sector forced many local wool mills to close since they could not compete with the prices of imported fabrics and clothing. Culture Biella is the home of Citta dell'arte (City of the Arts) - Fondazione Pistoletto. In 1994, Italian artist Michelangelo Pistoletto began Progetto Arte, whose aim was to unify the artistic, creative and social-economic aspects (e.g. fashion, theatre, design, etc.). In 1996, he founded City of Arts/Citta dell'arte – Fondazione Pistoletto in a formally unused textile factory near Biella, as a centre supporting and researching creative resources, producing innovative ideas and possibilities. The Citta dell'arte is divided into different Uffici/Offices (work, education, communications, art, nutrition, politics, spirituality, and economics). Government Main sights Biella Cathedral Biella Baptistery in romanesque style (10th-11th century), annexed to the cathedral, housing 13th-century frescoes Giardino Botanico di Oropa, a botanical garden Sacro Monte and sanctuary of Oropa Biella Synagogue Renaissance church of San Sebastiano (1504) Oasi Zegna, a natural preserve Main business and brands Cerruti 1881 (wear) Ermenegildo Zegna (wear) Vitale Barberis Canonico (wear) Fila (sportswear) Drago Lanificio in Biella (luxury fabrics) Banca Sella (bank) Cassa di Risparmio di Biella e Vercelli (bank) Menabrea (beer) Transport Biella has two railway stations. The main one, Biella San Paolo railway station, opened in 1856, is the junction of the Biella–Novara and Santhià–Biella railways. A second railway station, Biella Chiavazza, is in the district of Chiavazza, a short distance along the line towards Novara. The Biella funicular connects a lower station on Via Curiel, in the city's Biella Piano quarter, with an upper station on Via Avogadro in the city's medieval Biella Piazzo quarter. Biella-Cerrione Airport in Cerrione serves Biella. International relations Twin towns — sister cities Biella is twinned with: Kiryū, Japan Arequipa, Peru Tourcoing, France Weihai, China Notable people Virginia Angiola Borrino (1880–1965), physician who was the first woman to serve as head of a University Pediatric Ward in Italy Claudio Botosso, actor Tavo Burat (1932–2009), teacher and journalist Nino Cerruti, stylist, designer, and businessman Chiara Corbelletto (born 1956), Italian-New Zealand sculptor Mario Gariazzo, Italian screenwriter Alberto Gilardino, Italian FIFA World Cup Winner Pier Giorgio Morandi (born 1958), Italian oboist and conductor Ugo Nespolo, Italian painter and sculptor Michelangelo Pistoletto, artist Elvina Ramella (1927–2007), operatic soprano References External links ATL The Wool Road Museo del territorio/Ecomusei Unofficial portal Official web site for European Sacred Mounts Cities and towns in Piedmont