Biella, Provincial capital in Piedmont, Italy
Biella is a provincial capital in Piedmont, northern Italy, with an upper town built on a hilltop and a lower town on flat land at the foot of the Alps. The two areas are linked by a cable railway system.
The city originated as a Celtic settlement and later evolved into a medieval center under the counts of Vercelli. In 1379 it came under the rule of the House of Savoy, which shaped its development for centuries.
The name comes from a Celtic word meaning gemstone, reflecting the city's long connection to craft traditions. Locals gather in the upper town squares, where historic stone buildings shape the character of daily life.
The upper town is accessible on foot or by taking the cable railway, which climbs directly to the top. Two train stations, San Paolo and Chiavazza, offer connections to Turin and Milan.
The city received a gold medal for military valor due to its residents' active resistance during World War II. This recognition honors their contribution to the region's liberation.
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