Vercelli

Vercelli, a land on the move 

Vercelli is an ancient, little-known town rich in tradition, myth, art and history. 

Lying in one of the most beautiful valleys of the Piedmont region, the town offers enchanted landscapes and moments of peace. 

Historical events

The earliest inhabitants of these fascinating lands were the Libici and Etruscans. Later, Celtic colonies settled along the banks of the Sesia and Cervo rivers. 

Little of this ancient time is still visible as flooding rivers and barbarian invasions led to the disappearance of many important remains and monuments. 

The strong influence of the Romans is evident when walking through the villages of the region. In the second century BC the Romans, guided by Gaius Marius, defeated the Cimbri at the battle of Campi Raudi (“red earth”), today a green meadow near Vercelli. All the epigraphic and archaeological Roman findings, such as sarcophagi, worked glass and funerary outfits, are kept today in the Museo Leone at Vercelli. 

During the Middle Ages, the economy sank as a result of several invasions: firstly the Huns, then the Burgundians led by their king Gundobad (490), and finally the Lombards who ruled for over two centuries. 

Also important was the rule of the Carolingian dynasty that transformed the Lombard Duchy of Vercelli into a county under the hegemony of the Franks. This resulted in radical changes in local administrative and economic structure. 

A turning point occurred in 1320 when the Visconti family took control of Vercelli, ushering in a period of peace and stability. In 1427 Vercelli fell under Savoy rule. During their rule the economy of Vercelli suffered from excessive taxation and innumerable wars. From 1734, following a period of peace, these lands finally began to prosper and took the shape they have today. 

Hidden treasures 

The entire area around Vercelli abounds in art treasures, such as churches and remarkable monuments. When walking the streets of Vercelli visitors will surely be mesmerised by the superb 1219 Basilica of Sant’Andrea, one of the region’s most interesting monuments. The importance of this basilica lies in the fact that it constitutes one of the first monuments in Italy where Gothic characteristics appear. The result is rather unique: Gothic elegance merges with sober Romanesque dignity, creating a balanced and harmonious complex. 

The pointed arches on the arcades of the old Sant’Andrea Hospital, believed to be one of the first Italian medical institutions, begin just in front of the basilica. 

The imposing Vercelli Cathedral is a typical basilica composed by a central nave with four aisles divided by four rows of nine monolithic columns, a wide transept and a single apse facing east. 

In the entire region there are numerous monuments and historical houses, witnesses to a long and eventful history. 

An enchanting land 

The planes around Vercelli not only boast a marvellous artistic heritage, but are also absorbing natural surroundings. Woods, hills and fields give a distinctive character to the landscape and enchant visitors. There are many protected areas and natural reserves, such as the Parco Naturale del Po and the Parco della Partecipanza in Turin. The Parco Naturale delle Lame del Sesia is also worthy of note. In this enchanted place, you can walk and admire nature or go horseback riding. 

The fifteenth-century castles of San Genuario and the Moncrivello Castle are surrounded by luxuriant plant life. 

Among these striking landscapes should be mentioned the Valle Varesina, a valley from which one can appreciate the hills of Gattinara and their endless vineyards. In this valley there are two Sacri Monti (Sacred Mounts): the Sacro Monte of Sant’Anna di Montrigone near Borgosesia, and further north the most famous Sacro Monte: the special natural reserve of Sacro Monte di Varallo. 

In such an enchanting setting there are many things to do: trekking, mountain bike tours, skiing, all sorts of winter sports and canoeing. 

Vercelli at meal times 

This region is home to many local foods, such as agnolotti, a typical piedmontese dish also popular around Vercelli. The filling of these big ravioli is enriched with aged salami. It is a complete meal in itself that is served on important occasions, like Christmas. Another speciality is the “acciughe con l bagnet vert”, anchovies seasoned in a traditional spicy sauce from Vercelli consisting of garlic, chilli peppers and chopped parsley. 

A very important product of the area around Vercelli is rice which serves as the base of the regional diet and which is a typical local product.