Discover Camandona

Landscape and hamlets

Camandona lies in the Biellese Pre-Alps on the slopes of Rocca d’Argimonia. The municipality extends from 562 to 824 metres above sea level. It comprises 16 scattered hamlets on ridges and in small valleys. Lush vegetation characterizes the surroundings: chestnut trees and imposing beeches grow at lower elevations, with birch trees appearing higher up; ferns and heather complete the picture. Camandona is defined not only by its ridgelines, but also by the varied landscapes around its individual hamlets.

Trails, tradition and sanctuaries

Hiking trails follow old mule tracks and connect Camandona’s hamlets. Another distinctive trail tradition is the transhumance route: shepherds still use it today, carrying on a tradition that dates back thousands of years. Ethnographic information panels line the route. Conditions may vary by season, so check trail conditions before setting out. When planning, it is helpful to distinguish between the different routes: the mule tracks connect the hamlets, while the transhumance route is a distinct tradition that is still practised.

The Santuario del Mazzucco is an oratory in a scenic setting, surrounded by centuries-old beech forests. It was built in the first half of the 17th century on the ruins of an older chapel and is dedicated to Sant’Anna. It is also part of the network of sanctuary trails: the “I sentieri della Fede” route connects the Santuario del Mazzucco with the sanctuaries of Banchette and della Brughiera. The “Anello di Carcheggio” walk starts at the Santuario. The sanctuary can be reached from Callabiana; the route passes the Diga di Camandona and goes through the hamlets of Gallo and Mino di Camandona.

The Diga di Camandona was built in the mid-20th century. It ensures a regular water supply for the many textile businesses downstream and created an artificial lake that is a popular destination for anglers. The Diga thus links the history of water supply with a use of the lake that continues to be mentioned today.

Architectural history and votive art

Camandona’s buildings also reflect a range of historical influences. The Chiesa Parrocchiale was built around 1530. Palazzo Sogno was built by Stefano Basso in 1776; its style and layout are reminiscent of French Provençal “manoirs.” The hamlets of D’Agostino, Cerale and Guelpa are home to typical examples of 18th-century terraced houses. These three hamlets thus represent a different aspect of architectural history from the church and the palazzo.

The area’s religious art and architecture also include around 30 frescoes, most of them votive images from the second half of the 19th century. More than 20 votive chapels stand along the roads, mule tracks and paths connecting Camandona’s hamlets with the alpine pastures. These expressions of devotion can therefore be encountered not only at individual buildings but also along the routes through the municipality.

Mazzucco picnic area

The Mazzucco picnic area is situated at an elevation of 900 metres in a beautiful spot just below and beside the Santuario del Mazzucco of the same name. Facilities include tables, barbecue areas, play equipment for children and toilets. Comparing the two elevations also shows that the picnic area is at 900 metres, while Camandona’s municipal area extends from 562 to 824 metres.

Discover more destinations: Simone, Villa Del Bosco, Muzzano, Magnano, Cerrione, Lessona, Vivaro, Portula

For the broader travel guide: Biella.