three sisters and they’re doing an excellent job. If you want to visit them, check out their website at www.agricolapozzo.it — and let me know! Be sure to ask them to include a bottle of *passito* among your boxes of Erbaluce — it’s worth it!

Back to the point: wines from Viverone and its surroundings continue to receive national recognition and, believe me, a glass of Erbaluce enjoyed lakeside at sunset becomes a sensory and cultural experience, revealing the deep connection between this land and its most precious “nectar.”

The Canavese area (which includes Viverone) served as a testing ground for social and industrial experiments by Adriano Olivetti, the famous Ivrea-based entrepreneur who, in the mid-20th century, led an industry while promoting a groundbreaking community project. Within this context, the Cantina Sociale di Piverone (now Cantina della Serra) was founded by Olivetti along with a group of farmers.

Adriano Olivetti also supported the creation of community centers in various towns across Canavese, including Piverone, Palazzo Canavese, Chiaverano, and others.

The identity of the region is also shaped by the Serra Morenica of Ivrea, a massive glacial ridge stretching in a straight line for about 15 km between Ivrea and Biella.

“Olivetti and the Serra” represent two sides of the same coin: the social and industrial dynamism of the 20th century and the majesty of nature.

Viverone’s culinary heritage reflects its rural roots and local products. Simple, wholesome dishes born from humble ingredients sit alongside more elaborate specialties, forming a gastronomic mosaic sure to delight food lovers.

Among traditional first courses are soups and polenta-based dishes. In the colder months, *polenta concia* — enriched with generous melted cheese and butter — is a hearty dish ideal after long days in the fields. Another local curiosity is *zuppa all’ajucà*, a rustic soup made with wild herbs and stale bread. In the past, people also made *supa mitonà*, a soup of bread and red wine with spices, consumed during holiday eves. In nearby Ivrea, there’s the rich *fagiolata grassa* made with beans, pork rind, and salami: a humble yet highly nutritious dish.

As for main courses and cured meats, don’t miss *Salampatata del Canavese* and *mortadella di fegato*.

There are also excellent local cheeses: *Civrin di Val Chiusella*, *Toma ‘d Trausela*, *Maccagno*, *Castelrosso*, and *Salignun*.

When it comes to sweets and baked goods, you must try *torcetti al burro*, *canestrelli* (note: not the shortbread ones from Turin!), *nocciolini di Chivasso*, and *paste ‘d melia*, cousins of the *paste di meliga* from Cuneo.

A special mention goes to the *Torta ‘900* by pastry chef Bertinotti. It’s exclusively produced by Pasticceria Balla!

The area surrounding Lake Viverone offers numerous points of interest among villages, castles, archaeological sites, and natural beauty. Here are some recommended itineraries and destinations to explore:

**Viverone lakeside promenade:** a must for enjoying the views.
**Prehistoric Pile-Dwelling Site in Azeglio:** the remains of a prehistoric stilt-house village in Azeglio, now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
**Roppolo Castle and Village:** on the hill north of the lake sits the charming village of Roppolo, dominated by its impressive thousand-year-old castle. The castle is privately managed and open from April to October with guided tours. Its furnished interiors evoke a bygone era, and from the courtyard and towers, the view is stunning! After the castle tour, take a stroll through Roppolo’s alleys: you’ll find breathtaking views, a baroque parish church, and a natural panoramic terrace overlooking the lake — you won’t regret it!
**Masino Castle and Caravino:** just a 15-minute drive from Viverone lies another beautiful castle — Masino Castle in Caravino. Now owned by FAI (Italian Environmental Fund), it’s open year-round and is a must-see for art and history lovers.
**Lake Bertignano and the Bessa Nature Reserve:** after exploring Viverone, nature lovers can go “from lake to lake.” A few kilometers away lies Lake Bertignano, a small glacial lake nestled in the morainic hills. Much smaller than Viverone, it offers a serene, untouched atmosphere.
**Ivrea, city of art and carnival:** though a bit further away (about 18 km), Ivrea makes a great day trip for those staying at the lake, especially for its historical and cultural ties to Olivetti. Ivrea is also world-famous for its historic carnival — a one-of-a-kind event.

**Useful links for further info and visits:** To better plan your visit to Lake Viverone and its surroundings, here are some helpful references:

The official tourism portal *VisitAltoPiemonte* features information about Viverone and suggested itineraries. The UNESCO Italian Heritage site provides detailed info on the lake’s pile-dwelling site and other prehistoric Alpine sites. For museums, the *Museo del Territorio Biellese* showcases lake artifacts; the *Olivetti Foundation* offers insights into the Olivetti legacy and Ivrea itineraries; and *Cantina della Serra* in Piverone offers wine tastings. Lastly, for the full Ivrea Carnival experience, don’t miss the official historical carnival website with its event calendar and safety tips.

Enjoy discovering Lake Viverone and its marvelous territory!

Stay tuned for more in-depth articles!

See you next time!!

