The project is based on the concept of “tourism for all”, developed through joint initiatives such as the International Accessible Tourism Exchange and the project Monthly, born in 2019 from the cooperation between the Biella Mountains, the Lanzo Valleys and the Canavese Valleys.
The goal is to raise hospitality standards, promote accessibility, and create new development opportunities for mountain areas. European calls for proposals and international collaborations are also being implemented in this direction, including the synergy launched between Italy and Switzerland in April 2026, with particular attention to the Via Francigena between Ivrea and Bollengo. Canavese, il Biella , Switzerland they are also connected by a network of valleys, Alpine passes and railway connections, on the on the Valais side and on the Simplon Pass side.
At the same time, small municipalities are building a regional network aimed at combating depopulation and offering high-quality, inclusive, and sustainable tourism. Training for operators is also crucial, through courses on accessible hospitality and the management of innovative tourism services.
The project also involves slow tourism and sustainable mobility, with trekking routes, spiritual walks, cycle paths, and connections between schools, nature parks, and cultural centers. A vision that integrates the outdoors, innovation, and development of Smartland.
Thanks to the support of regional and European funds, the Canavese-Biella axis is thus poised to become an international laboratory for accessible tourism.
A heritage to discover
Among the excellences of the area stands out Ivrea, an industrial city of the 20th century and a UNESCO heritage site, a symbol of the innovative vision of the Olivetti. Here you can embark on an immersive journey through modern architecture, industry, and social innovation, visiting iconic buildings such as the famous Talponia.
In the heart of Canavese, in Caravino, there is the Masino Castle and Park, the historic residence of the Counts of Valperga, now managed by the FAI (Italian National Trust). The complex, of medieval origins and later transformed into a Baroque residence, houses frescoed rooms, historic furnishings, art collections, and a valuable library. The large historic park, with panoramic terraces, tree-lined avenues, and one of the largest hedge mazes in Italy, is one of Piedmont's most evocative destinations.
On the border between Biella and Canavese lies the Viverone LakeA glacial lake offering nature trails, sports activities such as sailing, canoeing, and kayaking, as well as a rich food and wine scene featuring local wines, including Erbaluce and Nebbiolo. The lake is ideal for fishing for perch, zander, and carp, and there are also sport fishing areas.
Il Candel recipe It is a late-medieval fortified structure built by the local farming community on land originally owned by the noble Vialardi family of Villanova and later redeemed by the Candelesi family. At the time, the ricetto was intended to provide permanent protection for the community's most precious possessions, namely the produce of the land, primarily grain and wine. Only in extreme cases of danger, and for short periods, did the population also take refuge there. The secret of the monument's splendid state of preservation lies in its entirely rural use until very recently. It has been the subject of in-depth studies, including by foreign universities, and is among the best preserved in Europe. Since 2002, the ricetto has been a member of the Club of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.
Among the historical testimonies of local winemaking, the following also stands out: Cella Grande Cellar, an ancient winemaking structure of Benedictine origin dating back to the 12th century, today open to visitors for cultural events and tourist itineraries.
Nature, spirituality and the outdoors
In the Biella area, theOasi Zegna It represents one of the leading examples of environmental enhancement. Stretching across approximately one thousand hectares, it offers trails for hiking, Nordic walking, cycling, and outdoor activities, nestled among woods, pastures, and Alpine panoramas. Created in the 30s thanks to the farsighted vision of entrepreneur Ermenegildo Zegna, this area today represents a unique model of environmental patronage in Italy, sponsored by the FAI (Italian National Trust). The park's backbone is the Zegna Panoramic Road, which connects Trivero (Valdilana) to the Cervo Valley, offering splendid views suspended between the Po Valley and the Monte Rosa mountain range.
Casa ZegnaCasa Zegna, part of the Zegna Foundation, is a historical archive and cultural hub. Inside the Zegna Wool Mill, in a 30s building that was the family home, a new archival museum concept has been created. From sheep to shop, the Casa Zegna exhibition is an invitation to retrace this exciting journey through Made in Italy.
Another symbolic place is the Oropa Sanctuary, the most important Marian sanctuary in the Alps, dedicated to the Black Madonna. Located at 1.200 meters above sea level, the complex includes the Ancient Basilica, the Upper Basilica, the UNESCO-recognized Sacro Monte, museums, historical archives, and accommodations. Numerous hiking trails depart from here, allowing you to experience the area's spirituality, culture, and nature.
Canavese and Biella thus confirm their vocation for modern, responsible, and inclusive tourism, capable of combining local identity, innovation, and sustainability.
