Gardens to Visit in Spring in Italian Alps: Burcina

If you are looking for a romantic vacation, you have to visit Italy in spring.
Spring months in the Alpine regions of North Italy open to a nature lover an infinite world of unexpected beauty: oceans of blooming flowers. This period lasts more than one can imagine because of the heights above sea level where different species grow.
Generally, it's a period from the beginning of April in Sud for Wisterias, to Narcissus fields, Azaleas, Roses, Rhododendrons in May, to Laburnum or pastures in bloom in June or July.
Residents that love hiking and walks in the mountains impatiently wait for these events, and tell one other about the beginning of the blooming periods.
There are even special Facebook groups where is possible to see photos of those who have just visited meadows with particular species of wildflowers.

Where To Find Rhododendrons

One of the showiest is, without any doubt, the flourishing period of Rhododendrons. There are different places where you can see one or maybe some plants, but for your romantic trip consider these parks:
1/ Rhododendrons in Burcina park (not far from Biella), that is situating on a hill 570 to 829 m above sea level. Flourishing in the middle of May.
2/ Second park is Conca dei Rododendri in Oasi  Zegna (Trivero). It is higher than Burcina, about 900 m above sea level, and the best period for a visit is at the beginning of June.
3/ Than, there are places in Aosta Valley, 1700 m and more above sea level, where you can see rhododendron flowers in July (near Champoluc).
Here we will discuss the showiest species growing in the Biella region (Biella and Pollone). The town is situated just between Turin and Milan and it's possible to come here by train (1 hour from Turin, €7 train ticket, change in Santhia; €9,50 train ticket from Milan, change in Novara).

Azaleas, The First Beauties to Visit

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

This plant is not so high as rhododendron and begins it’s blooming just at the end of April. You can see it everywhere in Biella and in the region. I wanted to collect all the colors for my gallery but they are not very numerous as you see.
To have more examples in my collection, I went to Burcina park for the first time on 2019-05-01 this year. Believe me, you will envy yourself to visit Italy in spring and will literally sing the gratitude verses to the Creator.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Places of Interest in Burcina Park

This park was created by the owners of this property in the XIX-XX century and has different points of attraction. There are many rare plants like sequoias and even "death three" there. But most visitors see only rhododendrons in this period.
Another incredible discovery waits for those who are interested in the prehistoric period of the humanity: the highest point of the hill was a village from about 2200 to 450 century BC, and there are tables telling this story there. Ceramics and other things found during the excavations are in the Museum of the Territory in Biella.
When you visit Italy in spring and the weather is so fantastic, it's possible to see Turin and the mountains from the top of the hill. Well, not exactly, but the highest picks are really visible.
It was the first warm day after a very cold April and everybody who had this possibility arrived to enjoy the sun in the park as you can see in the photo.

On the slope of the hill, there is a little restaurant (Trattoria Burcina) where the visitors can taste local specialties. But it's necessary to call them at least one day before the visit to book because they are not open every day and have many admirers.
There is a bar not too far from the rhododendrons, too.

Rhododendrons of Burcina

To enjoy the full bloom of rhododendrons, I had to come about a week later in the park. But the weather was very cold and rainy in the spring period this year so that we almost lose the show. The last photos of this park are from 2019-05-22 when many flowers were just withered.
The flowers of rhododendron are very big and the colors are numerous. There are even some very rare varieties there in this park. You have the feeling you are in paradise when you see that marvel of the creation: flowers, birds, infinite green space in front of you.
Finally, if you want to listen to the chants of the birds at that moment, you can watch my video on Facebook.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The other park, Conca dei Rododendri in Oasi  Zegna (Trivero), presents the best experience in the last week of May and the first week of June. The park is modern and there are many rhododendrons growing along the road.
The village, Trivero, has all the necessary commodities for tourists and is an excellent place for those who like not very demanding excursions in the mountains because the paths are mostly easy and well organized.
During these walks, you can enjoy a great choice of craft beers near the park and fresh cheeses sold by the farmers.
Still life and romantic environment - this is what you find here in spring.
 ============== We’d love to hear your comments and experiences. Feel free to leave a comment or ask a question, below, in the comment section.