Magnano
The surroundings of Magnano
Magnano is in the north of Piemonte. It lies 600 metres above sea level and is situated next to the Biellanese Alps. The old centre of Magnano, ïl Ricetto, exists since the 12th century. ïl Ricetto is where the craftsmen lived who worked around Magnano. Their houses were used for storing grain and wine. Some of these houses are still in their original state. Others are renovated and modernized. There are old churches which are partly restored. The churches are used for the summer festival ‘Musica Antica’.
The surface of Magnano is about ten square kilometres. It’s devided in many small villages, called cascina’s. Tamagno is one of those. Magnano used to be a large community of 2500 to 3000 inhabitants. Nowadays many houses are vacant or are being used as holiday homes. Officially the number of inhabitants is 387.
For a map of Magnano, use this hyperlink
http://en.comuni-italiani.it/096/030/mappa.html
Tamagno.
Tamagno is one of the districts in Magnano and is about 600 metres above sea level. Around Tamagno, there are many meadows, fields and forests. Before the war, some of these forests were used as vineyards, which was the biggest source of income. After the war, lots of families left to go to the big city or even abroad. There were no people left to maintain the vineyards. Little by little the landscape changed into an area with many forests. Casa Joop used to be a large farm with lots of pastures. It belonged to the Tamagno family for a long time. It became ours in August 2008.
Biella.
Biella is an old city with a beautiful historical centre, a lot of churches and buildings. You can take a small train (the funicolare) to see the sights. A ticket will cost you €0,80 (the price of a return ticket is €1,50). There are trails for people who like to see the sights while hiking.
Near Biella, there is the well known Santuario d’Oropa. About 15 kilometres further lies Biella, in the Mountains at 1800 metres above sea level. This is one of the best known places that pilgrims visit. The Black Madonna is the greatest attraction. It’s worth while visiting this place. In this neighbourhood, there is an elevator that can take you up to 2500 metres where there are many hiking trails. Experienced hikers can walk to the observation post of the Monte Rosa Mountains where they can see well known mountaintops.
Ivrea.
Ivrea is a medieval town surrounded by al lot of lakes which came into being in the ice age. There are many historical buildings such as the cathedral en a big castle. Nowadays Ivrea is well known for its big market which takes place every Friday morning.
Viverone Lake
A twenty minute drive will take you to Viverone Lake. It’s a small lake surrounded by magnificant hills. The climate is subtropical. You can enjoy the lake in the summertime, when it has a wonderful warm temperature. Sailing, waterskiing, renting a pedalo or a jet-ski, all of this is possible. You can take a circulaire cruise or have a great meal in one of the restaurants at the lakeside. Hotel Marina has got a wonderful kitchen and a beautiful terrace. Posh houses are situated around the lake.
