The experience
At the heart of this itinerary is the rich tradition of craftsmanship of the hat factory in the picturesque Cervo Valley. Since the 1700s, this green valley has been famous for the production of felt hats, an art passed down through generations of master hatters and skilled skilled workers. This destination has gained fame in the world of high-class fashion thanks to its excellence in craftsmanship, keeping intact the tradition that makes it an authentic jewel in the international fashion scene.
The experience continues with a visit to one of the most important Italian cotton complexes, commissioned by the Poma family in the nineteenth century, which has given life to a workers’ village around the plant since 1870. During the 1900s, 14 buildings were built, with a total of 364 rooms, capable of accommodating over 800 people, i.e. factory workers and their families. In addition to the workers’ dwellings, the village included important ancillary infrastructures, such as the kindergarten and the adjoining school, the economic kitchen, the washhouse, the recreational club, and also institutions that were not strictly construction, such as the consumer cooperative, the deposit bank and the workers’ societies.
Not to be missed is the Mebo Museum, an authentic jewel that celebrates the food and wine traditions of the area through the Beer Museum and the Cheese Museum that come together in a single experience and become a symbol of the history and passion of two ancient families in the area.
This place is dedicated to those who love beer, offering a unique way to discover and immerse yourself in the history of the oldest brewery in Italy, active with passion since 1846. This wing of the museum is a rich exhibition of machinery, tools, documents, photographs and objects related to the art of brewing. Advertising posters, company awards, commercial books and photographs make up a unique collection that celebrates and retraces the brand’s most significant milestones.
The Cheese Museum tells the story of a dairy company that, from the post-war period to the present day, has built deep roots in the territory. An immersion in the dairy tradition of the Biella Alps allows you to understand how this activity has evolved and innovated over time.
Shortly
Tour
The Traditions of Biella
In the morning you will immerse yourself in a timeless journey at the historic Cappellificio Cervo, a prestigious nineteenth-century factory famous for the craftsmanship of felt hats. You will have the opportunity to admire the extraordinary original machinery dating back to the early 1900s that may have been used during the work of some of your relatives who lived in the area. With an archive of over 656 wooden and 431 metal hat shapes, the company continues its long tradition, creating exclusive works of art for major international brands in the luxury sector. Lunch on your own.
In the afternoon, the tour will take you to one of the first workers’ villages in Italy. Through the history of the village, you will empathize with the daily life of a bygone time. The day will end with a visit and a tasting/snack at the Mebo Museum, a place that tells the story, the attachment to the territory, the tradition and the innovation of two families dedicated to their productions for generations.
You will explore the history of beer, the raw materials used, the production process and the original instruments from 1846 perfectly restored, as well as the tools of the ancient coopers, workshop utensils, bottles and mugs. You will have the opportunity to learn about the characteristics of the Biella mountain pastures, the local animal breeds, the period tools and the modern milk processing procedures. You will hear about the stages of the butter and cheese production process, from maturing to aging, to the creation of original products such as beer cheese, a symbol of the union between the two companies.
At the end of the visit, you will be guided through the tasting techniques to fully appreciate the distinctive aromas, scents, and flavors of each product.
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