Burcina Park is located in the territory of the municipalities of Biella and Pollone, it is a protected natural area of about 57 hectares, on the Burcina Hill of the same name, a gentle hillside close to the Biella Pre-Alps.
Due to its great variety of centuries-old plants and great beauty since 1980 it has been declared Felice Piacenza Special Nature Reserve.
In addition to the botanical aspect, the surrounding landscape such as the beech forest of Pian Plà, the avenue of liriodendrons (also called tulip trees), the rhododendron basin and the view of the mountains ranging from Monviso to Adamello is of particular note.
Admission, which is free, is in Pollone, where a map of the garden is located with some descriptions of the area.
The recommended route, which we followed, climbs along a main dirt road that climbs gently along the hill (alternative routes are possible, however). Along this road, many plants can be seen: from beech trees to centuries-old redwoods, from Douglas firs to Cypress trees.
Since it was the month of May, however, our main destination was to find the "rhododendron basin," which is considered by some to be the most beautiful bloom of Italy, located at Pian del Lupo.
It plays a leading role in the garden given its multi-coloured cascade of colours and flowers that are always different in hue and size.
The hollow-shapedslopes down to the plain and encloses more than a thousand rhododendron plants of about 200 different varieties that create a breathtaking scenery.
Made by Felice Piacenza, between 1892 and 1925, it consists of various evergreen rhododendrons with large flowers and broad leaves, originating from European countries (France and Belgium). Later the park and collection were taken over by his son Enzo Piacenza, also a rhododendron enthusiast, who ensured its preservation.
After feasting your eyes, you can return to the main road and walk up to the Tower, where you will also find the Tomb of the Warrior (https://www.piemonteitalia.eu/it/curiosita/la-tomba-del-guerriero-al-par...).
Shortly before the peak, one encounters another avenue, that cuts the path to its right, where there are other beautiful specimens of rhododendrons hidden in a thicket from where in some places it is possible to admire the view of the plain.
The return route is on the same path as the outward journey.
Foto @alessandra.corra
Archivio @regione.piemonte
