Sandigliano: Castles, Frescoes and La Bessa

Sandigliano combines a layered architectural history with a specific activity: the La Bessa cycling route starts in town, while castles, the Ricetto and churches shape its cultural history. When looking for a hotel in Sandigliano, this distinction can help you plan your trip: would you like to focus your stay mainly on historic architecture and frescoes, or are you planning to go cycling as well?

Castles and architectural history

In the 14th century, Sandigliano began fortifying the town with the construction of two castles and a Ricetto. The Torrione is the older of the two castles; its earliest building core dates to around the 11th century. The two dates describe different historical phases: an early building core and the later start of the town’s fortification. The old keep and a distinctive 16th-century arched battlement have survived at the Torrione. La Rocchetta, in turn, was the residence of the Lords of Sandigliano in the second half of the 15th century.

Sant’Antonio and Santa Maria Assunta

At Sant’Antonio al Torrione, the focus is on the connection between architectural style and frescoes. The small building lies stylistically between the Romanesque and Gothic periods and probably dates to the late 13th or early 14th century. Its apse is entirely covered with frescoes. The paintings are attributed to the workshop of the Master of Christ of Sunday and depict God the Father, the Apostles and the symbols of the Evangelists. Sant’Antonio thus brings together a transitional style and a clearly identified fresco program.

The parish church of Santa Maria Assunta offers a different art-historical perspective: its interior preserves detached frescoes from the church of the Confraternity of Saints Bernard and Charles. Unlike the entirely frescoed apse at Sant’Antonio, these are frescoes from another church. Comparing the two sites therefore draws attention to different contexts for the paintings: a frescoed apse and frescoes that come from the Confraternity church.

La Bessa cycling route

The La Bessa cycling route starts in Sandigliano and runs within the Bessa Nature Reserve. This is an archaeological site in the Biella area and an ancient gold-mining area. The route adds a cycling focus in the nature reserve to the town’s history. If you plan to ride La Bessa, check the route details before setting off.

Getting to Sandigliano

By car, Sandigliano can be reached from the Santhià motorway exit via the S.S.143. Road and access conditions may change, so check the latest conditions before setting off. The nearest railway station to Sandigliano is Biella station. If travelling by train, check the timetable for your travel date and plan your onward journey to Sandigliano in advance.

Discover more destinations: Biella, Sordevolo, Bellaria, Graglia, Graziano-Ruta, Masserano, Netro, Zimone

Go to the main travel overview: Biella.