Oropa

For those who travel in the province of Biella, Oropa has always been a favourite destination, especially in the summer season when, with its 1.159 meters of altitude, it guarantees a cool break from the heat.

The most famous stage is the sanctuary dedicated to the Black Madonna, but it is certainly not the only one. From Oropa, there are excursions for all levels of training, as well as a cable car to the Savoia refuge (1,900 m), and Mount Camino (2,400 m). In just 10 minutes from the refuge you will also get to the lake of the Mucrone, which, among other things, often hosts striking high-altitude concerts. Near the cable car there is also a Montana Botanical Garden, WWF’s Oasis.

Thirteen restaurants and inn, numerous shops and bars serve the sanctuary area.

Thousands of pilgrims and tourists travel each year to the Sanctuary, which houses the famous Black Madonna statue. The building is monumental and opens into the valley stretched by the Oropa stream. At the Ancient Basilica are added the cloister, the New Basilica and lateral structures, which count more than 300 modern rooms and suites for the stay of faithful and holidaymakers.
On the site of the Sanctuary you can find more information about the opening hours of the Museum of Treasures, where archaeological finds, jewellery and liturgical remains are kept. The Museum houses works of artistic relevance including a shovel of Bernardino Lanino dated 1522, depicting the Madonna in Throne with the Child and four saints, a votive gift from the town of Biella.

With its 19 chapels devoted to the Virgin's life between the sixteenth and the seventeenth century, the Sacred Mount of Oropa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and recently established Special Reserve of the Piemonte Region, stands near the Sanctuary.