Piazza XX Settembre, the heart of the village, is like an ancient theatre where life continues to flow with the same calm of centuries past. Around it wind Via Umberto I, Via Roma, and the Bauzano ring road, which preserve shops, memories, and an architectural harmony that embraces those who arrive.

Here stands the Castle of the Balestrino family, built in the 1600s using stones from the earlier Castle of the Del Carretto, damaged after the siege of 1431. Its square, massive and austere structure recalls the solidity of an era when noble families strongly defended their territory.

Every village has its places of worship, but Bossolasco turns them into stone poetry.
The Church of San Giovanni Battista, rebuilt in 1926 in Lombard-Gothic style, still welcomes those who seek silence, beauty, and contemplation.
Then there are the chapels: San Rocco, Santa Maria degli Angeli, and the Guardian Angel, each hidden like a gem among the paths. And in the hamlet of Bossolaschetto, the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena stands as a sentinel over the Alta Langa landscape.

The coat of arms of Bossolasco is a visual story: three green hills, a boxwood plant, three golden stars, and a river flowing between the hills.
During the Resistance, between 1943 and 1945, these lands were guarded by partisans. Today, the Resistance Park is not just a place of memory, but a living space for reflection and freedom. Here, the past meets the future, where sacrifice becomes a lesson.

Bossolasco is also art, nature, and poetry. The Rose Park scents the air with beauty, while the Blue Fountain, Pian della Croce, and the installation of the Angel of Alta Langa turn the village into an emotional journey.

Read also: what to see in Bossolasco.

Among these hills was born Camillo Filippo Cabutti, landscape painter and mayor of the village. But Bossolasco was also a haven for 20th-century artists: Francesco Menzio and Enrico Paulucci, Torinese painters in love with the light of the Langa.
And then Beppe Fenoglio, who in the silence of Hotel Bellavista found words that still echo through the hills and speak to the heart. Just one month, but as intense as a lifetime.

Bossolasco is not just a place to see, but to experience. Walk through its alleys as if you were reading a poem. Let yourself be embraced by its views, its scents, its stories.
And when you’re tired, sit down in silence; look around you. Here, quiet still respects those who know how to listen.

We’re waiting for you at our B&B Cascina Facelli in the heart of Bossolasco, to experience the magic of Alta Langa.

See you soon!

Collisioni Festival – Barolo (July 6-8, 2025) Italy’s most famous agrirock festival, combining music, literature, and fine food. International artists perform in Barolo, while the surrounding hills provide the perfect setting for wine tastings and cultural events.

Roero Music Fest – Guarene (July 2025) A jazz festival that brings summer evenings to life among the Roero vineyards. A great chance to enjoy high-quality music while sipping local wines.

Hazelnut Festival – Cortemilia (August 20-25, 2025) Cortemilia celebrates the Piedmont IGP hazelnut with a week of events, including tastings, cooking shows, and craft markets. A perfect opportunity to discover the secrets of this precious nut.

Mangialonga – La Morra (August 24, 2025) A 4-km food and wine walk through the vineyards of La Morra. A route with multiple stops where you can taste traditional dishes paired with the region’s finest wines.

Ferragosto Festival – Bussia, Monforte d’Alba (August 13-17, 2025) A traditional festival that combines music, great food, and religious celebrations in one of the most charming villages of the Langhe.

Carmagnola Pepper Festival (August 30 – September 8, 2025) Although at the end of summer, this festival is one of the most awaited in Piedmont. The Carmagnola pepper is celebrated with food stands, cultural events, and cooking shows.

Summer in the Langhe is an experience that goes beyond traditional tourism: it’s an immersion in local traditions, authentic flavors, and unique landscapes.

Which event do you not want to miss this year?

See you soon!

Bagna Cauda is not just a dish—it is a true ritual. Traditionally served in a small terracotta pot called a “fujot,” it is kept warm by a live flame beneath the container. Each diner has their own fujot and, armed with fresh seasonal vegetables such as peppers, cardoons, fennel, and Jerusalem artichokes, dips them into this creamy, flavorful sauce. The preparation and consumption of Bagna Cauda represent a moment of sharing and conviviality, perfect for warming up cold winter evenings.

Ingredients for 6 people:

• 300 g of salted anchovies
• 10 garlic cloves
• 300 ml of extra virgin olive oil
• 50 g of butter (optional)
• Fresh seasonal vegetables: peppers, cardoons, fennel, carrots, Jerusalem artichokes, cauliflower

Preparation:

1. Cleaning the Anchovies: Desalt the anchovies under cold running water, remove the bones, and gently dry them.
2. Preparing the Garlic: Peel the garlic cloves, remove the central sprout, and finely chop them.
3. Cooking the Sauce: In a terracotta pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over low heat. Add the chopped garlic and cook it slowly without letting it brown. Add the anchovies and continue stirring until they completely dissolve.
4. Finishing: Add the butter (optional) to make the sauce even creamier. Let it cook over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve Bagna Cauda hot, accompanied by a wide variety of fresh, crunchy vegetables. For an authentic experience, pair it with a good Piedmontese red wine such as Barbera or Dolcetto, whose fruity and tannic character perfectly balances the sauce’s savoriness.

