Best attractions and places to see around Zubiena include natural landscapes and historical sites. This municipality in the province of Biella, Italy, features unique geological formations and ancient gold mining history. The area is characterized by its natural beauty, including parts of the Serra moraine, and offers insights into past gold prospecting activities. Visitors can explore a variety of natural and cultural points of interest.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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Must do, at least once, interesting place.
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It is a unique place of its kind. In a rather small and circumscribed area 2 steps from the Montalto lake (also called "Rabbit" lake) there is an area with a very dark soil composed of water, peat, earth and medium-sized trees. Especially when the ground is wet or it has rained previously if you jump on the surface, it moves creating small waves making the surrounding trees dance. A real show! You can reach the dancing lands from 2 different dirt tracks. For those with good technical skills the entry or exit paths in both directions are also fun to pedal.
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Regardless of whether you reach the Serra di Ivrea or not, even wandering around these lakes, taking advantage of the good signage present, pays off! There is a nice variety of environments and paths, from single track to dirt road, ending on cobblestone sections, never too banal, especially in the wet... the lake environments are beautiful, given that most of these lakes are not very urbanized, the stilt houses rebuilt on the shore of Lake Pistono are very beautiful, they certainly deserve a stop. Places also suitable for children, given that in the lake area the differences in altitude are very modest... just watch out for hikers, because the paths are open to everyone!
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Passage made during Erratico Gravel
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In this beautiful peat bog in Montaldo Dora there is a very particular natural phenomenon, which gives the place its name. The Terre Ballerine are in fact called this way because of the particular consistency of the ground, which makes those who walk on it feel like they are walking on a mattress.
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Monuments and places of interest: *Ancient shelter of which the access tower to the village (clock tower) and the north-east corner tower of the walls, from the 13th century, have been preserved *Church of Gesiùn, ruins of the ancient church of Livione, dating back to the 10th century *Romanesque bell tower of San Pietro di Subloco, dating back to the 10th century *Parish Church of Saints Peter and Lawrence
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Ivrea, the cradle of the Olivetti company and its famous typewriters, is located on the right bank of the Dora Baltea, west of the Serra di Ivrea, the largest moraine wall in Europe. The silhouette of a 14th century castle rises above the city. In the upper town there is also the originally Romanesque Duomo, which was renovated in the 19th century. On the other bank of the Dora, near Via Jervis, the old Olivetti factories have been converted into Musea dell'Architecture Moderna.
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Zubiena is home to several distinctive natural attractions. One must-see is The Dancing Lands, a small forest where the ground, made of peat resting on water, creates a 'dancing' effect when you walk or jump. You can also explore the vast Bessa Natural Reserve, known for its unique lunar-like landscape of stone mounds and dense vegetation, which is part of the largest moraine in Europe.
The region boasts a rich history, particularly related to ancient gold mining. You can visit the Bessa Gold Mining Archaeological Site within the Bessa Natural Reserve, which showcases traces of ancient Roman mining. In Vermogno, part of Zubiena, the Museo dell'Oro e della Bessa (Gold and Bessa Museum) further illustrates the history and techniques of gold prospecting. Additionally, the Archaeological Park of the Stilt Houses at Lake Pistono offers insights into prehistoric village life.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Dancing Lands offer a fun and interactive natural experience for all ages. The Archaeological Park of the Stilt Houses at Lake Pistono provides an educational and engaging look into ancient history. The Bessa Gold Mining Archaeological Site and its museum also offer an interesting historical outing for families.
The Bessa Natural Reserve is ideal for exploring unique landscapes and history. You can hike through its distinctive terrain, characterized by large stone mounds left from ancient gold mining. The reserve also hosts the Gold Mining Archaeological Site, where you can learn about the region's past as one of the largest open-pit gold mines. It's a great place for nature walks and historical discovery.
The Zubiena area, particularly within the Bessa Natural Reserve, has a significant history of gold mining dating back over two millennia. The Ictimuli, led by the Romans, transformed the Bessa into one of the largest open-pit gold mines in the world. Traces of this immense work remain visible in the landscape's characteristic stone mounds. The Museo dell'Oro e della Bessa in Vermogno provides detailed insights into this ancient industry.
Absolutely. The region around Zubiena offers various hiking opportunities, especially within the Bessa Natural Reserve and near The Dancing Lands. You can find trails ranging from easy to difficult, allowing you to explore the unique natural and historical landscapes. For detailed routes and more options, check out the hiking guide around Zubiena.
Zubiena and its surroundings are well-suited for cycling. There are numerous routes that take you through scenic landscapes, including loops around Lake Viverone and along the Serra d'Ivrea. Whether you prefer road cycling or gravel biking, you'll find options for various skill levels. Explore detailed routes in the cycling guide around Zubiena or the gravel biking guide around Zubiena.
The Dancing Lands are a unique natural phenomenon where the ground is composed of peat resting on a water surface. When you step or jump on it, the ground exhibits a noticeable elasticity, causing nearby plants to move, creating a 'dancing' effect. It's an impressive and memorable experience, especially after rain when the ground is damp.
While not directly in Zubiena, the nearby city of Ivrea offers additional cultural attractions. Its Historic Centre features a 14th-century castle and a Romanesque-origin cathedral. Ivrea is also known for its former Olivetti factories, which have been repurposed into the Museum of Modern Architecture, reflecting its industrial heritage.
Visitors particularly enjoy the unique natural experiences, such as the 'dancing' sensation at The Dancing Lands, and the historical depth offered by the Bessa Gold Mining Archaeological Site. The blend of natural beauty and ancient history, along with the opportunity for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, makes the area highly appreciated by the komoot community.
Yes, the Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Nicolao (Parish Church of San Nicolao) is a notable religious landmark in Zubiena. Its bell tower dominates the Serra hill and is visible from a distance, while the church itself features an elegant Baroque brick facade.
Yes, the area includes Lake Pistono, which is a beautiful natural feature. Adjacent to it is the Archaeological Park of the Stilt Houses, offering both natural beauty and historical interest. While not a lake, The Dancing Lands also involves water, as its unique ground structure rests on a water surface.


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