Visit Balocco - Tourism and travel tips for your vacation or weekend.

Are you planning your vacation in Balocco, Italy? Are you looking for all the touristic information on Balocco? On Visit Italy you find tourist guides written by the editorial staff and travel experiences of travellers who, like you, have chosen Balocco as a destination for a trip or for their holidays. Discover Balocco top travel tips with Visititaly's suggestions, recommendations, travel advice and all things to know about Balocco.

Travel guides and videos

Carpignano Sesia (13,9Km)Carpignano Sesia, Novara — discovering the Ricetto Castle

Vercelli (18,6Km)Excursions to Vercelli, rice fields, countryside, parks and spectacular natural screenplays

Vercelli (18,6Km)Vercelli the city of water lands

Biella (21,1Km)Biella, Piedmont, breathtaking panorama of the Biella Pre-Alps

Novara (26,7Km)Novara in half day

Novara (26,7Km)Novara — the city in the countryside a stone's throw from Milan

Novara (26,7Km)In Novara to step on the triangular lucky granite stone

Carpignano Sesia, Novara — discovering the Ricetto Castle

Ricetto Castle

As usual, I discovered the charm of this small town by pure chance. I was coming back with my best half from Novara and for the umpteenth time we were crossing Carpignano without stopping. But this time I couldn't resist and, and since we had time, I asked for a short stop. Of course, my instincts didn't disappoint me, because it was really worth it.

Carpignano is not a city of art and its historic center is tiny. Parked the car under the canopy (it is also historic because it dates back to the beginning of the last century) we went into the historic center consisting of a small street main and some side alleys. The main street, still covered in pebbles and surrounded by the typical brick and stone houses of Sesia, led us to the Castello — Ricetto, whose core dates back to XI century. And be careful, don't expect a castle with towers and battlements.

To me, who I'm inexperienced, it seemed rather like a typical Italian farmhouse with a nice courtyard surrounded by buildings, dwellings and buildings where cattle were kept and and agricultural products. On one of the side alleys of the ricetto, Vicolo San Martino, overlook the fifteenth-century houses. In another building, a splendid press from 1575 is preserved. It is the oldest specimen of press preserved in Piedmont. I don't know how you are, but I'm always impressed when I see things so ancient. As a result, I also liked the barrels kept in the adjacent room: they were only large, but also old. In this building, the construction of the Museum of Peasant Civilization is planned in the future. Also within the framework of the castle is the church of San Pietro dating back to the 11th century. Unfortunately, we couldn't find the right key to open it and therefore we didn't enter.

And speaking of the keys: generally both the church and the press are open during patronal feasts and other special occasions. But we met a boy who brought us the keys, normally kept by ProLoco or in common, and did a bit of a guide. Always thanks to him we knew about the party that had to start in the evening (in fact we noticed the preparations: the boys who carried or placed the tables on the streets). This is the festival entitled “To the court of the salam d'la duja” dedicated, in fact, to this Piedmontese specialty.

It is the salami made with pork meat and bacon fat that are ground, seasoned and stuffed into the twisted gut of beef. After ripening, they are placed in a bowl called duja and covered with melted lard that keeps them soft for more than a year.And this goodness is the protagonist of three days during which you eat, drink, dance and have fun. We clearly eat not only the duja salami, but also other typical dishes and local products. When we were there, the menu included various cold cuts, paniscia, roast meat, dessert and coffee.

Not to forget the best wines in the area and there are lots of them, believe me. The dinner was accompanied by live music and everything took place in the medieval setting of the streets of Castello Ricetto. Of course it all depends on the weather and that time it wasn't really the best, but we still had a very pleasant evening. However, the festival is not limited only to the gastronomic side: on Sunday the market also takes place and you can also learn about the ancient crafts. I assure you that these days it is worth coming to Carpignano Sesia

scritto da Ralph Christie - ultima modifica il 31/10/2021

Excursions to Vercelli, rice fields, countryside, parks and spectacular natural screenplays

Vercelli, rice fields and Monte Rosa

Vercelli is the sixth city of Piedmont and the capital of Italian rice. The expanses of the rice fields that surround it resemble a huge gingham sea. Located at the center of a fertile, green plain rice is the most important agricultural market for which it is of particular importance at European level, and is crossed by & lt; strong>Sesia river that descends from the alpine ridge of Monte Rosa.

This particular environment, in which the light of the sky is reflected by creating plays of light, is populated with marsh birds such as herons and egretts. But the idyllic vision also has its price to pay. In addition to rice there are millions, if not billions, of mosquitoes live in Vercelli and therefore if you come here in the summer, provide yourself with a good mosquito repellent.

Immersed in autumn mists, this Piedmontese city welcomes you, surrounded by green rice fields. This cereal finds here the ideal soil for its growth and around Vercelli are concentrated a large number of companies that deal with the cultivation, processing and marketing of the rice. The extended fields have their own special charm, you have to put the car down and go on a bike or walk to fully enjoy its beauty and smells. In these perennially submerged lands, one gets lost thinking of being in the East instead of in Northern Italy.