Bagna Cauda is a story of passion, tradition, and love for sharing. Preparing and enjoying it means embracing the soul of Piedmont, celebrating the flavors and traditions that make this region unique.

Plan a great evening with friends, cook it, and… let me know!

See you next time!

From the square, take Via Roma, the city’s most beautiful street, which has recently been restored, with all its buildings’ facades renovated. The first stop is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Bosco, right at the beginning of the street.

Then, continue along Via Roma until the “tip” of Cuneo, taking time to admire the beautifully decorated facades of the buildings. At some point, you’ll see the imposing Civic Tower on your left, which, at 52 meters high, is the tallest point from which to observe the city. You can climb up 132 seemingly endless steps, but you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Cuneo and the Alps.

Get lost in the ancient alleys of the historic center, but don’t forget to visit Contrada Mondovì, the old Jewish ghetto, and admire the majestic murals that brighten up Piazza Boves.

**The Civic Museum in the former San Francesco Convent**

The Civic Museum is housed in the former San Francesco Convent, which, after careful restoration, still maintains its Gothic imprint despite 15th-century renovations. Inside, you’ll find collections of ancient art and culture, with particularly interesting sections on the Early Middle Ages. It houses archaeological finds from the Paleolithic to the Iron Age. Particularly intriguing on the first floor is the section dedicated to Italy’s largest Lombard necropolis, one of the largest in Europe, along with its grave goods. Excavated in the Ceriolo area of Sant’Albano Stura, the seven male and seven female burial kits are among the best-preserved from the Lombard period. It’s also worth noting that every exhibit description includes Braille text, making history accessible to all visitors.

**Casa Galimberti**

Visiting Casa Galimberti will surprise you—it’s an ordinary family’s house, but for their deeds and achievements, they were anything but ordinary!

Casa Galimberti showcases an incredible passion for art and culture through paintings and a library containing **27,000 volumes**. Both father and son, named Tancredi Galimberti (one a lawyer, the other a partisan hero of the Resistance), were men of letters, evidenced by the grand study at the entrance. The House Museum remains almost exactly as it was, serving both as a home and a meeting place for literary figures and prominent intellectuals of the time. The basement once housed the family’s printing press, which published the newspaper *La Sentinella delle Alpi*. There’s too much to tell about this family—you’ll just have to visit and see for yourself!

**The Sculpture Garden of the Peano Foundation**

Roberto Peano, an antique dealer with a passion for contemporary art, established the Peano Foundation in 1993. This foundation is entirely dedicated to promoting sculpture as a tool for urban renewal, closely integrated with the surrounding natural environment.

The sculpture garden sits on part of the land from the family’s historic botanical nursery, serving as the foundation’s crown jewel. This garden, which catalogues over sixty botanical species for educational purposes, provides a natural setting for a permanent exhibition of contemporary sculptures. The foundation also regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and workshops.

**Open Baladin**
**Birrovia Vecchia Stazione**

…and after that, stretch your legs along the tree-lined avenue leading to the Sanctuary of Madonna degli Angeli—a panoramic spot that will not disappoint.

Until next time!

If you like the idea of seeing the world from a different perspective, you must visit the Upside-Down House of Beinasco, an installation that has gained attention for its quirky design. This house, literally upside down with its roof on the ground and foundations facing the sky, is a work of art that makes you reflect on perception and how architecture can play tricks on our minds. Perfect for an unconventional visit and some unique photos!

Piedmont is rich in architectural gems! One of the most fascinating is undoubtedly the Sanctuary of Vicoforte. This imposing religious building near Mondovì houses the largest elliptical dome in the world, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture that attracts enthusiasts and pilgrims from all over. Beyond its impressive size, the sanctuary captivates visitors with its interior frescoes depicting episodes from the life of the Virgin Mary, offering an unforgettable mystical and cultural experience.

In the Biellese Valleys, the small village of Mosso preserves a true treasure of Christmas tradition: the Giant Nativity Scene. This nativity scene, featuring life-sized figures, is set up every year along the village streets, creating an enchanted atmosphere that attracts visitors from across Piedmont and beyond. In addition to the beauty of the statues, the uniqueness of this nativity scene lies in its seamless integration with the town’s streets and houses, transforming the village into a biblical landscape.

If you are fascinated by traditions and ancient craftsmanship, you cannot miss Mulino Val. Nestled in the Piedmontese hills, this old water mill is still operational and offers a glimpse into the past, showing how grain milling was done centuries ago. Here, you can see the stone grinders in action and experience a piece of living history, recounting an era when life was dictated by the rhythms of the seasons and manual labor.

Piedmont is a region full of surprises! Beyond its famous sites and well-known landscapes, there is a hidden and unusual side just waiting to be discovered! The Cave Houses of Mombarone, the Upside-Down House, the Sanctuary of Vicoforte, the Giant Nativity Scene of Mosso, and Mulino Val are just a few of the wonders that make this region a true trove of curiosities. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, consider visiting these places—they are sure to captivate and leave you in awe!