Santuario di Oropa, Biella

Check in: 14:30 (2:30pm) - 17:00 (5:00pm) (arrivals may be allowed outside this window if your travel plans can't be adjusted however this is subject to availability)

Check out: 09:00 (9:00am) - 10:00 (10:00am)

History

Tradition affirms that the spread of the cult of the Virgin Mary took place in the 4th century AD, through the work of S. Eusebio, the first bishop of Vercelli.

Over the years the Sanctuary has developed into a majestic and spectacular architectural ensemble of important monumental buildings.

Consisting of three large terraced courtyards, the complex was designed by the great Savoy architects Arduzzi, Gallo, Beltramo, Juvarra, Guarini, Galletti and Bonora, between the mid-seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, ending with the Upper Basilica, which it was consecrated in 1960.

Food & beverage

Inside and near the Sanctuary there are numerous restaurants and bars offering the typical specialties of the Piedmont and Biella area: the famous "polenta concia di Oropa", with corn flour, butter and mountain cheese, the tasty "capunet" (cabbage rolls cabbage stuffed with meat), fondue vol au vent. Among the desserts, do not miss the "bunet", with chocolate and amaretti.

Grounds & Gardens

The Sanctuary is immersed in the greenery of the Biellese Alps, where numerous excursions and walks can be practiced: among the best known, the "Passeggiata dei preti" and the tour of "Monte Cucco", which offer exceptional panoramic views of the sanctuary and the valley; the path that leads to "Lago delle Bose"; the "Sentiero Frassati" etc.

Near the Upper Basilica there is the Botanical Garden, open from May to September.

In addition, the cable car departs from the Sanctuary leading to an altitude of 1900 meters, where the Mucrone Lake is located. From here you can reach the highest peaks of the Oropa valley, such as "Monte Camino", "Monte Mucrone" or "Monte Mars".

Near the valley station of the cable cars there is also "Parco Avventura", with numerous paths among the trees.
 

Other facilities

Inside the Sanctuary there are rooms equipped for meetings and conferences.