Vercelli, among its rice fields, offers its visitors not only an artistic heritage rich in museums, churches and monuments, but also a fascinating nature made of parks, rivers and reserves that make it unique in its kind. The natural park of the Lame del Sesia covers a total of about 900 hectares, on a territory continuously modified by the flow of the water of the river: with the passing of the seasons, meanders, gravels, woods, ponds (the so-called 'blades') are created and disappear and are an ideal destination for birdwatchers.

scritto da Sheila Pickles - ultima modifica il 31/10/2021

Biella, Piedmont, breathtaking panorama of the Biella Pre-Alps

Biella, arcades of Oropa

Biella is a magnificent Italian town located in the Piedmont region. It's ideal for anyone looking for a spectacular place to relax and stay in direct contact with fantastic nature. Get to know this Piedmontese jewel!

In ancient Bugella Civitas, currently Biella, you will find a quiet place full of tradition. The local population is very welcoming and you will feel at ease. Going around the city it is impossible to ignore the breathtaking panorama of the Biella Prealps, it is really not to be missed, and above all , not to be forgotten!

Biella has undergone an industrial and commercial development of considerable importance by virtue of the numerous factories built here since the mid-19th century. And even today, in fact, most of the economic activities of Biella are based on the textile industry. The origin of these activities would be traced back as early as 500 BC, some rudimentary weaving tools have been found in the Burcina park. believe they belonged to Celtic civilization.

In the Middle Ages, then the Colleges of Lanaioli and Weavers were established in Biella, which soon extended to the entire territory of the region. Also very well known is the so-called “wool route”, which is located along the scenic road named after the Wool industrialist Ermenegildo Zegna, which is traveled between the inhabited by Trivero and Valle Cervo in a context of incomparable beauty. The territory of Biella is thus characterized by the wealth of environmental, historical-cultural and food and wine resources of considerable tourist interest.

In Biella there are many places to visit, if you love nature, it is worth a visit to the beautiful nature reserve of Parco Piacenza di Pollone and the Burcina Park.

Among the most important monuments we can consider the Duomo, the Baptistery, which is one of the most notable buildings of the primitive Romanesque art. in Piedmont, the Church of SS. Trinità, the Church of Santo Stefano like that of San Giacomo located at the Piazzo, the upper part of Biella reachable with a suggestive funicular. The most characteristic place, however, of Biella Piazzo is Piazza Cisterna, surrounded by medieval buildings with finely decorated porches and windows on which the Palace overlooks Cisterna, a building of exquisite workmanship from the tenth fifth century. They are equally worthy of a visit: the Marian Sanctuary of Oropa (the statue of the Black Madonna), the Church of San Sebastiano (in Renaissance style).

scritto da Patricia Carter - ultima modifica il 30/10/2021

Novara — the city in the countryside a stone's throw from Milan

Novara, the Broleto courtyard

If you visit Milan, you also think about passing from Novara, which is just 30 min by train from the Lombard capital. I would call Novara a small big city. It is the rather big city (out of curiosity I visited the page of Piedmont according to which Novara has almost 100,000 inhabitants), but at At the same time it is a very quiet and liveable city.

It is very pleasant to walk around its center where I always take my first steps. I love observing the details of the arcades of the nineteenth-century buildings, wandering around the delightful squares and alleys covered with cobblestone. I like to look at the shop windows that alternate with the ice cream shops and pastry shops that display the boxes with the biscuits of Novara.

My compulsory stop is the Basilica of San Gaudenzio with its characteristic dome pointing into the sky. The dome dominates the city and is clearly visible from many kilometers, especially when it is illuminated. When I return by train from Milan and I see it from afar, I already feel at home.

I really like the Broletto, the ancient seat of the Palazzo del Comune consisting of four buildings around a courtyard. It seems that from one moment to the next people of ladies and knights, even if I don't know what time, because the Palaces of Broleto come from different eras. In its courtyard is the well where in the fourteenth century the Novara threw various documents thinking of getting rid of taxes. Clever guys!

Another mandatory stop is Piazza delle Erbe surrounded by the columns of the suggestive arcades. Except it's really hard not to go through it when you're downtown. I like the fact that it's officially called Piazza del Cesare Battisti, but everyone continues to call it Piazza delle Erbe. Not far from the Piazza (to tell the truth all the interesting places are close) is Corso Cavour, one of the arteries of Novara overlooking elegant shops, some eighteenth-century palaces and the church of Monserrato.

scritto da Patricia Carter - ultima modifica il 31/10/2021

Art and culture

Castello di Balocco

Balocco

It was built in the early fifteenth century on the ruins of a fortified perimeter. In fact, a historical document informs us that already in 1186 there was an original structure in which the Church of San Michele was also included in it. It should also be remembered that inside there are beautiful frescoes, including a wonderful “Madonna Enthroned with Child”. Now it's privately owned and it's in great condition.

Castello di Buronzo

Buronzo (3 Km)

The castle of Buronzo was built in 1039, by the members of the Buronzo family. Much of the building is Renaissance and Baroque style. For a long time the castle remained in ruins. Thanks to the funds of the European Union and the municipal initiative, however, it was restored and transformed as seen today.

