A centre of great importance in the history of Biella, Masserano was a papal fief for centuries under the ruling of the powerful Ferrero Fieschi family, descendants of Sebastiano Ferrero. Divided into several hamlets scattered over the hillsides rich in vineyards that produce the prized Bramaterra wine, the town retains an evocative older centre; but it is above all the Princes’ Palace, today seat of the town hall, that has retained its great evocative power. Along the main street, the parish church of SS. Annunziata dates back to the end of the 15th century, while narrow cobbled streets and low porticoes lead to the 13th-century church of San Teonesto, which retains its Romanesque belfry and simple, elegant façade.

Location: Masserano (Eastern Biellese and Rive Rosse)