Rosazza – the most mysterious village in Italy

Defined as the “Rennes-le-Château of Italy,” the mysterious town of the Templars, Rosazza, just like its French counterpart, hides numerous secrets. Today, this village is considered one of the most fascinating tourist destinations to visit in Italy, even though it is not widely known.

Let’s discover together this enchanting Italian village wrapped in mystery:

Rosazza’s fame is linked to a Senator of the Kingdom of Italy and to the very nature of its name, the rose. It is a village that intrigues curious visitors in search of symbols and esoteric messages. A place for adventurous souls, seeking memorable experiences of hiking in the Biellese Alps and discovering places that spark the imagination.

Where the village is located

Rosazza is a village in the province of Biella, in the mountains of the Valle Cervo, on the border between Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta. This town of just 93 inhabitants was historically a hamlet of the municipality of Piedicavallo. But after the Unification of Italy, many things changed, bringing the village out of the shadows.

The village as we see it today owes its features to an illustrious 19th-century figure, a member of Mazzini’s Giovine Italia movement, a Senator of the Kingdom, and a man very close to the world of Freemasonry: Federico Rosazza Pistolet.

The village, like the entire Valle Cervo, has an ambiguous and little-known past. It appears in chronicles only around the 10th century, as a mix of Mediterranean peoples from the south and Celts from the north, united to withstand the harsh mountain climate. Thanks to mountain products, livestock, and trade routes, Rosazza survived to the present day—together with its mysteries.

The founder of Rosazza

Federico Rosazza Pistolet (1813–1899) was born in this small mountain village in the province of Biella. The son of a noble notary, he studied and worked in Genoa, forging important political friendships, especially within Freemasonry. After the tragic death of his young wife and daughter, he returned to his birthplace and decided to renew the village of his childhood.

He spent almost all his wealth restoring ancient buildings. His aim was to honor his family’s memory while also celebrating the Masonic symbols of the order he belonged to, which are scattered throughout the village’s alleys.

As a Senator of the new Kingdom of Italy, Rosazza completed major works in the Valle Cervo: he built the road and tunnel through Colle della Colma, still today the route to the Sanctuary of Oropa; he created paths, fountains, and watering troughs along the pastures; and he built public buildings of remarkable beauty.

What to see

Rosazza is rich in art, history, and culture, with monuments that have survived intact, bearing witness to its legendary past. Its architecture and surrounding wild nature make it a fascinating destination.

• The Temple Church of Rosazza: Dedicated to St. Eusebius, it replaced an older chapel demolished by Rosazza. Officially a Christian church, it contains ambiguous elements: a swastika cross (fertility symbol), a black-and-white checkered floor, a starry vault reminiscent of Masonic temples, and the “Door of the Righteous” marked with a rose symbol.
• The Castle of Rosazza: Built in 1883 by architect Giuseppe Maffei, it features a manor house with a circular Guelph tower, deliberately aged walls, rough columns, and decorative ruins evoking ancient temples. Frescoes with symbolic motifs add to its mystical aura.
• The Monumental Cemetery: Reached by a three-arched stone bridge, it is filled with statues and works of art, creating a dark, evocative atmosphere perfect for mystery lovers.
• The Town Hall: Commissioned by Rosazza and designed by Maffei, completed in 1906, it became the seat of the new municipality. Its architecture alternates cream, purple, and stone-gray tones, with balconies, colonnades, a white marble staircase, and Masonic symbols. The Ghibelline-style clock tower with battlements is one of Rosazza’s icons.

The mysteries of Rosazza

There is a strong link between Rosazza and esotericism. Legend has it that Federico Rosazza and his friend, architect Giuseppe Maffei—both Freemasons—took part in spiritual séances, receiving instructions from a spirit guide on how to rebuild the village.

Thus, Rosazza is said to be a town built by two men under the guidance of spirits, following Masonic principles. Truth, fantasy, or popular suggestion of another era? Who knows. What is certain is that Rosazza today is a hidden gem in the Biellese Alps, attracting curious travelers in search of unique, mysterious experiences.

How to reach Rosazza

• By car: Take the A5 Turin–Mont Blanc motorway (or the Ivrea–Santhià branch), exiting at Pont Saint Martin, Quincinetto, or Albiano d’Ivrea. The closest exit (17 km away) is Pont Saint Martin.
• By train: Get off at Biella station, then continue by regional bus.
• By plane: The nearest airport is Turin-Caselle, 60 km away.