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The Special Natural Reserve of the Sacred Mount of Oropa |
For any further information visit the website: www.sacromontedioropa.it
 Surface: 1541 hectares
Altitude: 750 - 2388 meters
Founding year: 2005
 The Oropa Valley, which is still unspoilt and free from urban development, together with its 800 different floral species, make wonderful surroundings and a backdrop to the monumental buildings of the Sanctuary. The Special Nature Reserve of the Sacro Monte of Oropa was founded in 2005 and covers an area of 1,500 hectares at an altitude of between 750 and 2388 metres above sea level.
Nature and sport lovers will find numerous activities available within the Nature Reserve such as hiking, trekking, via ferrata, climbing routes, mountaineering, mountain biking, ski touring, and cross country skiing. Many paths start directly from the sanctuary, such as the famous “Priests’ Path” (passeggiata dei preti) which is an easy walk to the east of the Sanctuary and which offers stunning views of the monumental complex. More demanding paths reach the Galleria Rosazza tunnel, Mora Lake and the Muanda, where a path, starting from Pollone village, named after the blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, ends.
 The cableway from Oropa to the Mucrone Lake climbs in 7 minutes to 1900 m of altitude, where the Rosazza refuge hut and the Albergo Savoia are situated. The Mucrone Lake, a basin of glacial origin set in a hollow between Mt. Mucrone and Mt. Rosso, can be reached in a quarter of an hour’s easy walk. As well as some classic climbing routes and paths equipped for expert hikers, the Via Ferrata del Limbo is very popular: this is a 300 m upward ascent with fixtures, steps and aerial crossings, covered in 2 hours.
In winter, Oropa Sport offers approximately 10 km of slopes for ski descents and a 4 km circuit for the lovers of cross country skiing, running through the meadows and woods that surround the Upper Basilica.
Oropa Cable Car
 Since 1926 the Mucrone Cable Car has been a reference point for mountain lovers who visit Biella’s Alps. It was Italy’s first and, at the time, the highest in Europe. It was replaced in 1961 and takes you up to 1,800 metres above sea level from where it is possible to reach the Mucrone Lake, a popular place for fishing in the summer and ice diving in the winter. The cable car is one of the few in Italy which is open in the evenings during the summer. The cable car allows easy access to the Rifugio Savoia and Rifugio Rosazza. A further stand-up cabin lift takes you to Mount Camino at 2,400 metres above sea level where it is possible to reach the Rifugio Capanna Renata.
www.funivieoropa.it
The Botanical Garden
Since 1998 the Garden has been run by the WWF Italia Onlus. In the garden there are around 350 different species and varieties of plants which represent the main ecosystems of the Oropa Valley.
Opening Times:
May to September, 10:00 / 18:00. Mondays Closed.
August open every day 10:00 / 18:00
www.gboropa.it |
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