Ecomuseo della Tradizione Costruttiva - Ex Monastero della Trappa di Sordevolo
Ecomuseum in the former Trappa monastery of Sordevolo, open from April to October, dedicated to the building tradition and the terraced landscape of the Biellese.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
La Trappa di Sordevolo takes its name from a community of Trappist monks who fled revolutionary France and lived there for only six years, between 1796 and 1802. Work on the site had begun in the mid-18th century under the wool entrepreneur and landowner Gregorio Ambrosetti, who in fact intended to establish a Passionist convent there; opposition from the Comune and the parish blocked the project. After the Trappist period the large building remained unfinished and was partly used as a high pasture until the end of the 20th century.
The Istituto Ambrosetti, the current owner, promoted the founding of the Associazione della Trappa in 1998, which began restoring the complex as part of the Ecomuseo Valle Elvo e Serra. Research into the history of the site, the rediscovery of traditional building techniques, the regeneration of the terraced landscape, hospitality in the monks’ cells and authentic cooking make it today an open and educational place, defined as a “school for new inhabitants”.
Alongside guided tours, from April to October there are educational activities for a day or for residential stays, with excursions, workshops and experiences with producers and residents: maintenance of dry-stone terraces, wild plants, the milk supply chain, bees, food and landscape, household economy and woodcraft.
Highlights
- Former Trappist monastery (1796–1802)
- Traditional building techniques and terraces
- Accommodation in the former monks’ cells
- Refreshments with mountain cooking
- Educational activities from April to October
Permanent exhibition
- Ecomuseo della Tradizione Costruttiva – Exhibition on the building tradition of the Biellese inside the former Trappa monastery.
- Operated by
- Associazione della Trappa APS
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
It is reached on foot or with a final stretch on foot along an unpaved road.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
By car, from the Santuario di Oropa take the SP 512 del Tracciolino and continue for about 8 km to the sign “Trappa”; there leave the car and walk 10 minutes along the unpaved road. On foot (about 60 minutes): from Sordevolo leave the car at Prera and climb to the Pian dell’Asino, then follow the mule track.
La Trappa can be reached in two ways: on foot (about 60 minutes from Sordevolo, at Prera) or by car to the sign “Trappa” and then 10 minutes on foot.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Restaurant
La Trappa offers refreshments, accommodation and stabling.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | In addition to guided tours, from April to October there are one-day or residential educational activities (accommodation in the guesthouse). |
