Baraggia rice PDO
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Exploring the Baraggia
Itinerary The lands of rice
rice, Castles
and nature
A unique and fascinating environment, the Baraggia, in addition to representing one of the last and most significant examples of prairies in the Po Valley, is a territory strongly linked to the cultivation of rice, which is being produced here since the 17th century. With this itinerary, that crosses the area that extends between Buronzo and Gattinara, you will discover the Vercelli’s Baraggia, where among plateaus, rice fields, and the remnants of the last “Savannah of Italy” surprising treasures are hidden.
1 BARAGGe nature reservE
Created to safeguard the last strips of intact Baraggia, the Baragge Nature Reserve aims to protect and conserve this particular environment, which at times resembles the African Savannah. The reserve is made up of six distinct portions of land, which in the Vercelli area are located between Rovasenda, Roasio, Gattinara and Lenta. Very interesting from a landscape point of view, especially in autumn and summer when it offers spectacular views, the Baraggia is an ideal destination for hiking and nature enthusiasts.
2 bURONZO
The capital of Baraggia is the small and charming village of Buronzo that preserves a unique fortified complex: the consortium. Consisting of seven castles, the old town appears almost like a scenic space, with many charming views, overlooked by buildings that preserve elements of different eras, such as medieval slits, 18th century facades, and colorful mosaics. Not to be missed, going up along the fascinating via Castello, the enchanting view of the rice fields below and the Monte Rosa mountain range.
3 ROVASENDA
Located in the center of Baraggia, the small agricultural village of Rovasenda hosts a beautiful medieval castle dating back to 1170, with an enchanting 48 meters high tower, one of the most fascinating and best-preserved in the Vercelli area. A few hundred meters away from the ancient Castle is located the new Castle of Rovasenda. The castleremarkably similar to the pre-existing one, was built at the beginning of the 20th century and was commissioned by Count Luigi di Rovasenda, who decided to build one for himself since he was unable to inherit the original Castle.
4 LENTA
Near to Rovasenda you can visit Lenta, a small agricultural village remarkably interesting from a historical, archaeological, and architectural point of view. The urban plan, halfway between a “ricetto” (fortified refuge) and a castle, defines the village as a “religious fortified refuge” of sorts. Sites not to be missed: the castle and the ruins of the ancient Fortified Refuge (Ricetto); the Parish of Sant’Olimpio, boasting the beautiful crypt of San Biagio; the Parish Church of Santo Stefano, founded in the 5th century and rich in frescoes.
Riserva Orientata delle Baragge
Buronzo
Rovasenda
Lenta
Riserva Orientata delle Baragge
Buronzo
Rovasenda
Lenta
how to get to THE Baraggia
BY CAR
From Vercelli: take the SP 230 towards Biella. At the Crocicchio crossroads, turn right onto the SP3 towards Buronzo.
From Milano and Torino: take the highway A4 and exit at the tollbooth of Balocco. Take the SP 6 towards Buronzo.
BY BUS
Daily bus services link Vercelli to Buronzo, Rovasenda e Lenta.
Deepening
Baraggia RICE PDO
In the lands of Baraggia, the special environmental characteristics and the centuries-long work of cultivation selection and experimentation by the area’s rice growers have allowed for an improvement in the quality of the rice produced, against a lower yield. Only in this way was it possible to obtain the first and only rice PDO in Italy in 2007: Baraggia Biellese e Vercellese rice.
As indicated in the production regulations, there are 28 municipalities that make up the delimited area for the production of the PDO located in the provinces of Biella and Vercelli.
There are seven varieties of rice recognised in the PDO: Arborio, Baldo, Balilla, Carnaroli, S. Andrea Loto and Gladio. From a dietary point of view, Baraggia rice is distinguished by its greater resistance to cooking and its marked ability to absorb flavours and seasonings.
Don’t miss the chance to visit one of the many farms that produce this rice excellence.
Plan your holiday
Where to eat, where to sleep, how to get around: plan your trip to Valsesia and Vercelli!
