A stroll to the lake dwellings of Lake Viverone
The walk to the pile dwellings on Lake Viverone is a unique experience. Located in Piedmont, this lake is known for its pile dwellings, a peaceful place to stroll, observe nature, or simply relax.
The Pile Dwelling Village
We head towards Azeglio on the shores of the picturesque Lake Viverone, the third largest lake in Piedmont. Once in Azeglio, we park the car along the dirt road and proceed on foot for about half an hour.
Along this forest path, we reach the pile dwelling site, part of the UNESCO heritage.
During the walk, you can admire the local flora and fauna, as well as enjoy the peace and tranquility that the lake offers.
It’s a great opportunity for spectacular photography and to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region.
In the 1970s, during an excavation campaign, this fascinating pile dwelling village was discovered just a few meters below the water level.
Archaeologists found about 5000 stakes driven into the ground, evidence of a vast settlement dating back to the Bronze Age.
Among the recovered artifacts are swords, axes, pins, and other female ornaments, now housed in the Museum of the Territory and the Museum of Antiquities in Turin.
Thanks to these discoveries, it was possible to partially reconstruct the original appearance of the village, which today is a well-known tourist attraction.
Roppolo Castle
Resuming the car journey, we return from Lago Viverone for a few kilometers towards Cavaglià until we reach the village of Roppolo, where its castle stands imposingly.
Born as a stronghold and outpost in the third century AD, located atop the hill for its strategic position.
From this ancient fortress, whose origins date back to the end of the ninth century, you can enjoy a wonderful panorama of Lake Viverone and its surroundings.
After various transfers to local nobles, it is now owned by the Saletta family.
A visit to the castle will take you back in time and show you how aristocratic families lived over the centuries.
During the restorations in the 20th century, an incredible discovery was made behind a castle wall: the remains of a whole man, still enclosed in armor.
The bones were identified as belonging to the knight Bernardo di Mazzè, a victim of a legendary dispute with his rival Ludovico Valperga di Masino, who is said to have walled him alive inside the armor.
A tragic and mysterious episode that adds an aura of mystery and fascination to the history of Roppolo Castle.
The Menhirs of Cavaglià
Our day trip concludes by driving to Cavaglià, where we encounter (on the left of the roundabout) eleven majestic menhirs arranged in a circle.
These ancient stones were part of a megalithic monument with ritual purposes, dating back to prehistoric times.
The stones themselves, in addition to exuding an aura of mystery and antiquity, are decorated with rock engravings (barely visible) including a cup mark and some cross-shaped symbols, adding further layers of meaning and charm to their millennia-old history.
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Our tips:
Where to stay in Biella B&B
Where to enjoy typical cuisine
Where to eat at the Piazzo
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