Discover Cellio: Art, History and Trails

Cellio brings together sacred art and architecture, local history, sculpture in August, and a variety of trails and routes. If you are considering the destination for a stay, these themes can help you decide what to focus on: would you rather explore art and history, plan around an event, or choose routes based on their character? The examples below offer some specific points to consider.

Art, Architecture and the History of Cellio

The Chiesa di San Lorenzo houses a canvas painted by Tanzio da Varallo in 1628. It depicts Saint Charles carrying the Holy Nail in a procession. Right beside the church stands a 56-metre-high bell tower, considered the tallest in the Valsesia. This places a clearly dated work of art and a distinctive structure side by side: one is defined by its artist and subject, the other by its height within the Valsesia.

The small Museo civico, dedicated to the history and past of Cellio, also provides historical context. The Oratorio di San Jacu Pitu in Bosco, Cellio, is generally dated to the 15th century. Compared with the 1628 painting, it is considered an earlier example; the two dates offer different chronological reference points for understanding the area’s culture.

In the hamlets in the Cellio area, characteristic Valsesia houses preserve old tools for threshing oats and wheat, as well as old presses. This broadens the picture beyond sacred art and architecture to include houses and objects that are part of the local material culture.

Trails with Different Characteristics

The route and type of activity are useful ways to distinguish between the trails. The Sentiero Valduggia–Cellio combines sections along a mule track with sections on roads and passes through several interesting hamlets. The Varallo–Civiasco–Breia–Cellio–Valduggia MTB route is another option and passes through Cellio. If you are planning a mountain bike ride, it is worth checking current trail conditions.

In the Cellio con Breia area, a more challenging walk leads to Monte Briasco, at an altitude of 1,185 metres. It offers views of Monte Rosa and Lake Orta. The routes can be distinguished by the features described: the Sentiero stands out for its different trail sections and the hamlets it passes through; the walk to Monte Briasco for its more challenging nature, elevation and the views mentioned. The MTB route, meanwhile, is a separate cycling route that passes through Cellio.

Sculpture in August and Local Recipes

Sculturando is a sculpture event held annually in Cellio in August and has been running for many years. Sculptors work from the raw material through to the finished piece. If you are planning a trip around Sculturando, check the dates and programme for the year: the specific programme may vary.

Another local feature is Birrificio Valle Cellio, which develops distinctive beer recipes, including beer made with chestnuts, thyme and rice. These ingredients offer a tangible link to Cellio’s local produce and set it apart thematically from the sacred architecture, local history and trails.

Choose a Hotel Based on Your Interests

If you are looking for a hotel in Cellio, the different themes can help you organise your travel plans. Consider whether local history and architecture, Sculturando in August or one of the routes described will be the main focus of your stay. You can then compare the details of each hotel offer with your travel dates and priorities.

Discover more destinations: Albano Vercellese, Carisio, Borgosesia, San Genuario, Scopello, Piode, Rimasco, Balmuccia.

For the wider travel overview: Vercelli.