Top 20 Natural Monuments around Pollone
Best natural monuments around Pollone include diverse landscapes ranging from historic nature reserves to mountain passes. The municipality, situated in the Province of Biella, Italy, offers access to significant natural areas. These features provide opportunities for hiking and exploring varied terrain. The region is characterized by its blend of botanical beauty, historical sites, and panoramic viewpoints.
Best natural monuments around Pollone
- The most popular natural monuments is Bocchetto Sessera Pass, a mountain pass that connects the Strona valley with…
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Bocchetto Sessera Pass
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Bessa Gold Mining Archaeological Site
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It is located between Biella and Ivrea, included in the municipalities …
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Lake Vargno
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Climb to Oropa from Biella
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Burnel di Nomaglio
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Popular around Pollone
Alta Via n. 1 of the Aosta Valley — a walk among Italian giants
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Hiking around Pollone
Road Cycling Routes around Pollone
Running Trails around Pollone
Cycling around Pollone
MTB Trails around Pollone
Tips from the Community
The Burnel is an ancient cup-marked stone located halfway along Via Maestra, the road that crosses the center of Nomaglio. On its surface, the cup marks engraved in prehistoric times are still visible, small hemispherical cavities whose exact function remains a subject of debate among scholars — perhaps linked to propitiatory rites or cult practices. In more recent times, the stone was adapted into a fountain, with a basin carved out for water, and on the stone, you can also observe the grooves left by the blades and knives that the villagers used to come here to sharpen. The name "burnel" indicates precisely this: a fountain with a stone basin. It is an object that, in a few square centimeters, tells of centuries of daily use superimposed on prehistoric traces, and has accompanied the life of the village for times much older than the stone houses with the typical Canavese arches that surround it.
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The **Passo (or Bocchetto) di Bocchetto Sessera is an alpine pass located in the Biella Alps, in the Province of Biella (Piedmont, Italy). It connects the Valle dello Strona di Mosso with the Val Sessera, between the mountains Monte Marca (1,558 m) and Monticchio (1,697 m).
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Nomaglio is a small but pleasant, characteristic village that deserves a quick stop and a bike ride.
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Main entrance to the Oasi Zegna, from which many paths start, including the "Bosco del Sorriso" path and others
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Must do, at least once, interesting place.
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The climb is very tough but once you get to the top the sanctuary is beautiful.
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Oropa is an important Catholic pilgrimage site in the Piedmont Alps, about 12 kilometers northwest of Biella, Italy. It lies in a picturesque valley at an altitude of approximately 1,159 meters. In brief: * Pilgrimage site: One of the most important Marian pilgrimage sites in the Alps, dedicated to the Black Madonna. * History: According to tradition, the pilgrimage dates back to Saint Eusebius in the 4th century. * Sacro Monte: The Holy Mountain of Oropa, with 12 chapels depicting the life of the Virgin Mary, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003. * Basilicas: Consists of the old basilica (17th century), where the Black Madonna is venerated, and the newer, larger Basilica Superior (20th century). * Nature and activities: Surrounded by mountains, it offers opportunities for hiking, trekking, and mountaineering. There is also a botanical garden and an adventure park. * UNESCO World Heritage Site: Recognized along with eight other "Sacri Monti" in the region for its religious, cultural, and scenic significance. Oropa is a place of spiritual significance, impressive architecture, and natural beauty, attracting many pilgrims and visitors annually.
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The climb to the Sanctuary of Oropa from Biella is a Piedmont classic. It is about 13 km intense and constant, which do not allow respite with always challenging slopes. The iconic and hardest stretch is the last kilometer on the scenic pavé, made legendary by Pantani's feat in the Giro '99.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit the natural monuments around Pollone?
The ideal time to visit depends on your interests. For the spectacular bloom of rhododendrons at Parco Burcina "Felice Piacenza" Nature Reserve, May and June are prime months. For climbing and hiking at Pietra Groana, the cooler months from November to March are recommended due to its modest altitude. Generally, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for exploring most natural sites.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments around Pollone?
Yes, the Bessa Gold Mining Archaeological Site is listed as family-friendly, offering a unique 'lunar' landscape and historical insights. Lake Vargno is also a great spot for families to enjoy the scenery and take a break. Parco Burcina "Felice Piacenza" Nature Reserve provides numerous trails suitable for various ages and environmental education programs.
What unique natural features can I explore near Pollone?
You can explore the unique 'lunar' landscape of the Bessa Gold Mining Archaeological Site, characterized by vast mounds of stones from ancient Roman gold mining. The Parco Burcina "Felice Piacenza" Nature Reserve is famous for its extensive Valley of Rhododendrons and ancient trees like wellingtonias and sequoias.
What historical or archaeological sites are integrated with the natural monuments?
The Bessa Gold Mining Archaeological Site is a significant historical site, revealing remnants of one of the largest ancient open-pit gold mines exploited by the Romans. The Parco Burcina "Felice Piacenza" Nature Reserve also holds archaeological findings, with evidence of human presence dating back 35,000 years and Protohistoric settlements.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The region offers diverse activities. You can find excellent gravel biking routes, such as the 'Oropa Sanctuary – Sanctuary of Oropa loop from Pollone', and running trails like the 'Laghetto della Burcina – Rhododendron Basin loop from Pollone'. For more options, explore the Gravel biking around Pollone and Running Trails around Pollone guides.
Are there good viewpoints among the natural monuments?
Absolutely. Bocchetto Sessera Pass offers very panoramic views. The Burcina hill within the Parco Burcina "Felice Piacenza" Nature Reserve provides scenic views stretching from Monviso to Adamello. Pietra Groana is also known for excellent viewpoints over the surrounding plain and Alps, especially at sunset.
What is the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/3618588" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bocchetto Sessera Pass</a> known for?
The Bocchetto Sessera Pass is a mountain pass at about 1,400 meters, connecting the Strona and Sessera valleys. It's a popular starting point for interesting mountain biking routes, some of which lead to Valsesia, and offers very panoramic views.
Can I find trails for hiking or running at <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/1357632" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lake Vargno</a>?
Yes, Lake Vargno is a beautiful spot for a break during mountain runs. The paths in this area are mostly free of technical difficulties and easy to follow, making it suitable for both hiking and running. You can also enjoy a ring excursion around the lake.
What is special about the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/1760836" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Barma Lakes</a>?
The Barma Lakes consist of two splendid lakes, one small and one large, with the Balma Refuge centrally located on top of a nearby hill. They offer picturesque views and are a great destination for those exploring the natural beauty of the region.
Is there a natural monument known for rock climbing near Pollone?
Pietra Groana, a distinctive rocky outcrop, is primarily known for rock climbing and hiking. It serves as a popular rock climbing gym with routes of varying difficulty and also features equipped trails, including via ferratas, leading to its summit.
What do visitors appreciate most about the natural monuments around Pollone?
Visitors frequently appreciate the diverse landscapes, from historic nature reserves to mountain passes. The unique 'lunar' appearance of the Bessa Gold Mining Archaeological Site and the stunning rhododendron blooms at Parco Burcina are often highlighted. The panoramic views from various points, like Bocchetto Sessera Pass, are also highly valued by the community.
How can I get to Parco Burcina "Felice Piacenza" Nature Reserve?
The Parco Burcina "Felice Piacenza" Nature Reserve is situated on the Burcina hill, straddling the municipalities of Pollone and Biella. It is accessible by road, and public transport options from Biella to Pollone or near the park entrance are available. You can check local bus routes for the most current information.
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