Candelo
The Ricetto di Candelo: a medieval protected structure
The Ricetto di Candelo is an ancient architectural complex from the medieval period located in Candelo, Piedmont. It is an example of a fortified structure called a ricetto, where the goods of the local lord or the population of the area were accumulated, and where the population itself took shelter in case of attacks from the outside. This type of structure was found in several places in Piedmont and in some areas of central Europe.
The history and structure of the Ricetto di Candelo
The Ricetto di Candelo is composed of about two hundred buildings called "cells" occupying an area of about 13,000 m<sup>2</sup> in the shape of a pentagon and with a perimeter of about 470 meters. The complex is composed of five "streets" in an east-west direction, intersected by two perpendiculars. The exact date of its construction is not known, but the first citation of Candelo dates back to 988, in a document in which Otto III confirms its possession to the feudal lord Manfredo. The construction of the Ricetto has been placed between the end of the thirteenth century and the beginning of the fourteenth century, while the existence of the building is certain from the year 1374, when the community of Candelo made an act of spontaneous dedication to the House of Savoy.
The complex is almost entirely surrounded by walls, with cylindrical towers at the corners, except for the south side, where in 1819 the municipal palace was built in a neoclassical style that clashes with the oldest part. The only access was given by a massive tower in the shape of a parallelepiped made of squared stones in the lower part and bricks in the upper part, with two openings to the outside, one larger for carts and one smaller for pedestrians, closed by similar drawbridges.
The historical and cultural value of the Ricetto di Candelo
The Ricetto di Candelo has been the subject of in-depth historical and architectural studies. Its historical, economic, collective, and pre-democratic value make it a significant architectural work that deserves to be preserved and enhanced. However, the Ricetto appears poorly cared for by local administrators, which allows for inappropriate use by unauthorized people of various backgrounds.
The panoramic view from the Biella Prealps and the Baragge Nature Reserve
The Ricetto di Candelo, by virtue of its position, allows you to enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Biella Prealps area to the north and towards the "Baraggione" in the south. The Baragge Nature Reserve is one of the most important wetland areas in the Po Valley and offers a variety of natural habitats, including wet meadows, forests, and lakes, which are the ideal habitat for many species of animals and plants.
Conclusion
The Ricetto di Candelo represents a significant example of a protected medieval structure. Its history and architecture make it a historical and cultural heritage that deserves to be preserved. Local administration should do more to protect and enhance this place. Additionally, the panoramic view of the Biella Prealps and the Baragge Nature Reserve make the Ricetto di Candelo a place of great beauty worth visiting.