Castello di Salussola

Salussola (13 Km)

It is thought that the origins of the Castle of Salussole date back to the fourteenth century. This is a new structure, while the construction of the tower is more recent, we are talking about the year 1935, by the Boca nobles. Originally, the building was also equipped with a large tower.

Castello di Verrone

Verrone (14 Km)

The Castle of Verrone dates back between the 11th and 12th centuries and was a residential home of the Ghibelline faith family of the Vialardi. The structure has a quadrangular shape and its oldest part is a massive tower located to the southwest. After 1835 the castle was purchased by the botanist Maurizio Zumaglini. It is currently in good condition and is the property of the Municipality.

Galleria Civica d'Arte Moderna

Santhia' (13 Km)

The Civic Gallery of Modern Art, built in 1964, exhibits in its rooms a large collection of works of local subject. Inside it is possible to admire paintings for most Italian painters.

Services and tourist information

Comune di Balocco

Balocco

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Balocco

Balocco

Comune di Carpignano Sesia

Carpignano Sesia (14 Km)

Comune di Santhia'

Santhia' (13 Km)

Comune di Salussola

Salussola (13 Km)

Comune di Mottalciata

Mottalciata (15 Km)

Comune di Benna

Benna (14 Km)

Comune di Verrone

Verrone (14 Km)

Comune di Castelletto Cervo

Castelletto Cervo (8 Km)

Comune di Massazza

Massazza (10 Km)

Comune di Villanova Biellese

Villanova Biellese (7 Km)

Comune di Gifflenga

Gifflenga (6 Km)

Comune di Landiona

Landiona (12 Km)

Comune di Recetto

Recetto (12 Km)

Comune di Arborio

Arborio (9 Km)

Comune di Buronzo

Buronzo (3 Km)

Comune di Caresanablot

Caresanablot (14 Km)

Comune di Carisio

Carisio (8 Km)

Comune di Casanova Elvo

Casanova Elvo (6 Km)

Comune di Collobiano

Collobiano (8 Km)

Comune di Formigliana

Formigliana (3 Km)

Comune di Ghislarengo

Ghislarengo (11 Km)

Comune di Greggio

Greggio (8 Km)

Comune di Olcenengo

Olcenengo (11 Km)

Comune di Oldenico

Oldenico (10 Km)

Comune di Rovasenda

Rovasenda (9 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Benna

Benna (14 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Buronzo

Buronzo (3 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Caresanablot

Caresanablot (14 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Carisio

Carisio (8 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Carpignano Sesia

Carpignano Sesia (14 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Casanova Elvo

Casanova Elvo (6 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Castelletto Cervo

Castelletto Cervo (8 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Collobiano

Collobiano (8 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Formigliana

Formigliana (3 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Ghislarengo

Ghislarengo (12 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Gifflenga

Gifflenga (6 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Greggio

Greggio (8 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Landiona

Landiona (12 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Massazza

Massazza (10 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Mottalciata

Mottalciata (8 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Olcenengo

Olcenengo (10 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Oldenico

Oldenico (10 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Quinto Vercellese

Quinto Vercellese (11 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Recetto

Recetto (12 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Rovasenda

Rovasenda (10 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Salussola

Salussola (13 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica San Germano Vercellese

San Germano Vercellese (12 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica San Giacomo Vercellese

San Giacomo Vercellese (6 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica San Nazzaro Sesia

San Nazzaro Sesia (11 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Santhia'

Santhia' (13 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Verrone

Verrone (14 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Villanova Biellese

Villanova Biellese (7 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Villarboit

Villarboit (5 Km)

Comune di Villarboit

Villarboit (5 Km)

Comune di Albano V.Se

Albano Vercellese (8 Km)

Comune di Quinto Vercellese

Quinto Vercellese (11 Km)

Comune di San Germano V.Se

San Germano Vercellese (12 Km)

Comune di San Giacomo V.Se

San Giacomo Vercellese (6 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Albano Vercellese

Albano Vercellese (9 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Arborio

Arborio (9 Km)

Comune di San Nazzaro Sesia

San Nazzaro Sesia (11 Km)

Destinations nearby

Visit Balocco - Tourism and travel tips for your vacation or weekend.

Travel guides and videos

Carpignano Sesia (13,9Km)Carpignano Sesia, Novara — discovering the Ricetto Castle

Vercelli (18,6Km)Excursions to Vercelli, rice fields, countryside, parks and spectacular natural screenplays

Vercelli (18,6Km)Vercelli the city of water lands

Biella (21,1Km)Biella, Piedmont, breathtaking panorama of the Biella Pre-Alps

Novara (26,7Km)Novara in half day

Novara (26,7Km)Novara — the city in the countryside a stone's throw from Milan

Novara (26,7Km)In Novara to step on the triangular lucky granite stone

Art and culture

Services and tourist information

Destinations nearby

Buronzo

Formigliana

Villarboit

Casanova Elvo

Gifflenga

San Giacomo Vercellese

Collobiano

Castelletto Cervo

Albano Vercellese

Mottalciata

Greggio

Rovasenda

OUR GUIDES

OTHER LANGUAGES

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

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