Roppolo: Castle, Churches, Trails and Wine

Roppolo brings together a hilltop castle, churches with a long history, routes through the surrounding countryside and wine production. For planning, the castle’s seasonal visiting rules and the varying route details for several trails are especially useful. When looking for a hotel, consider whether the castle, churches, countryside or walks should be the focus of your stay.

Castello di Roppolo and Planning Your Visit

Castello di Roppolo stands on a hill in the Serra and rests on a tower dating from the 10th century. From the entrance courtyard, there are views of Lago di Viverone and the lakes of the Canavese. A visit to the castle thus combines historic architecture with a specific viewpoint. However, the castle is not open to visitors at all times: visits take place only as part of guided tours, and the number of visitors is limited each day.

From April to October, tickets can be purchased online or at the castle boutique; only an online reservation guarantees a place. From November to March, the museum is closed to the public. During these months, a visit to the castle is possible only with a reservation made at least 48 hours in advance. If Castello is a key reason for your trip, check the seasonal rules and book accordingly.

Churches and a Religious Tradition

Chiesa di San Michele was rebuilt at the beginning of the 17th century beside an older Romanesque church, documented since the 12th century. The church houses an important relic of the head of Saint Vitale. Its architectural history and religious significance come together here, although they do not date from the same period: the Romanesque predecessor church has been known since the 12th century, while the rebuilding took place only at the beginning of the 17th century.

The annual procession for San Vitale is also associated with the church. It runs from Chiesa di San Michele di Roppolo Castello to the sanctuary of Saint Vitale. The tradition originated in a public vow made by the residents of San Germano Vercellese in 1613. If you would like to experience a future procession, check the dates and arrangements locally.

Another stop for architecture enthusiasts is Parrocchiale della Beata Vergine del Rosario. It was built in the Baroque style toward the end of the 18th century. The interior contains important wooden sculptures, and one chapel is decorated with frescoes created by Giulio Delleani in 1848. The two churches thus offer a chance to see different periods of construction and forms of art.

Walking Trails, the Lake and the Countryside

The Viverone–Santhià stage of the Via Francigena runs for about 15 kilometres through the southeastern part of the municipality of Roppolo. The Buon Cammino trail offers views of Lago di Viverone and passes among farmhouses, vineyards and cultivated fields on its way to Lago di Bertignano. A walking stage of about 3 kilometres in Roppolo leads from Rolle near Viverone toward Lago di Bertignano and on to Chiesa di Sant’Elisabetta. The route goes over Monte Orsetto and includes about 80 metres of ascent. The different route lengths provide specific points of reference for fitting these walks into your travel plans.

A flat, accessible road runs near Lago di Bertignano; its shores lie in peaceful countryside dotted with a few farmhouses. The lake is also surrounded by the protected area IT1130004 “Lago di Bertignano (Viverone) e stagno presso la stazione per Roppolo,” designated as a Natura 2000 site and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Monoxylous dugout canoes and the remains of a Late Bronze Age stilt-house village dating from 850 to 900 BC were found near Cava di Purcarel, in the area around the lake. The landscape and archaeological evidence give a visit to the lake a distinct historical dimension.

Wine Production in Roppolo

Wine production is also part of the local landscape. The vineyards around Roppolo produce the DOC wines Erbaluce and Canavese, which are widespread in the Biella region. Roppolo is also one of three municipalities in the Biella region where the Erbaluce grape variety is used to produce the wines Erbaluce di Caluso, Caluso passito and Erbaluce spumante brut. These names refer to different wines associated with local Erbaluce production.

The castle’s seasonal access rules should be observed; the walks described vary in length and elevation gain. For the annual procession, check the relevant dates and arrangements locally.

Discover more destinations: Netro, Sostegno, Bielmonte, Sordevolo, Caprile, Bioglio, Vigliano Biellese, Sandigliano.

For the broader travel overview: Biella.