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The Castle of Zumaglia is a building of medieval origin in the area around Biella; it takes its name from the nearby town. The building stands on the top of a hill, 2.195 ft above sea level, on the border between the municipalities of Zumaglia and Ronco Biellese.

It was built on a previous structure in 1291 and then it was enlarged around 1329 by the bishop of Vercelli, Lombardo della Torre, the local lord.

Destroyed in 1556 by the troops of Henry II of France it was rebuilt only in 1937 by Count Vittorio Buratti: the latter opted for the popular architecture of his time, incorporating the remains of the previous ancient fortress. Buratti also had the surrounding park built along the slopes of the hill: the park was then embellished with local and exotic plants, conifers in particular. Paths were traced and classic architectural elements were introduced as well, such as monuments, flower boxes and epigraphs.

The castle, managed since June 2013 by the “A.r.s. Teatrando” theatre company, is now used for events, exhibitions, receptions, music and cultural activities including a summer festival of the “traveling theatre”: the latter event is organized and staged along the castle walls and throughout the park.

Zumaglia castle is easily reachable on foot from two cobbled streets from Ronco Biellese sports centre and the depression between Brich di Zumaglia and Mount Prevé (where there’s a public parking lot).

Note for the hikers

The “Grande Traversata del Biellese” (the “Grand Tour of Biella Province”) runs through Brich di Zumaglia – a long, circular itinerary, divided into different stages of varying levels of difficulty, which covers the entire Provincial area, passing through places of great environmental interest.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)