オルデニーコのおすすめツーリングルート

The cathedral of Sant’Eusebio, patron saint of Vercelli and Piedmont, boasts ancient origins, but its current appearance is the result of numerous restorations. In Roman times, there was a necropolis here where San Teonesto, the first Christian martyr of Vercelli, a victim of Diocletian's persecutions, was buried. Next to him, Sant’Eusebio was laid to rest in his honor. Tradition has it that the basilica was founded by Emperor Theodosius I, but the barbarian invasions caused serious damage, requiring subsequent reconstruction work. Thanks to its position on the Via Francigena, the cathedral has become a fundamental stop for pilgrims over the centuries, a testimony made evident by the precious relics preserved inside, including those of Thomas Beckett.

Magnificent outing in the rice fields of the Po 😊

After the Galeria Sabauda in Turin, this museum has the largest art collection in Piedmont, with works by Italian, Flemish and Dutch masters from the 15th to the 19th century. The frescoes from churches in the region and paintings by Piedmontese Renaissance painters are special.

The Visconti Castle in Vercelli, Italy, is a medieval castle that stands proudly in the heart of the city. Built at the end of the 13th century, the castle has undergone several transformations over the years. Today it serves as the seat of the Tribunal of Vercelli. The original design, attributed to Matteo Visconti, follows the classic pattern of the Visconti castles of the Lombardy plains: square, with towers at each corner, two entrances on opposite sides, and an inner courtyard. In addition to serving as a symbol of Visconti power over Vercelli, the castle also strengthened the city walls on the south side. Over time, the castle fell into disrepair, but was restored and adapted for various purposes. During the Franco-Spanish War in the 17th century, the castle was damaged during the Spanish siege of 1638. It served as a residence for the governors of Vercelli during the Napoleonic era and later housed the prison. Further restorations were carried out in the 20th century, allowing the castle to regain its original grandeur. Today the castle can only be admired from the outside and is used internally only for official state functions.

Of the castle, dating from 1100, only a few parts are still in use as a farm.

The public fountain in Piazza Paietta has become the symbol of the city: a frog at the edge of the pool sprays a stream of water on a "sgorgia" (blue heron), the typical bird of the rice fields.

The Chiesa dei Santi Quirico e Giulitta in Olcenengo is a historic church with medieval roots, which was later expanded and renovated in the 19th century. The church combines Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements and is best known for its beautiful frescoes, including a remarkable one of Mary with the child Jesus.

A water source runs through the church underground. Looking at the facade, on the right you can see the water flowing. Inside, behind the altar, you can see the underground source.