Places
Park·Easy·Relaxing·Hidden gem
Riserva Speciale della Bessa, Biella
Piedmont
The Riserva Naturale Speciale della Bessa near Biella protects a landscape of enormous gravel mounds — the tailings from Roman gold extraction operations (1st century BC to 1st AD). The Romans processed the Dora Baltea river gravels for gold, creating a landscape of artificial hills unique in Europe. Nightjar, tawny pipit and woodlark breed in the dry gravel heath. Dogs off-leash throughout.
Duration
2 hours
Distance
5 km
Elevation
+20 m
Best season
April – October
Highlights
- Roman gold mine tailings — 1st century BC operation
- Largest Roman gold extraction site in the western Alps
- Nightjar and woodlark breeding in the dry gravel heath
With your dog
Reserve paths; dogs off-leash.
