The Special Nature Reserve in  Bessa is 8 kilometers long and has an average width of one kilometer, it  is one of the most evocative archaeological sites in Piedmont. An  open-cast gold mine exploited by the ancient Romans between the second and the  first centuries BC, today presents a mysteriously fascinating landscape with an articulated network of paths between valleys rich in vegetation and pebble dunes up to 30 meters high. It is crossed by 3 cycle paths with a total length of approximately 10 km, mostly flat or with low gradients requiring moderate effort, suitable for the use of mountain bikes; excursions can be made along these routes, which are properly marked, in the spring and during autumn.

The bike path winds partly on dirt and partly on concrete; with short detours it is possible to discover numerous erratic boulders, often characterized by cup-shaped incisions, like the Roc Malegn surrounded by a special aura of mystery. After 1.5 km you reach the Vecchie Cave cycle track, another MTB path within the reserve. The route does not present difficulties, the difference in level is modest and the path surface  is suitable for MTB

Bessa’s  special Natural Reserve

Search for gold in the Elvo stream,  www.cercatoridoro.it

All tourist information is available on the Local Tourist Office of the Biellese website www.atl.biella.it