Discover Piode: Church Art, Alpe Meggiana and the Riserva della Piode
Accommodation in Piode
Piode can be explored through several specific attractions: the parish church of Santo Stefano, the Riserva della Piode and the trails leading to Alpe Meggiana. The range extends from Baroque architecture and art to clearly regulated fly-fishing and short routes to a mountain refuge. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Piode, you can plan your days around whether you want to focus on church art, water and fish fauna, or the trails around Meggiana.
Baroque art in Santo Stefano
The parish church of Santo Stefano in Piode is a Baroque building dating from the late 17th to early 18th century. It was probably completed in 1748; it was consecrated on April 24, 1845. The church contains frescoes by Antonio Orgiazzi. The Stations of the Cross are also among the building’s defining details: they are works by Lorenzo Peracino the Elder. The frescoes and Stations of the Cross thus offer two different artistic perspectives on the same church and make Santo Stefano an important point of reference for anyone who wants to combine their stay with more than just experiences in nature.
Riserva della Piode: fly-fishing and distinctive fish fauna
The Riserva della Piode stretches for 7 km, of which 5 km lie within the municipality of Piode. Fly-fishing is the only type of fishing permitted. Catch-and-release is mandatory; one trophy fish may be kept. The Riserva is home to endemic marble trout and grayling with “blue fins,” as well as native brown trout. This area is therefore suited to travellers looking for a clearly defined nature and fishing experience and who wish to observe the rules governing the waterway. The total stretch of 7 km, including 5 km in Piode, also provides a concrete basis for planning around this focus.
Trails to Alpe Meggiana
The Chiesa della Madonna della Prapolla is the historic church of the Meggiana alpine pasture and was recently restored. It can be reached via the trail connecting Piode with Alpe Meggiana. Alpe Meggiana itself is accessible by a drivable road as far as a barrier. From there, a few minutes on foot along an unpaved road lead to the mountain refuge. This creates a clear distinction for planning purposes between the route to the church and the section covered on foot from the barrier onward. Those who choose a holiday apartment in Piode can combine this focus with a holiday in which trails, historic buildings and an accessible mountain area offer different ideas for each day.
Oratorio and the Fest della Prapolla
The Oratorio della Madonna delle Pietre Grosse is located along the route to Alpe Meggiana. From Piedimeggiana, it can be reached directly by car via the road to Alpe Meggiana; only a few steps lead to the entrance. A small picnic area is located beside the Chiesa della Madonna della Prapolla, where the annual Fest della Prapolla e dell'Alpe Meggiana takes place. This section of the route therefore features both an easily accessible Oratorio and a small area with an annual festival tradition. This combination complements the quieter church and nature themes with a place shaped by the local community.
Other places for planning your trip
If you would like to consider other places for planning your trip in addition to Piode, you can find Rima, Cigliano, Borgosesia, Riva Valdobbia, Alagna Valsesia, Bianzè, Breia and Livorno Ferraris here.
For the broader travel overview: Vercelli.
