The Village of Vermogno

A small stone village nestled among woods and hillsides, where a revitalization project is breathing new life into a place that has lain dormant for years

Not just a vacation, but a way of life

Vermogno is an ancient village, nestled in the folds of the Serra, made up of stone houses, narrow alleys, and unadorned views. It is a place that tells the story of a simple daily life, shaped over time by everyday actions, relationships, and a deep connection to the land.

Like many small Alpine settlements, the village has gradually become depopulated over the years. The houses remain, preserving memory and identity, in a state of limbo.

Today, a new possibility is taking shape out of this situation.

The Village Bakery

In the heart of Vermogno stands an old community oven that has been restored to working order by the Vermogno Vive Association.
Community ovens are places where bread was baked collectively, as part of shared experiences that strengthened bonds between people and marked the rhythm of village life.
Even today, this space reflects a vibrant and close-knit community, thanks in part to the dedication of local associations that continue to bring the village to life and keep its traditions alive.

The Gold Prospectors

In the streams that flow through the area around Vermogno, the tradition of gold panning is still alive today.

This is a time-honored tradition, linked to the geological makeup of the area, in which locals and enthusiasts have spent years sifting through river sand in search of tiny flecks of gold. Even today, this activity is carried on by the Biella Gold Prospectors Association, which keeps the tradition alive and organizes demonstrations and public events.

A direct way to experience one of the region's most unique traditions.

A place to savor at a leisurely pace

Vermogno isn't a destination to rush through. It's a place to savor at a leisurely pace, to discover step by step.

Here, the landscape isn’t just a backdrop, but an integral part of the experience: the woods, the trails, the changing light throughout the day. It all contributes to creating an intimate, uncluttered atmosphere, far removed from the fast pace of everyday life.

Staying in the village means stepping into a more intimate world, where every detail invites you to slow down.

Borgodoro is not just a place to stay, but a project that restores meaning to a space, transforming a forgotten village into a new opportunity for connection, experience, and life.

A Village That's Already Thriving

Vermogno is brought to life by an active community and local organizations that keep its traditions and opportunities for togetherness alive.

Borgodoro fits into this context respectfully, complementing an existing entity.

The following organizations operate in Vermogno:

  • Associazione Vermogno Vive APS, which since 1993 has been enlivening village life with events and artistic and social initiatives, fostering a sense of community and preserving traditions, including through the community bakery.
  • Associazione Biellese Cercatori d'Oro, which since 1987 has operated one of the few permanent gold panning arenas in the world, serving as an international hub for sports, educational, and tourism activities.
  • Ecomuseo della Valle Elvo e Serra, with its section dedicated to gold, which since 2001 has been telling the millennia-old history of the Bessa, weaving together archaeology, memory, and the local landscape.
  • Ente di Gestione della Riserva Naturale Speciale della Bessa, which protects and promotes the sustainable use of the area through the Visitor Center, a hub for excursions and educational activities.
  • Erbass, with its edible plant garden, which opened in 2025, promotes awareness of edible wild plants, highlighting their value as a cultural and culinary resource.
  • Associazione Urban Kintsugi, which enriches the village with contemporary artistic and cultural practices, thanks to the dojo opened in 2024 dedicated to Eastern disciplines and paths of inner exploration.
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