Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Get the App

Briona Castle – Stream Crossing loop from Ghemme

Briona Castle – Stream Crossing loop from Ghemme

Hard

riders

Briona Castle – Stream Crossing loop from Ghemme

05:46

79.5km

660m

Gravel riding

Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: March 28, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment that goes up or down a series of steps

You may need to carry your bike.

After 4.88 km for 18 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

2.80 km

Vineyards of the Colline Novaresi

Highlight • Natural

White roads through the vineyards

Translated by Google •

Tip by

4.89 km

Oratory of San Giuseppe

Highlight • Religious Site

Located on the hills of Sizzano, you can meet it by crossing the dense network of paths that run along the vineyards 🍇.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

9.84 km

The site of the castle of Briona is first mentioned in 995, while the first written records of the presence of a fortress date from 1140. They are recorded in an agreement between Count Guido di Biandrate and the canons of San Gaudenzio of Novara .

The agreement stipulated that the noble rights would still belong to the canons, who owned the castle's warehouses, while the military structure would go to Count Guido. The agreement satisfied both the clergy, as they would be entitled to the proceeds of the rent, warehouses and agricultural goods contained therein, as well as the right of four farms and the aristocratic rights to the cottages they converted, and to the Earl of Biandrate since the possession of the "castrum" was an important part of the fortified system led by the castles of Biandrate, Proh, Camodeia, Carpignano, Sizzano, Breclema and Seso, all placed to defend the entrances to Valsesia and all belonging to the Earl of Biandrate.

Indeed, the castle of Briona is in a strategic position on top of the hilly ridge and in military readiness dominated the plain below, in practice it controlled the entrances to Novara from the northwest. It is likely that the place was already a garrison in the Lombard period, but there are no certainties about the founder. From 1140 to 1209, the castle will be reconfirmed to the Biandrate by successive imperial diplomas. During the thirteenth century. the property of the counts was replaced by the property of the capital families, linked to Novara and its expansionist policy.

With the arrival of the lordship of Visconti, Briona came under the influence of the lordships of Milan. In 1356 it became the property of the Visconti, who made it a base for their fight against the Marquises of Monferrato. As such, it was sacked in 1363 by the "white company" of the Englishman Albert Sterz who hired Giovanni Paleologo, Marquis of Monferrato, and who for years ravaged the area of Novara.

More info at comune.briona.no.it/it-it/vivere-il-comune/cosa-vedere/castello-di-briona-sec-xv-955-1-616af6b5ca7af3d24d9e8ff04483b429

Translated by Google •

Tip by

46.4 km

Along the Fiat Canal

Highlight (Segment) • River

FIAT channel, which takes its name from the famous Turin factory which had plans to open an office in this area but which then did not find the consensus of the area, moving elsewhere

Translated by Google •

Tip by

55.6 km

Stream Crossing

Highlight • River

Nice ford to cross, short but with a fair amount of water, be careful of the branches, you have to keep your head down otherwise you risk an impact

Translated by Google •

Tip by

58.9 km

Lozzolo Alpini Refuge and Alpini Chapel

Highlight • Mountain Hut

The Lozzolo Alpini Refuge is a structure with a large rest area, there is also a small chapel with a tiny bell tower. Another interesting element is the view that opens towards the Biella area.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

65.5 km