The places of worship

Piedicavallo is characterised by an interesting religious history which is highlighted by its places of worship. The most predominant religion is Roman Catholicism: the main church is that of Piedicavallo, dedicated to Saint Michael Archangel. The hamlet of Montesinaro also has its own church, dedicated to Saint Gratus.

Piedicavallo’s main church is located in the town centre. The original building was erected in the early 1620s and consecrated on 14 September 1622, by the Bishop of Vercelli, Monsignor Giacomo Goria. In the 1660s, the church of San Michele obtained a permanent chaplain, who celebrated throughout the year and not just seasonally.

Forty-four years after the consecration of the church, on 16 January 1666, Piedicavallo obtained its own parish autonomy, thanks to a Decree of Bishop Monsignor Michelangelo Broglia. It was only at this point that the baptistery and sacristy were built and, subsequently, the three side chapels, with their respective altars, and a wooden dossal and pulpit, also dating back to the 18th century.

The bell tower, on the other hand, dates back to 1865. The bell tower roof is especially deserving of attention; it would seem to recall the typical religious architecture of the eastern Alpine region. The patron saint’s day is celebrated on the last Sunday in September, since the day dedicated to St Michael Archangel is 29 September.

Another particular feature is the presence of a place of worship that differs from those of Catholic tradition: the Waldensian Church. The history of the Waldensian Church dates back to 1887, when a disagreement between the parish priest Don Perino, founder of the newspaper “Il Biellese”, and a number of families in the town resulted in the latter taking an interest in and subsequently converting to the Waldensian faith.

The population was highly literate and the constant travelling of the men of the town for work reasons facilitated the encounter with the Protestant faith. The construction of the sacred building was completed in 1895 and the Church was inaugurated on 13 October of the same year. The central floor houses the place of worship with the former pastor’s quarters on the upper floor and the old schoolhouse on the lower floor. A prominent figure for the Waldensian community in Piedicavallo was the teacher Elisa Goss, who arrived in the village in 1888.

There are also numerous smaller churches, oratories and votive chapels to be seen in the various charming rural mountain villages, and which can be admired by those who choose to hike along the paths towards the mountain lodges in the area.

Continue your journey of discovery of the treasures preserved in the little town! Opposite the Waldensian Church, walk along Via Teatro Regina Margherita and visit one of the places that best represent Piedicavallo’s history. The theatre was built in the late-19th century.