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Cavour Square

Vercelli is a lovely city center of modest size but with a unique charm: worth seeing are the central Piazza Cavour, the porticoes, the Basilica of Sant’Andrea with the 10th century “Vercelli Book”, the metropolitan cathedral of Sant’Eusebio and the “Arca” exhibition center near the church of San Marco.

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.

Vercelli square seen from under the portico

Square seen from the portico

Magnificent outing in the rice fields of the Po 😊

The Sesia, a majestic river, flows through Vercelli. This waterway has a rich history and plays a crucial role in the landscape of the Piedmont region. The Sesia is surrounded by rice fields that are flooded in summer, and it is a popular destination for canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts and hikers. The Sesia Valley, also known as the “greenest valley in Italy”, attracts countless nature lovers and adventurers every year.

The prosperous 13th-century Vercelli is still visible in the town's predominantly medieval layout, dominated by its beautiful basilica. In addition, the Sacred Mountains nearby, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, are an interesting tourist destination in this ancient textile region.