SANCTUARY OF GRAGLIA
It is located on the slopes of Mount Mombarone, at an altitude of about 800 meters. It belongs to the municipality of Graglia, nestled in a hilly and mountainous area typical of the Biella region.
This Marian sanctuary is one of the most important in the region and is set in a picturesque landscape, surrounded by woods and views that stretch out to the plains. Historically, the Sanctuary was conceived in the 17th century as a vast devotional path, similar to a Sacred Mountain, but the original project was scaled down, leading to the construction of the current large basilica. Work began in 1659 and, after many interruptions, was completed between 1760 and 1769. The Greek cross layout, measuring 44 x 33 meters, is marked by its rustic and austere exterior with exposed brick façade, in contrast to the lavish Baroque decoration of the interior. The Marian chapel, located near the presbytery, was then adorned with a statue dedicated to the Black Madonna, thus definitively linking the Sanctuary to Our Lady of Loreto and the cult of the Black Madonna.
The architecture of the dome is also majestic, reaching a total height of 38 meters and frescoed with trompe-l'œil effects by Fabrizio Galliari in 1780. The fresco behind the altar, depicting the passing of Saint Joseph, was painted by Mauro Picinardi in 1785.
In the small outer courtyard, visitors can admire two sundials and a stone fountain (called burnell in Piedmontese).
COLLE SAN CARLO
Located a short distance from the Sanctuary of Graglia, Colle San Carlo is an ideal destination for those seeking a blend of nature, history, and spirituality. At an altitude of approximately 1,022 meters, the hill offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and the Biella plain. It is also known for its peaceful atmosphere, perfect for relaxing in nature, and can be reached on foot from the Sanctuary of Graglia via the Castellano B2 trail, or by car along the paved road.
Nestled among beech, birch, and chestnut woods, it serves as a starting point for several hiking routes, including the trail to Colma di Mombarone and the Alpe Pianetti refuge. Along the way, visitors encounter chapels that bear witness to popular devotion, as well as cobbled sections reminiscent of ancient pilgrimage paths. At the summit stands the church dedicated to Saint Charles Borromeo—a historic building of great symbolic and cultural value to the local community, offering a perfect spot for meditation or discovering a piece of history. The area is especially enchanting in autumn, when the colors of the foliage transform the landscape.
ECHO OF THE HENDECASYLLABLE
Not far from the Sanctuary of Graglia, atop a small hill where the trail to Colle San Carlo begins, lies the "balcony of the hendecasyllabic echo"—a phenomenon in which a shouted word (even one with eleven syllables) is perfectly echoed back when directed toward the Sanctuary. This unique acoustic effect is found only in Graglia and in the Grand Canyon, Colorado.
La Betulla - Graglia
- turistic rental -
70 Santuario St, Graglia, BI 13895
Tel: +39 348 291 5537 - email: casalabetulla@gmail.it
CIN: IT096028C22RN2GXX5J - CIR: 09602800003