Top 20 Natural Monuments around Issime

At 2020 meters, Lake Barma (or Balma) is a lake of glacial origin sunken between the Gragliasca peak, Lei Long and Balma d’Oropa on the left, Mont Mars and Monte Rosso on the right, and the Balma d’Oropa hill in front. With 31,320 square meters of extension, it is the largest lake included in the Mont Mars Nature Reserve. On its shores, from the second half of June, rhododendrons, mountain lilies, round cotton grasses, mountain arnica and wild orchids bloom.

Even in spring it's a spectacle!

finding peace like this place elsewhere, if you go there during the week, is very difficult

The climb is very tough but once you get to the top the sanctuary is beautiful.

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.

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.

The Lago di Villa Nature Reserve was established in 1982 and extends over 25 hectares, at an altitude of between 810 and 980 meters, between the municipalities of Challand-Saint-Victor and Montjovet. An oasis of peace and tranquility where you can listen to the sounds of nature and observe the surrounding mountains. It is interesting to visit in every season, to admire the colors of the changing leaves, as well as the plant and animal species that populate it. Here are some technical data on the natural area: Environment: low mountain peaty lake basin, characterized by a clear contrast between the marshy environment of the lake and the surrounding arid environment. Fauna: the nature reserve represents the main regional reproductive station for the common toad. Among the reptiles there are the maraou lizard and the whip snake, while the fish fauna consists of cyprinids and eels. Flora: the lake waters are home to two very rare floating plants in the Aosta Valley, the white water lily (if you want to enjoy its bloom, the recommended months are June and July) and the amphibian polygon. The reed bed is mainly made up of common reed; the arboreal vegetation is made up of hygrophilous thickets near the banks and thickets of Scots pine and downy oak on the surrounding sunny slopes.

This beautiful lake is located at the foot of the Mont Mars Nature Reserve. From its banks Punta Leretta, Punta Figlieu, Mount Mars, Mount Rosso, the Lei Long and Gragliasca peaks and Mount Pietra Bianca are visible. It's a nice place to take a break on your mountain run with a breathtaking view. The paths in this area are mostly free of technical difficulties and easy to follow while running.