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Vercelli​

Latest page update: 26 May 2025
By: Dion Protani
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. 

What People Ask About Vercelli

Is Vercelli worth visiting?
Yes, Vercelli is worth visiting for its historic centre, Romanesque churches, and role as a major rice-growing area. It's one of the oldest cities in Piedmont with a strong cultural heritage.
What can you do in Vercelli?
You can visit the Basilica di Sant’Andrea, explore the Museo Borgogna, and walk through the medieval streets. The town is also known for its rice paddies, visible just outside the centre.
How do you get to Vercelli?
Vercelli has its own train station with direct services to Milan, Turin, and Novara. It's also accessible by car via the A26 motorway and regional roads from surrounding areas.
What is Vercelli known for?
Vercelli is known for its rice production, Romanesque-Gothic architecture, and cultural institutions. It also holds one of Italy’s oldest universities and several notable churches and museums.
When is the best time to visit Vercelli?
Spring and early autumn are the best times to visit, especially during the rice-growing season. These months offer mild weather and clearer views of the surrounding countryside.
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Discover

Discover Vercelli
​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. 

Things to Do

Things to Do in Vercelli
  • Basilica di Sant’Andrea is the city’s most iconic landmark, built in the early 13th century and blending Romanesque and Gothic elements. It features twin towers, a rose window, and a cloister with carved capitals. The interior includes frescoes, a wooden choir, and Gothic vaulting, and the basilica remains active for religious services and cultural events.
  • Piazza Cavour and Torre dell’Angelo form the civic centre of Vercelli, surrounded by historic palazzi, cafés, and arcaded walkways. The 14th-century tower rises above the square and once served defensive and civic functions. The piazza hosts regular markets and is a starting point for exploring the city’s medieval quarter.
  • Cathedral of Sant’Eusebio and Museo del Tesoro are located close to the main square. The cathedral was rebuilt in neoclassical style in the 19th century, though it retains earlier elements and artworks. The adjoining museum holds liturgical objects, medieval manuscripts, and the 10th-century Vercelli Book, an important Old English text.
  • Museo Borgogna is one of Piedmont’s leading art museums, housed in a 19th-century villa and featuring works by Italian and European painters. The collection includes paintings from the Renaissance to the 19th century, decorative arts, and archaeological finds. Temporary exhibitions and guided visits are regularly offered.
  • Risaie Vercellesi (Vercelli Rice Fields) surround the city and form part of Italy’s largest rice-growing area. In spring, the flooded fields create a reflective landscape popular with photographers and birdwatchers. Several cycling and walking paths pass through the countryside, linking rural villages and traditional farms.
Vercelli Tours and Activities
Comune di Vercelli
Province: Vercelli

Region: Piedmont

Population: 45,635​​ (in 2024 - source)

Size: 80 km²

Elevation: 130 metres

Highlights: Basilica di Sant'Andrea, Piazza Cavour, cathedral

​Close by: Varallo Sesia, Sacro Monte di Varallo, Casale Monferrato

Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Vercelli
  • Vercelli Palace Hotel Located near the city centre, this modern hotel offers spacious rooms with contemporary furnishings, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Guests appreciate the on-site fitness centre, free parking, and the convenient access to the A26 motorway. The hotel is well positioned for visiting the historic centre, including Vercelli Cathedral and the Church of San Cristoforo. €€ (mid-range)
  • Hotel Garibaldi This stylish hotel, located just outside the town centre, features air-conditioned rooms with elegant décor and parquet floors. Visitors enjoy the gourmet restaurant known for its creative cuisine, including chocolate-infused specialities, as well as the warm service and quiet surroundings. The hotel is ideal for those travelling by car. €€ (mid-range)
  • Cerruti Hotel Situated in a quiet residential area, this hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern décor and convenient amenities. Guests value the welcoming atmosphere, free parking, and the generous breakfast served daily. The hotel’s location allows easy access to Vercelli’s main attractions by car or taxi. €€ (mid-range)
  • Il Giardinetto Located within walking distance of the historic centre, this small hotel features rooms with traditional furnishings and en-suite bathrooms. Guests appreciate the garden terrace, the on-site restaurant serving regional dishes, and the friendly staff. Its location makes it a practical choice for exploring the old town and museums. €€ (mid-range)
  • Modo Hotel This contemporary hotel near the train station offers spacious rooms with minimalist design, soundproofing, and modern facilities. Visitors enjoy the restaurant and lounge bar, free private parking, and the short drive to both the centre of Vercelli and the countryside beyond. €€ (mid-range)

