The Ricetto of Candelo is a medieval fortified structure built between the XIII and the XIV century. It isn't a prince castle, but a village built by the local population will: it was used to protect the community property, wine and grains. The reason why it is still in such a good level of preservation is its own function, community wine cellar: the village has never been steadily inhabited and it has never been modified to live inside its walls. 
The medieval Ricetto has a pentagonal plan, protected by walls and towers about 80 cm thick. The word "Ricetto" comes from the latin word "receptum": in the Roman period meant "gathering" inside the fortified Roman camp, which in the Middle Ages changed its meaning in "shelter, refuge". Everything, from the walls to the streets (called rue) is built by simple and poor materials: river pebbles fishbone placed in the external walls and pebbles and bricks in the cellars.
The medieval Ricetto has a pentagonal plan, protected by walls and towers about 80 cm thick. The word "Ricetto" comes from the latin word "receptum": in the Roman period meant "gathering" inside the fortified Roman camp, which in the Middle Ages changed its meaning in "shelter, refuge". Everything, from the walls to the streets (called rue) is built by simple and poor materials: river pebbles fishbone placed in the external walls and pebbles and bricks in the cellars.
The entrance tower (Door Tower, once with drawbridge) is the only way in and out to the medieval village. Just inside on your right you find the most mighty building: the Prince Tower, built around the end of the XV century by Sebastiano Ferrero, feudal lord of Candelo, important lord of Biella, treasurer and adviser of the House of Savoy. Nowadays the medieval village of the ricetto is one of the most important tourist and cultural sightseeings, something unique in Europe and certified as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
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