Hidden Piedmont: Little-Known Destinations for a Peaceful Weekend

The Piedmont everyone knows is made up of Turin, the Langhe, Alba, and Barolo. Beautiful, of course.

But if you're looking for the authentic Piedmont—the one with its quiet villages, endless rice fields, and hidden sanctuaries nestled in the woods—you need to get off the beaten path.

Here, I'll tell you about 7 secret places in Piedmont that very few people know about. Places where mass tourism hasn't yet arrived, where time passes more slowly, and where you can experience the true Piedmont. And by staying at AMY B&B, in the heart of the Vercelli rice fields, you're in the perfect position to explore them all.

1. The Baraggia: the Piedmontese Savannah

📍 Where: Between Vercelli and Biella

📍 Distance from AMY B&B: 15-30 minutes

The Baraggia is one of the most fascinating and unknown landscapes in Piedmont. An expanse of heathland, marshes, and birch forests that resembles an African savannah more than northern Italy. It is a protected nature reserve, home to herons, frogs, dragonflies, and dozens of rare species.

Things to do:

- Hiking on marked trails (easy routes, suitable for everyone)

- Birdwatching (bring binoculars!)

- Landscape photography (it's magical at sunset)

Best time: Spring and autumn

💡 Tip: Few people know this, but the Baraggia horses, an ancient breed of equine, still roam here. If you're lucky, you might even spot them grazing.

2. Ricetto di Candelo: the perfect medieval village

📍 Where: Candelo (Biella)

📍 Distance from AMY B&B: 45 minutes

Ricetto di Candelo is one of the best-preserved medieval villages in Italy, yet it remains almost unknown. A fortified village dating back to the 14th century, with narrow cobblestone streets, stone houses, and intact underground cellars.

What to see:

- Fortified walls and medieval towers

- Historic cellars (some open to visitors)

- Artisan workshops (ceramics, textiles, local products)

- Medieval events and fairs (especially in summer)

When to go: All year round, but spectacular during the Christmas market (December)

💡 Tip: Visit the underground cellars. Wine was once stored here, and today some of them host exhibitions and events.

3. Sanctuary of Oropa: Peace in the Mountains

📍 Where: Biella

📍 Distance from AMY B&B: 50 minutes

The Sanctuary of Oropa is one of the most important Marian shrines in Italy, but is little known outside of Piedmont. Nestled in the Biella mountains, it is a place of absolute peace.

What to do:

- Visit the sanctuary (spectacular Baroque architecture)

- Walk in the surrounding natural park

- Take the cable car up to Lake Mucrone (views of the Alps)

- Taste traditional biscuits in the village pastry shops

Best time: Summer (cool in the mountains) and autumn (incredible colors)

💡 Tip: If you're a hiking enthusiast, beautiful trails lead from Oropa to the Alpine lakes

4. Sacro Monte di Varallo: art and spirituality

📍 Where: Varallo Sesia

📍 Distance from AMY B&B: 1 hour The Sacro Monte di Varallo is a complex of frescoed chapels that narrate the life of Christ. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but still rarely visited given its beauty. What to see:

- 45 frescoed chapels (each chapel is a work of art)

- Basilica of the Assumption

- Panoramic view of the Valsesia Valley

When to go: Spring and autumn (less crowded, perfect light)

💡 Tip: Allow at least 2-3 hours. This is not a place to visit in a rush.

5. Naviglio di Ivrea: the secret canal

📍 Where: Ivrea

📍 Distance from AMY B&B: 1 hour The Naviglio di Ivrea is an ancient canal that runs through the city and its surroundings. Less famous than the Milanese canals, but equally fascinating. Cycling or walking along it is a relaxing and poetic experience.

What to do: - Walk or bike along the canal (flat route, 15 km total) - Visit the historic center of Ivrea - Taste the "torta 900" (a typical Ivrea dessert) Best time: Spring and summer 💡 Tip:

In February, Ivrea hosts the famous Carnival with the Battle of the Oranges. A unique event. ---

6. Borgo di Volpedo: In the footsteps of Pellizza da Volpedo

📍 Where: Volpedo (Alessandria)

📍 Distance from AMY B&B: 1 hour Volpedo is the birthplace of the painter Giuseppe Pellizza da Volpedo, author of the famous "The Fourth Estate." A quiet village, off the beaten track, yet full of charm. What to see:

- Pellizza da Volpedo House-Museum

- Church of San Martino

- Stroll through the village (colorful houses, narrow streets)

When to go: All year round

💡 Tip: If you love art, this village is a gem. Very few tourists, an authentic atmosphere.

7. Baragge Nature Reserve: wild nature

📍 Where: Between Novara and Vercelli

📍 Distance from AMY B&B: 10-20 minutes

Just a stone's throw from AMY B&B, the Baragge Nature Reserve is a unique ecosystem in Italy. Heathlands, ponds, woods, and wetlands are home to incredible biodiversity.

What to do:

- Hiking along nature trail

- Birdwatching (especially in spring)

- Nature photography Best time: Spring (blossoms) and autumn (colors)

Why stay at AMY B&B to explore hidden Piedmont?

AMY B&B is the perfect base for discovering authentic Piedmont, off the beaten path.

Strategic location:

✅ 15 minutes from the Baraggia

✅ 45 minutes from the Ricetto di Candelo

✅ 50 minutes from the Sanctuary of Oropa

✅ 1 hour from Varallo, Ivrea, and Volpedo

After a day of exploration:

✅ Return to a peaceful setting, surrounded by rice fields

✅ Breakfast with homemade pastries and local products

✅ Private garden for relaxation

✅ Free parking

✅ Only 2 rooms = personalized welcome

✅ Recommendations on itineraries, routes, and local restaurants

👉 [**Book your weekend in authentic Piedmont**]

Recommended itinerary: 2 days in hidden Piedmont

DAY 1:

Morning: - Breakfast at AMY B&B - Departure for the Baraggia (15 min) - Trekking and birdwatching (2-3 hours)

Lunch: - Picnic in the Baraggia or lunch in Vercelli

Afternoon: - Departure for the Ricetto di Candelo (45 min) - Visit to the medieval village (2 hours)

Evening: - Dinner in Candelo or return to AMY B&B

DAY 2:

Morning: - Breakfast at AMY B&B - Departure for the Oropa Sanctuary (50 min) - Visit to the sanctuary + walk (3 hours)

Lunch: - Lunch in Oropa (typical restaurants in the village)

Afternoon: - Return to AMY B&B via Biella (textile shopping?)

When to visit hidden Piedmont?

Spring (March-May): Blossoms, mild climate, lush nature. Perfect for hiking and birdwatching.

Summer (June-August): Pleasant temperatures in the mountains (Oropa, Varallo). Hot in the plains but bearable.

Autumn (September-November): Incredible colors, a poetic atmosphere, perfect temperatures. Best time!

Winter (December-February): Intimate atmosphere, few tourists, snow in the mountains. Perfect for those who love silence.

👉 [**Discover our rooms and plan your trip to hidden Piedmont**]

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