Hidden Piedmont: 7 Secret Places Away from Mass Tourism
- amycasettadicharme
- Apr 2
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
The Piedmont everyone knows is Turin, Langhe, Alba, and Barolo. Beautiful, of course. But if you're looking for authentic Piedmont—quiet villages, endless rice fields, hidden sanctuaries—you need to get off the beaten path.
Here are 7 secret places in Piedmont that very few people know about. Places where mass tourism hasn't arrived, where time passes slowly, and where you experience the real Piedmont. AMY B&B sits in the perfect position to explore them all.
1. Baraggia – The Piedmontese Savannah
📍 Distance from AMY B&B: 15-30 minutes
The Baraggia is one of Piedmont's most fascinating unknown landscapes. An expanse of heathland, marshes, and birch forests that resembles an African savannah more than northern Italy. It's a protected nature reserve, home to herons, rare birds, and the ancient Baraggia horses that still roam free.
What to do:
Hiking on marked trails (easy routes)
Birdwatching (bring binoculars!)
Photography at sunset
Best time: Spring and autumn
2. Ricetto di Candelo – Perfect Medieval Village
📍 Distance from AMY B&B: 45 minutes
Ricetto di Candelo is one of Italy's best-preserved medieval villages, yet almost unknown. A fortified 14th-century village with narrow cobblestone streets, stone houses, and intact underground cellars where wine was once stored.
What to see:
Fortified walls and medieval towers
Underground wine cellars (some open to visitors)
Artisan workshops
Christmas market (December)
Best time: Year-round, spectacular in December
WANT TO EXPERIENCE THIS?
Stay at AMY B&B and explore Piedmont's hidden gems.
3. Sanctuary of Oropa – Mountain Peace
📍 Distance from AMY B&B: 50 minutes
The Sanctuary of Oropa is one of Italy's most important Marian shrines but little known outside Piedmont. Nestled in the Biella mountains, it's a place of absolute peace with spectacular Baroque architecture.
What to do:
Visit the sanctuary
Walk in the natural park
Cable car to Lake Mucrone (Alpine views)
Taste traditional biscuits
Best time: Summer (cool mountains) and autumn (incredible colors)
4. Sacro Monte di Varallo – Art and Spirituality
📍 Distance from AMY B&B: 1 hour
The Sacro Monte di Varallo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 45 frescoed chapels narrating Christ's life. Still rarely visited despite its beauty, each chapel is a masterpiece of art and spirituality.
What to see:
45 frescoed chapels
Basilica of the Assumption
Panoramic views of Valsesia Valley
Tip: Allow 2-3 hours. This isn't a place to rush.
Best time: Spring and autumn
5. Naviglio di Ivrea – The Secret Canal
📍 Distance from AMY B&B: 1 hour
The Naviglio di Ivrea is an ancient canal running through the city and countryside. Less famous than Milan's canals but equally fascinating. Cycling or walking along it is relaxing and poetic.
What to do:
Walk or bike the canal (flat 15 km route)
Visit Ivrea's historic center
Taste "torta 900" (typical Ivrea dessert)
Bonus: In February, Ivrea hosts the famous Battle of the Oranges carnival.
Best time: Spring and summer
WANT TO EXPERIENCE THIS?
Stay at AMY B&B and explore Piedmont's hidden gems.
6. Borgo di Volpedo – In the Painter's Footsteps
📍 Distance from AMY B&B: 1 hour
Volpedo is the birthplace of painter Giuseppe Pellizza da Volpedo, author of the famous "The Fourth Estate." A quiet village off the beaten track, yet full of charm and authentic atmosphere.
What to see:
Pellizza da Volpedo House-Museum
Church of San Martino
Colorful houses and narrow streets
Perfect for: Art lovers seeking authenticity
Best time: Year-round
7. Baragge Nature Reserve – Wild Nature
📍 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. Heathlands, ponds, woods, and wetlands host incredible biodiversity perfect for nature lovers.
What to do:
Hiking on nature trails
Birdwatching (especially spring)
Nature photography
Best time: Spring (blossoms) and autumn (colors)
WHY STAY AT AMY B&B
AMY B&B is the perfect base for discovering authentic Piedmont off the beaten path.
Strategic location:
✅ 15 minutes from Baraggia
✅ 45 minutes from Ricetto di Candelo
✅ 50 minutes from Oropa Sanctuary
✅ 1 hour from Varallo, Ivrea, Volpedo
After exploration days:
✅ Peaceful rice field setting
✅ Homemade breakfast with local products
✅ Private garden for relaxation
✅ Free parking
✅ Only 2 rooms = personalized welcome
✅ Local recommendations on routes and restaurants
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Spring (March-May): Blossoms, mild climate, lush nature, perfect for hiking
Summer (June-August): Pleasant mountain temperatures, hot but bearable in plains
Autumn (September-November): Incredible colors, poetic atmosphere, best time!
Winter (December-February): Intimate atmosphere, few tourists, snow in mountains
WANT TO EXPERIENCE THIS?
Stay at AMY B&B and explore Piedmont's hidden gems.
