In an enchanting position, the city of Biella rises on the edge of a small plateau bounded by an arc of mountains which is cleft by a number of important valleys. Along these converging valleys and in the city which is their natural outlet, the woolen textile industry was born and prospered rapidly making Biella the most important centre for the wool trade in Italy.
The most well-known tourist destinations are the Sanctuary of Oropa, designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site; the Burcina, the horticultural park and arboretum which covers an entire hill; the Ricetto of Candelo, a fortified 14th century village; the medieval quarter of Piazzo, Biella's High Town and the Borgo of Masserano. The splendid hills, rich in castles , patrician villas and chestnut woods, are ever present throughout the territory.
Also of considerable interest from a natural as well as historical point of view is the Park of the Bessa which takes us back to the time of the Ancient Romans when gold was mined. But it is impossible to list here all the little treasures that are hidden away in this area of outstanding natural beauty characterised by dramatic mountains and verdant woodland.
Of the hills and mountains of Biella which make up the southern foothills of the Monte Rosa massif, Monte Mars at 2,600 metres is the highest. Almost half the Biella Province is mountainous and the area known as the Valsessera or "Biella's little Switzerland" is made up entirely of mountain pasture.
The Valleys of the River Elvo and that of the River Cervo at Andorno boast typical Alpine characteristics forming, as they do, the boundary between Biella and the Valle d'Aosta. Not to be missed is the renowned Panoramica Zegna, a dedicated tourist route that winds through spectacular mountain scenery leading to Bielmonte an important winter sports and ski resort. Leading off this route (Oasi Zegna) are countless hiking intineraries. In the south the area is characterised by the curious phenomenon of a long, morainic hill, known as the Serra, a natural fortification steeped in history, that extends across the landscape coming to an end in Lake Viverone.