Best attractions and places to see around Ghislarengo, a comune in the Province of Vercelli, Italy, offers a blend of historical sites and natural beauty. The area is characterized by its proximity to the Sesia river, featuring natural parks and a landscape shaped by rice fields. Visitors can explore ancient fortifications and significant natural oases, providing diverse experiences.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Highlight • Historical Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Natural
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Ghislarengo.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
The Castello di Barengo stands on a hill behind the town, in an elevated position overlooking the surrounding plain, along the road that originally connected the Via Francigena with the fords on the Sesia river. The original fifteenth-century structure has undergone numerous modifications and alterations over the centuries, and was already partially in ruins at the beginning of the nineteenth century. In 1849, the fortress underwent a restoration that altered its original layout. In the aftermath of the First World War, the property passed to Count Gaudenzio Tornielli di Borgolavezzaro, who commissioned the architect Carlo Nigra to reconstruct the complex according to the stylistic canons of the Middle Ages. Further restorations were subsequently carried out by the Boroli family, the current owners. Despite the reconstructions, however, there remain several testimonies of the original construction, such as the walls of the stands, the foundations and some entrance doors.
0
0
To stop and visit, a spectacular castle and almost unknown to many...it deserves a short stop also for the photographs
0
0
Going there is a duty to welcome you and give you a perfect postcard and then you can have fun with fast routes
1
0
It is an area where agriculture and the environment coexist and then it is possible to take beautiful, even challenging routes
1
0
The Lame del Sesia park extends over an area of approximately 900 hectares along a stretch of almost 8 kilometers of the Sesia river, located between the provinces of Novara and Vercelli. The river environment, enriched by blades, meanders, bodies of water, woods, gravels and sands, constitutes an important natural oasis in stark contrast to the surrounding landscape characterized by rice monoculture.
2
0
Excellent panoramic point and for a stop
1
2
It is a medieval tower that dates back to the 11th century and was part of a fortified system built between the 12th and 13th centuries. The church of S. Giovanni alle Castelle was part of this structure, destroyed in 1950, today replaced by the chapel of the Madonna della Neve, built by the Alpine Section of Gattinara.
12
0
Getting to the Castelle towers is easy but at the same time you have to prepare for a nice climb which is paved so it is also possible to get there with a racing bike, pay attention to the slopes which are in double figures even if interspersed with a few moments of breathing space
1
0
You can explore several historical sites, including the medieval Castelle Tower, which dates back to the 11th century. Another significant site is Castello di Proh, a historically important castle currently undergoing restoration. Further afield, you might consider Castello Sforzesco in Vicolungo or the Ricetto Castle in Carpignano Sesia.
Yes, the Lame del Sesia Natural Park is a significant natural oasis extending over approximately 900 hectares along the Sesia river. It features a diverse river environment with meanders, bodies of water, and woods, offering a stark contrast to the surrounding rice fields. It's an excellent spot for hiking and cycling. The wider Piedmont region is also known for its numerous protected areas, offering immersive experiences in diverse flora and fauna. You can find more information on Piedmont's parks and natural reserves at visitpiemonte.com.
Many of the historical sites are considered family-friendly, such as the Castelle Tower and Castello di Proh. The Lame del Sesia Natural Park also offers opportunities for families to enjoy nature, with equipped and self-guided routes suitable for various ages.
Absolutely! The region around Ghislarengo is well-suited for cycling. You can find various routes for different types of cycling. For road cycling, explore options like the 'Castello di Villarboit loop from Arborio'. Mountain bikers can enjoy trails such as the 'Sesia River – Enoteca Regionale di Gattinara loop from Arborio'. For general cycling, consider routes like 'The House of the Winds – Agriturismo La Biandrina loop from Carpignano Sesia'. You can discover more routes on the dedicated guides for Road Cycling, MTB Trails, and Cycling around Ghislarengo.
Beyond castles, you can visit the Madonnina di Bergamina Memorial, a peaceful spot for reflection. The Museo Storico Etnografico della Bassa Valsesia in Romagnano Sesia (about 11 km away) offers insights into the historical ethnography of the lower Valsesia region. For a broader cultural experience, Orta San Giulio and its island, along with Sacro Monte (a UNESCO World Heritage site), are significant attractions known for their artistic and spiritual value, though they are further afield.
Yes, the Oratory of Saint Bernard della Mora is a notable religious site, featuring a completely frescoed interior with 15th-century paintings. It's considered a superb example of French-style painting from the second half of the 15th century. The original church of S. Giovanni alle Castelle, part of the Castelle Tower complex, was replaced by the chapel of the Madonna della Neve.
The landscape around Ghislarengo is characterized by its rice monoculture. While the Lame del Sesia Natural Park offers a contrasting river environment, you'll encounter extensive rice fields throughout the region. The Via Francigena, which crosses the province of Vercelli, also offers picturesque views of these rice fields, along with poplar trees and ancient abbeys, making it a great way to experience the local agricultural scenery.
The region is generally pleasant for outdoor activities throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures ideal for hiking and cycling, with spring bringing lush greenery and autumn showcasing vibrant colors. Summer can be warm, but activities in natural parks like Lame del Sesia Natural Park can still be enjoyable, especially along the river.
The Castelle Tower is noted as a viewpoint, offering scenic perspectives of the surrounding area. Additionally, the Madonnina di Bergamina Memorial is described as a nice place to pause and enjoy the surroundings, suggesting a pleasant view.
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical depth and natural beauty. They enjoy the historical significance of sites like the Castelle Tower and Castello di Proh, and the tranquility of places like the Madonnina di Bergamina Memorial. The Lame del Sesia Natural Park is highly valued for its diverse river environment, offering a natural oasis for relaxation and exploration.
Yes, the Lame del Sesia Natural Park offers equipped and self-guided routes suitable for walking. Additionally, the historic Via Francigena crosses the province of Vercelli, providing picturesque walking opportunities through rice fields and past ancient abbeys. For more structured hiking, you can explore various routes in the region, including those found in the MTB Trails around Ghislarengo guide, which often include sections suitable for walking.
The Lame del Sesia Natural Park, with its diverse river environment of meanders, bodies of water, and woods, is an important natural oasis. This type of habitat typically supports a variety of bird species, amphibians, and small mammals. The park also has an ornithological museum at its headquarters, suggesting a rich birdlife for visitors to observe.


Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions: