A refuge for the body and the spirit, atheist or religious that is, at 1159 meters high (all of extraordinary beauty). The Sanctuary of Oropa, on the slopes of the Biella Pre-Alps, in Piedmont, despite being Unesco heritage since 2003, is one of the many, too many hidden treasures of our country. We will tell you about it here
Nestled among the rocky peaks of the Biella Pre-Alps, snow covered in winter and often veiled by a mysterious blanket of clouds in other seasons, the sanctuary of Oropa reaches out the plateau of the Sacro Monte with its long colonnade of arcades, which seem to be placed there, ready to welcome arriving pilgrims, visitors and hikers as if in an embrace.
Oropa can be easily reached by car or bus from Biella (here are the timetables), but for those who are not afraid of the climbs the road can also be done on foot, starting from that of the Capuchins, entirely covered with pebbles, and continuing on old street of Oropa, steep and narrow, but very panoramic, which also passes through the villages. Tradition has it that the people of Biella travel it once a year: it would be enough for others to do it at least once in their lifetime.
If you love walking you can instead start from Santhià, in the province of Vercelli, and arrive in Oropa in four days following the Via Francigena, along a route classified with the letter E (medium difficulty).
Tradition has it that the people of Biella travel the climb to Monte Oropa once a year: for others it would be enough once in their life
Whether you are a regular or newcomer of the place, you will still be amazed upon arrival, and you will have the distinct feeling of finding yourself in front of something unique and special. The question you will surely ask yourself will be: "How did I not come before?"
Let's make it clear: this is a tourist place, of pilgrimage yes, but very equipped (with bars, shops and restaurants inside). Yet – and this is its peculiarity – it manages to preserve a sacred soul, not to fall into a "liturgical fair".
Oropa is a suggestive destination: for those who come here to take refuge in prayer, of course, but also for those who simply have the desire to regenerate themselves a little. In an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.
The advice to fully experience it is to stay at least one night in the guesthouse adjacent to the sanctuary: there are about 500 beds available to guests, divided into four types of rooms (suites, junior suites, comfort and tourism), all spartan, but very comfortable, with very high ceilings and furnished with furniture and objects era. Outdoors, recently inaugurated, there is also a camper area with 31 pitches and an enviable view of the Upper Basilica.
The Sanctuary complex stands out on two large courtyards and includes the ancient basilica, built during the plague of 1599 (we recommend you to participate in the first morning service: even if the last Mass you attended was your Communion, it is worth it), and the majestic New church with the dome become the symbol of Oropa. Its construction was – indeed: it is still – very troubled: the works started in 1885 are not yet finished, despite the consecration and the opening in 1960.
The complex also includes some chapels, the Treasury Museum, L'Historical Archive and Library, a meteorological observatory and a radio station.
But this is also, and above all, an interesting destination for lovers of skiing and trekking, since the whole surrounding area has become the Sacro Monte di Oropa Special Nature Reserve and behind it there are ski lifts and a Botanical Garden.
Not to be missed is the excursion on the top of Mount Camino, 2400 meters high. To do it, the best thing is to take it cableway which starts near the parking lot of the new church, get off at Oropa Sport (1870 meters high) and then walk up the last stretch (491 meters in altitude, path D21) between rocks, dirt and grassy stretches (it will take about a couple of hours, maybe three). The more trained will be able to tackle the entire climb on their own, initially skirting the Oropa stream (total height difference 1211 meters); the laziest carry on cestovia even after the cable car (watch only for vertigo). Whatever the road that will take you to the summit, however, you cannot forget the view from Mount Camino: although it is often shrouded in clouds, the 360 degree view of the Alps – from Marittime to Gran Paradiso, from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn – it is spectacular and you will feel like flying. Above, in addition to the view, you can also enjoy the polenta concia del refuge Capanna Renata.
There are also plenty of calories downstream: around the sanctuary you can choose restaurants for all menus and all budgets. The obligatory stop in the area is Locanda Canal Secco Trucco, immersed in the woods and reachable by car in 5 minutes. To welcome you at the entrance there will be Mrs. Orietta (second icon of the place after the Black Madonna) and game and polenta will do it well. Or just outsideinternal of the Sanctuary, tasty tagliolini are eaten with roe deer ragù Ai Tre Arc. Definitely more informal, but equally recommended in the restaurant Valfré: with 15 euros unpretentious you eat excellent game meats and a good risotto.
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