Museo del territorio biellese

Nestled in the charming town of Biella in northern Italy, the Museo del Territorio Biellese, or the Museum of the Biellese Territory, offers visitors a captivating journey through time. Housed within the historic walls of the former Convent of San Sebastiano, a structure dating back to the early 16th century, the museum is a treasure trove of local history, art, and culture. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or simply curious about the region, the Museo del Territorio Biellese promises an enriching experience.

The Historic Setting

The Museo del Territorio Biellese is situated in the ex-Convent of San Sebastiano, a building with deep historical roots tied to the Ferrero family. Constructed in the early 1500s, the convent and its adjoining church were influenced by the architectural and artistic innovations of the Milanese court, thanks to Sebastiano Ferrero. Ferrero, a prominent figure born in Biella in 1438, played a crucial role in bringing Renaissance modernity to this peripheral area of Piedmont. The convent's architecture, with its integration of relief and fresco decorations, stands as a unique example of late 15th-century Lombard building styles in the region.

The Paleontological Section

The museum's paleontological section is a highlight for visitors interested in the ancient past. Here, a rich collection of fossils, donated by local scholars and enthusiasts, offers a scientific reconstruction of life and the paleoenvironment in the Biellese region three million years ago. Among the fascinating exhibits are teeth from the ancient sharks Isurus and Galeocerdo, vertebral discs from whales, and various parts of rays, all of which paint a vivid picture of the tropical sea that once covered the area. A notable exhibit is the Bertignano canoe, a Roman-era chestnut wood artifact discovered in Lake Bertignano in 1912, highlighting the importance of waterways as ancient communication routes.

The Archaeological Section

The archaeological section of the Museo del Territorio Biellese takes visitors on a journey from the Middle Paleolithic era to the Middle Ages. The exhibits include stone tools, axes, and scrapers from Neanderthals and Homo sapiens sapiens, as well as ceramics and metal artifacts from the Bronze Age settlement of Viverone, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2011. The section also features discoveries from the Burcina Natural Park, showcasing human activities from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age. Highlights include a rare terracotta pintadera and a vertical loom reconstruction, offering insights into ancient domestic life. The Roman period is well-represented with artifacts from the Bessa terrace and the necropolises of Biella and Cerrione, the latter known for its exceptional tomb markers inscribed in Lepontic and Latin alphabets.

The Egyptian Section

A small yet enchanting part of the museum is dedicated to Egyptian artifacts, providing a glimpse into the daily and spiritual life of this ancient civilization. This section, named after the Biellese Egyptologist Ernesto Schiaparelli, features items on loan from the Egyptian Museum in Turin, including a mummy and a beautifully painted sarcophagus from Assiut. The collection also includes statuettes, amulets, and ceramics, many of which were donated to the city by Corradino Sella in 1908.

The Historical-Artistic Section

The historical-artistic section of the Museo del Territorio Biellese is a feast for the eyes, showcasing the evolution of local artistic culture from the 12th century onwards. The collection includes 16th-century paintings from renowned Vercelli workshops, Caravaggesque works, and 18th-century Venetian school paintings. The museum also boasts significant 19th and 20th-century pieces, with notable works by Antonio Fontanesi, Marco Calderini, Giovanni Giani, and Giovanni Piumati. The section culminates in masterpieces by prominent avant-garde artists like René Magritte, Paul Klee, and Marc Chagall, as well as Italian artists Giacomo Balla and Lucio Fontana.

Art and Territory

The museum's connection to the local territory is evident in its collection of frescoes and sculptures. From the 12th-century frescoes of Santa Maria di Castelvecchio di Mongrando to the green stone lions from the ancient Church of Santo Stefano, each piece tells a story of the region's rich cultural heritage. The museum also features a pentaptych by Defendente Ferrari, a polyptych originally from the Church of San Francesco in Biella, and a copy of Leonardo da Vinci's Virgin of the Rocks, attributed to Bernardino De’ Conti.

In conclusion, the Museo del Territorio Biellese is not just a museum but a gateway to understanding the rich tapestry of Biella's history and culture. Its diverse collections, housed within the historic ex-Convent of San Sebastiano, offer a comprehensive overview of the region's past, from prehistoric times to the modern era. A visit to this museum is a journey through time, providing valuable insights into the evolution of human life, art, and society in the Biellese territory.