Benna
Welcome to the Province of Biella!
Hello everyone! Are you ready to discover a fascinating and interesting Italian province? Let's talk about the Province of Biella, located in the north of the Piedmont region and enclosed between the metropolitan city of Turin and the province of Vercelli.
The history of the Province of Biella
The Province of Biella has an interesting history. It was founded on February 18, 1622, when Duke Carlo Emanuele I of Savoy decided to divide his possessions east of the Alpine chain into 12 provinces. Initially, the division was aimed at collecting taxes, but the Province of Biella was later abolished in 1859 and replaced by a district included in the Province of Novara.
In 1968, the Province of Biella suffered a major flood that caused numerous fatalities and the destruction of many businesses, homes, and surrounding infrastructure. However, the province was reinstated in 1992, with Legislative Decree 248 of March 6, 1992.
The Province of Biella today
Today, the Province of Biella comprises 74 municipalities, with Biella as the largest city and Cossato as the second most populous municipality. In 2012, the Piedmont Region proposed the aggregation of the Province of Biella with that of Novara, but the decree was never converted into law.
However, in 2013, the Province of Biella encountered financial difficulties and the council had to declare the province bankrupt.
What to see in the Province of Biella
The Province of Biella is famous for the production of fine fabrics, so a visit to the Textile and Tanning Museum may be of interest. Additionally, there are many historic villas to visit, such as Villa Cernigliaro in Biella and the Castle of Vische.
The province is also famous for its mountains, so winter sports enthusiasts may find the perfect destination on the ski slopes of Bielmonte and Oropa.
Gastronomy is another specialty of the province, with dishes such as polenta, cooked salami, and the typical sweet called "pan dolce" that is definitely worth a taste.
Conclusions
There is no doubt that the Province of Biella is a fascinating destination for those who love Italian history, nature, and gastronomy. We hope you will consider a visit to this little hidden gem in Piedmont.
