Vercelli
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 22 November 2023
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The city of Vercelli is the capital city of the Province of Vercelli with a population of 46,552 inhabitants.
Standing at an elevation of 130 metres above sea level, it covers a total area of 80 km² and lies 65 kilometres north east of Turin, the regional capital of Piedmont. One of the oldest cities in Italy, dating back to the 6th century BC, it's now a well-established centre for the production of rice with the surrounding area full of paddy fields. |
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Sightseeing Vercelli: around Piazza Cavour
The layout of Vercelli is such that the main sights don't land on your doorstep as it were, instead they need to be carefully sought. The main square is Piazza Cavour; an attractive medieval market square with porticoed edges housing a number of shops and places to eat. There are seven medieval towers in the city and the main one, Torre dell'Angelo can be seen from the middle of the piazza.
From Piazza Cavour it's a 7 minute walk (550 metres) to the most impressive religious building in the city. Located at the north-western fringe of the city centre, the Basilica di Sant'Andrea is a 13th century Romanesque structure with a memorable, multi-coloured facade.
Continuing a similar distance (5 minutes/400 metres) in a clockwise direction from the Basilica di Sant'Andrea, Vercelli Cathedral is the second major church in the city that finds itself tucked away on the fringes, this time on one side of a large roundabout. Also within the cathedral complex are the Episcopal Palace and Museum.
Heading south from the Cathedral on Via Duomo, passing the Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore, you eventually arrive back at the area around Piazza Cavour. Further sights in this part of the city include the Museo Borgogna art gallery, the Torre di Città and the Vercelli Synagogue.
From Piazza Cavour it's a 7 minute walk (550 metres) to the most impressive religious building in the city. Located at the north-western fringe of the city centre, the Basilica di Sant'Andrea is a 13th century Romanesque structure with a memorable, multi-coloured facade.
Continuing a similar distance (5 minutes/400 metres) in a clockwise direction from the Basilica di Sant'Andrea, Vercelli Cathedral is the second major church in the city that finds itself tucked away on the fringes, this time on one side of a large roundabout. Also within the cathedral complex are the Episcopal Palace and Museum.
Heading south from the Cathedral on Via Duomo, passing the Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore, you eventually arrive back at the area around Piazza Cavour. Further sights in this part of the city include the Museo Borgogna art gallery, the Torre di Città and the Vercelli Synagogue.
Profile
Vercelli is a historic city located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. Situated on the banks of the Sesia River, Vercelli boasts a rich history dating back to ancient times and is known for its cultural heritage, culinary delights, and beautiful landscapes.
The city offers a mix of historical landmarks, vibrant piazzas, and agricultural traditions, making it a delightful destination for tourists exploring the Piedmont region.
The city offers a mix of historical landmarks, vibrant piazzas, and agricultural traditions, making it a delightful destination for tourists exploring the Piedmont region.
History
Vercelli's history dates back to the Roman era when it was known as "Vercellae." The Battle of Vercellae in 101 BC was a significant event where the Roman army, led by Gaius Marius, defeated the Cimbri and Teutoni tribes. During the Middle Ages, Vercelli was a thriving medieval town and an important center for religious and cultural activities.
It was also renowned for its agricultural significance, especially rice cultivation in the surrounding plains. Over the centuries, Vercelli's cultural heritage evolved, leaving behind an array of historical monuments and landmarks.
It was also renowned for its agricultural significance, especially rice cultivation in the surrounding plains. Over the centuries, Vercelli's cultural heritage evolved, leaving behind an array of historical monuments and landmarks.
Highlights and nearby attractions
- Basilica di Sant'Andrea: This impressive Romanesque-Gothic basilica is one of Vercelli's most significant landmarks. It houses important religious relics and features beautiful frescoes and architectural details.
- Piazza Cavour: The main square of Vercelli is a lively hub with charming cafes, restaurants, and historic buildings, making it an ideal spot for people-watching and enjoying the local atmosphere.
- Torre dell'Angelo: Visit the "Tower of the Angel," a medieval tower that offers panoramic views of Vercelli and the surrounding countryside.
- Museums: Vercelli boasts several museums, including the Museo Leone, which showcases art and archaeological artifacts, and the Rice Museum, where visitors can learn about the region's rice cultivation.
- Rice Fields: The surrounding countryside of Vercelli is known for its extensive rice fields, making it a significant agricultural region. Visitors can explore the rice paddies and learn about the rice cultivation process.
- Gaudenzio Ferrari's Art: The Church of San Cristoforo houses beautiful frescoes by the renowned Renaissance artist Gaudenzio Ferrari.
- Local Cuisine: Vercelli is famous for its culinary traditions, particularly its rice dishes. Don't miss the opportunity to taste the local specialty "Riso alla Vercellese," a risotto prepared with meat and saffron.
Comune di Vercelli
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Province: Vercelli
Region: Piedmont Population: 45,425 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2022) Size: 80 km² Elevation: 130 metres Highlights: Basilica di Sant'Andrea, Piazza Cavour, cathedral Close by: Varallo Sesia, Sacro Monte di Varallo, Casale Monferrato Recommended accommodation: Hotel Garibaldi |
Vercelli Travel
Vercelli's train station is situated in the same area of the city as the Basilica di Sant'Andrea, a 10 minute walk of 800 metres. Trains from here run south west to Turin (Porta Nuova) with a journey time of 57 minutes, or 17 minutes in the opposite direction to Novara, a train that continues on to Milan (Milano Centrale) with a total journey time of 56 minutes.
The most convenient airports for Vercelli are Turin Airport which is a 50 minute drive away (82 km) and Milan's Malpensa Airport which is 51 minutes and 55 kilometres by car. A third alternative is Milan Linate Airport which is an hour and 7 minutes (101 km).
In terms of places to visit nearby, Vercelli sits roughly halfway between two major cities: Turin and Milan, each of which are an hour or so away. Even closer and to the north are the Piedmontese towns of Biella, and Ivrea or heading south, Asti, Casale Monferrato and Alessandria in the important Monferrato wine-growing region with its beautiful vineyard landscapes.
Heading east over the regional border into Lombardy there are the impressive cities of Pavia and Vigevano while another Piemontese city, Novara is closest of all and well worth a visit.
The most convenient airports for Vercelli are Turin Airport which is a 50 minute drive away (82 km) and Milan's Malpensa Airport which is 51 minutes and 55 kilometres by car. A third alternative is Milan Linate Airport which is an hour and 7 minutes (101 km).
In terms of places to visit nearby, Vercelli sits roughly halfway between two major cities: Turin and Milan, each of which are an hour or so away. Even closer and to the north are the Piedmontese towns of Biella, and Ivrea or heading south, Asti, Casale Monferrato and Alessandria in the important Monferrato wine-growing region with its beautiful vineyard landscapes.
Heading east over the regional border into Lombardy there are the impressive cities of Pavia and Vigevano while another Piemontese city, Novara is closest of all and well worth a visit.
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Public transport: central train station, local buses
By train: Novara - 17 minutes, Turin - 57 minutes |
By car: Novara - 33 mins (25 km), Alessandria - 38 mins (56 km)
Fly to: Turin Airport - 50 minutes (82 km) |
