English Summer Camp in Piedmont
Overview
Piedmont is in Italy’s northwest and borders Switzerland and France. True to the meaning of its name (foot of the mountain), Piedmont is a land of mountains. It is surrounded on three sides by the Alps, with the highest peaks and largest glaciers in Italy.
Nature, one of the many attractions of Piedmont, offers spectacular mountains with beautiful landscapes for winter sports enthusiasts, picturesque valleys, cultivated hills and vineyards and expanses of water featuring Lake Maggiore, the most sought-after tourist resort.
As a region, Piedmont also much else: Turin – the Italian car manufacturing capital – with its history and remarkable cultural heritage, to the intriguing Medieval castles, famous spa resorts and wide range of food and wine to suit every palate.
In Piedmont, the Province of Biella stretches across the north and borders the Valle d’Aosta Valley to the west.
In this unspoiled land, nature has many faces, such as the picturesque Biellese pre-Alpine mountains dotted with beautiful valleys, and in the south, the pleasant banks of Lake Viverone, a very popular spot with tourists. The reserves enclose wonderful landscapes: the wide moor of the Riserva Naturale Orientata delle Baragge, the Alpine environment called the Zegna Oasis with its characteristic Via dei Rododendri, and the Parco Naturale della Burcina, covered in flowers and colors.
In the south, the remains of ancient churches and villages from Middle Ages can still be seen along the Via Francigena. The charm of Biella Province is tied to its local culture, including the production of articles from high quality wool and crafts, and an amazing culinary tradition and great wines.
Language Schools and Camps in this Destination
Biella, Piedmont in Italy
Things to Do and See During a Vacation Study
The Alpine Mountains of Biella encompass wild and unspoiled environments, and form the ideal backdrop for active holidays in all seasons. In winter, the well-equipped resorts of Oropa and Bielmonte offer modern facilities and many ski and snowboard trails. Between Bocchetto Sassera and Oropa, there are many opportunities for cross-country skiing. In the heart of the Biella Alps, the Oasi Zegna and other areas are perfect for walking, trekking or mountain biking and horseback riding in summer.
Lake Viverone is the ideal destination for water sports: water skiing, canoeing, pedal boating, rowing, motor boats and sport fishing. Numerous events and folkloristic festivals are staged here, such as the famous Carnival of Biella.
The exploration of the Province of Biella begins with its two disctricts: Biella-Piano and Biella-Piazzo. Biella-Piazzo is the Medieval district, dominated by the magnificent Palazzo Cisterna and ancient churches; in Biella-Piano lie the Duomo, the pre-Romanesque Baptistery and the Museum of the Biellese Territory, documenting local history in great detail.
Biella is also known as the location of the Sacro Monte di Oropa, a monument whose Sanctuary is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Biennial Religious and Cultural Tourism Market is held here as well.
Another site that unites the splendor of nature with culture is the Special Natural Reserve of Bessa, an ancient Roman goldmine, where the rubble from the original extractions can still be seen.
Among the settlements (ricetti) in the province, the most important is Candelo, a scenic village enclosed by fortified walls and angular towers. Candelo bestows its charm on the surrounding area, and thus resembles its fellow villages and castles on the tour known as Andar per borghi nel Biellese.
Rosazza, in Valle Cervo, is known as the village of stone-cutters, and offers a unique example of local culture and architecture, such as the traditional stone dwellings.
The Via della Lana or Wool Route is a prime testament to the local culture. Starting in Biella, it runs along the Sesia River and past ancient spinning factories – such as the 18th-Century wheel factory of Pray (now a museum) – and the Casa Zegna in Trivero.
How to Arrive at your Language Course
The Alphabet International Camps offer a transfer service to Cascina il Faggio from Milan city center or airports.
Driving directions to the Cascina:
- Take the Autostrada A4/E64 to Carisio
- Take exit Carisio toward Carisio/SR230/Biella
- Follow SP230 and SP232
- Turn right onto Frazione Molina/SP232
- Turn left onto Frazione Molina
- Continue onto Frazione Barbato
- Keep going for 500 meters
- Turn right and on the left you”ll find the Junior Discovery Camp