Why you should visit Parco Burcina in Piedmont, Italy
Parco Burcina is a Special Nature Reserve in the northern part of Biella, a city in Piedmont. This prolific nature spot encompasses 57 hectares of rolling meadows, tree groves of different species, small lakes, vast floral patches, and viewing points that reveal the surrounding valleys and alpine mountains, ranging from Monviso in Piedmont and Adamello in Lombardy.
This rich nature reserve in the northern Italian region actually offers a lot of amazing things to experience, as enlisted here in these 9 Benefits of Visiting Parco Burcina:
Discover many tree species and have a renewed appreciation for trees.
From the entrance alone, you will already be greeted by lush tree groves of various species, such as chestnuts, beeches, oaks, and maples. You will see more of these species the further and higher you go, including cherry and birch trees, towering evergreen trees like fir, pine, and cypress, and flowering handkerchief and tulip trees. While most of these trees are labeled to educate visitors about each one’s unique characteristics, they also offer nurturing trunks to lean on during a hot day.
Getting a health boost from the fresh mountain air.
Athletes who go in high altitude attest to cultivating strong cardiovascular and respiratory systems because of the toxin-free air and the increased blood vessels that is brought forth by the reduced oxygen levels in the mountain air. Also, the aroma of fresh pine trees has been shown to provide anti-inflammatory benefits. So, aim to the top of this nature reserve at your own pace to fully get these health benefits.
Getting a fantastic workout
The long and winding uphill trail in this expansive nature reserve offers a fantastic workout of any kind in all levels, be it extreme cycling, brisk walking, hiking with a pair of poles, cross-training, and running. There are also flat grassy patches in the midst of the uphill trail that would be idyllic for yoga, pilates, and high-interval intensity training exercises.
Behold the breathtaking landscape of Piedmont.
In less than a hundred meters from the entrance, you will already start to perceive the beautiful panorama of the adjacent valleys and mountain ranges, including Biella’s notable landmark, Oropa Sanctuary. Thus, the higher you walk, anywhere between 570 to 829 meters above sea level, the more expansive panorama you will catch from its sloping meadows and tree-lined cliffs, which generously exposes the breathtaking landscape of the Piedmont region, as well as a terrain of Turin, and Monte Viso, the highest mountain of the southwestern alps near France.
Connecting with your true nature in tranquility
In this age of social media and our constant connection through the internet, we need to go offline at times to retain our connection with our basic and true nature by finding stillness in the midst of a tranquil and verdant surroundings. The great thing about Parco Burcina is the immense solitary spots where you can enjoy your own company depending on your mood, whether at the viewing cliffs, floral meadows, or isolated forests. The wealth of positive energy emanating from these areas distinctly sets up the perfect opportunity to do journaling, meditation, goal setting, or any kind of self-actualizing practice.
Find garden patches for picnics and bonding with family and friends.
As visitors can stay the whole day, even choosing to rest at a grassy patch after hiking for an hour to reach the park’s peak, having a picnic with your beloved company would be a great idea. The park features plenty of areas suitable for a picnic and even for fun and sporty activities. No need to pay corkage or entrance fee, just the parking fee, and bring plastic bags for your garbage.
Gives you picture-perfect background
When you are strolling inside Parco Burcina, you will easily find yourself taking photos one after another. That is because of the many picturesque subjects, themes, and angles on hand, from thick old trees to vast flower patches, scenic meadows to breathtaking landscapes, people lying on the grass to those walking their dogs, and so much more, including scenic selfies.
Be uplifted by heavenly floral fragrances.
If you are in Piedmont during spring and summer, get ready to be uplifted by the heavenly scents of the rich assortment of flowers that are scattered all throughout Parco Burcina. Immerse in the sweet fragrances of Forsythia. Spiraea, Azalea, Rhododendron, Dogwood, and Magnolia, and revel in the musky aromas of Rose, Cistus, and Liriodendri. Why not situate at a spot where you could receive this fresh floral breeze and stay uplifted.
Sample traditional Piedmontese meal.
When in Italy, you must try the traditional cuisine of the region you are in. As part of Piedmont, the Trattoria inside the park offers excellent typical Piedmontese cuisine like Carne all’Albese con Radicchio (meat with radish), Bagna Cauda (hot gravy made of anchovies and garlic) and Vitello Tonnato (roast beef slices in tuna mayonnaise). Match these with appetizers like mixed cheeses, cold cuts and grilled vegetables, plus some quench-thirsting Aperol Spritz and chilled sparkling water.
When visiting Parco Burcina by car, best tune your phone’s GPS toward Parco Burcina, Pollone, Biella. When traveling by public transport, get on the blue ATAP bus to Pollone and tell the driver that you want to stop at Parco Burcina.
For picnic ideas, there are pizzeria along the way where you could order take out, as well as deli counters inside most supermarkets where you could have fresh sandwiches assembled while you wait.
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