Biella belongs to UNESCO Creative City Network under the category “Crafts and Folk Arts”. Biella’s passion for the textile and weaving art reflects the history and vocation of the entire area, deeply rooted in ancient times. In XVIII and XIX centuries, the transition from ancient processing techniques to modern textile and then industrial manufacturing turned Biella into an industrial community, called by Camillo Benso Count of Cavour the “Manchester of Italy”. Today Biella and its surroundings are to be considered the ambassador of Made in Italy at international level, thanks to an intangible cultural heritage made of rare yarns and prestigious brands.
Founded on a vital tradition of “know-how” enriched by high technology, the candidate city aims to promote the entire Biellese area, its industrial tradition and its art and nature heritage, such as cutting-edge centers such as the Cittadellarte Fondazione Pistoletto and the MACIST - Museo d'Arte Contemporanea Internazionale Senza Tendenze.
Moreover Biella is surrounded by natural reserves of unusual beauty, such as Oasi Zegna, Parco della Burcina and Conca di Oropa, that is worth discovering at a slow pace, perhaps along one of the many trails that weave the ancient ways of spirituality, to reach, even on foot or by mountain bike, Sordevolo, the alpine village, which every 5 years involves the entire community in the scenery project of the Passion of Christi. In the background of the Prealps, the Sacro Monte di Oropa, part of the Sacred Mounts of Piemonte UNESCO, situated in the Special Nature Reserve of the Sacro Monte of Oropa, is one of the most important sanctuaries in Europe dedicated to the Black Madonna dating back to the 17th century. So much to discover… Welcome to Biella!