Where to Eat

Where to Eat in Vercelli
  • Ristorante Cinzia – Christian & Manuel: Located within Hotel Cinzia, this Michelin-starred restaurant focuses on creative cuisine rooted in local traditions. Signature dishes include reinterpretations of paniscia and risotto, using Vercelli’s renowned rice. The tasting menus are ideal for special occasions. Price guide: €€€€ (Fine dining)
  • Trattoria Paolino: This long-standing trattoria near the city centre offers classic Piedmontese cooking in a down-to-earth setting. Expect dishes like vitello tonnato, agnolotti, and stewed meats, with seasonal ingredients and a good regional wine list. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Ristorante Il Giardinetto: Tucked away near the old town, this family-run restaurant serves a mix of fish and meat dishes, with a focus on risotti. The warm service and garden seating in summer make it a pleasant place for a quiet dinner. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
  • Pizzeria Bella Napoli: A casual spot popular with locals, Bella Napoli offers classic Neapolitan-style pizzas alongside salads and pasta. With a quick service and welcoming staff, it’s a good choice for families or relaxed meals. Price guide: € (Budget-friendly)
  • Caffè del Corso: Overlooking Corso Libertà, this central café offers pastries, sandwiches, aperitivi and light lunches. It’s a great place to stop for a coffee or a glass of wine while people-watching in the heart of the city. Price guide: € (Budget-friendly)

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Places Close to [Place Name]

Places Close to Vercelli
  • Biella (approx. 40 km northwest of Vercelli): A town located at the foot of the Biellese Alps, Biella is known for its textile heritage and stunning natural surroundings. The town features several beautiful parks, including the Parco della Burcina, ideal for walking and birdwatching. Biella’s historic centre is home to charming streets, traditional shops, and the Biella Cathedral, making it a great spot for history and nature lovers alike.
  • Cigliano (approx. 20 km southwest of Vercelli): A small town with a quiet, rural atmosphere, Cigliano is surrounded by fertile farmland and offers visitors a peaceful escape. The town’s historic centre features a mix of traditional architecture, while the surrounding countryside provides plenty of opportunities for scenic walks and enjoying the local landscapes. Cigliano is an excellent destination for those seeking tranquillity and a taste of rural life.
  • Casale Monferrato (approx. 40 km southeast of Vercelli): Situated in the heart of the Monferrato hills, Casale Monferrato is known for its medieval and Renaissance architecture, including the Casale Cathedral and the Palazzo del Monferrato. The town is famous for its wine production, particularly Barbera and Grignolino, and visitors can enjoy wine tastings at local vineyards. Casale Monferrato also offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and a vibrant cultural scene.
  • Morbello (approx. 35 km south of Vercelli): A small town set in the picturesque Monferrato hills, Morbello offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and a charming, tranquil atmosphere. The town is known for its historical architecture, including the Church of San Giovanni Battista. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks through the surrounding vineyards and forests, making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore the beauty of the region.
  • Gattinara (approx. 40 km northeast of Vercelli): A historic town known for its Gattinara wine, a DOCG red wine made from Nebbiolo grapes, Gattinara offers visitors a blend of history and viticulture. The town’s historic centre is home to several landmarks, including the Church of San Giovanni Battista and the Castello di Gattinara, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards. Gattinara is also a great base for exploring the nearby Val Sesia and the Alps.

How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Vercelli
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. ​
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)

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