Province of Vercelli
The province of Vercelli covers an area of 2,088 sq.km. It is bordered to the north by Switzerland and the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, to the east by the province of Novara and the region of Lombardy, to the south by the province of Alessandria and to the west by the province of Biella and the region of Aosta.
Province of Vercelli, Piedmont
This province has large expanses of rice growing fields which is its main source of income and employment.
The capital city of the province is Vercelli with the second city being Borgosesia.
Other main towns in the province of Vercelli are:
- Santhià
- Gattinara
- Crescentino
- Trino
- Varallo
- Serravalle Sesia
- Cigliano
- Livorno Ferraris
- Quarona
- Saluggia
Located in the heart of northern Italy’s Piedmont region, Vercelli Province is a land of vast agricultural plains, rich historical sites, and unique cultural heritage. Known primarily as Italy’s rice capital, Vercelli is a place where centuries-old farming traditions meet impressive medieval architecture and artistic treasures. Bordered by the Sesia River and nestled between the regions of Lombardy and Piedmont, Vercelli offers visitors a unique mix of natural beauty, cultural depth, and culinary excellence. Its charming villages, historical monuments, and fertile fields make it a perfect destination for those looking to explore Italy’s rural charm and history.
A Historical Overview of Vercelli
The city of Vercelli, the provincial capital, boasts an ancient history that stretches back to Roman times when it was known as Vercellae. Due to its strategic location along the Via Francigena, an important pilgrimage route leading to Rome, Vercelli flourished as a religious and economic center throughout the Middle Ages. The city gained prominence as a hub of trade and commerce, particularly for its production of textiles and later, its cultivation of rice.
Throughout its history, Vercelli has been influenced by various rulers, including the House of Savoy, who left a significant mark on its architecture and urban development. Today, the province retains much of its medieval and Renaissance charm, with numerous historic churches, monasteries, and palazzi that testify to its long-standing cultural importance.
Vercelli: The Rice Capital of Italy
One of Vercelli Province’s defining characteristics is its vast rice paddies, which stretch as far as the eye can see across the Pianura Padana (Po Valley). Vercelli is often referred to as the "rice capital of Italy", as it produces the majority of Italy’s Carnaroli and Arborio rice varieties, both essential for the famous risotto.
The History of Rice Cultivation in Vercelli
Rice cultivation in Vercelli dates back to the 15th century when the first rice paddies were planted in the fertile plains surrounding the city. The region’s unique irrigation system, which uses the waters of the Sesia River, creates the perfect environment for growing rice, and over the centuries, Vercelli has become synonymous with high-quality rice production. The landscape transforms seasonally, with flooded paddies reflecting the sky in spring, and golden fields of mature rice ready for harvest in the autumn.
Rice Farming Today
Visitors to Vercelli can explore its rice-growing tradition through guided tours of working farms, known as riserie, where they can learn about the cultivation and processing of rice. Many of these farms have been family-owned for generations and offer a fascinating insight into the agricultural practices that have sustained the region for centuries. During these tours, visitors can also enjoy tastings of local rice-based dishes, including various types of risotto, which are the cornerstone of Vercelli’s culinary tradition.
Architectural and Historical Landmarks
Vercelli Province is home to a wealth of architectural and historical landmarks that reflect its rich past. From Romanesque churches to elegant palaces, the province offers plenty for history enthusiasts to explore.
Basilica di Sant’Andrea
The Basilica di Sant’Andrea, located in the city of Vercelli, is one of the most important Romanesque-Gothic churches in Italy. Built between 1219 and 1227, the basilica is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, combining elements of Lombard Romanesque and French Gothic styles. Its grand façade, impressive rose window, and slender bell towers make it a striking landmark in the city. Inside, the basilica houses beautiful frescoes, sculptures, and the tomb of its founder, Cardinal Guala Bicchieri.
Vercelli Cathedral
The Cathedral of Saint Eusebius (Cattedrale di Sant’Eusebio) is another important religious site in Vercelli. Originally built in the 4th century, the cathedral has undergone several reconstructions, with the current Baroque structure dating back to the 16th century. The cathedral’s treasury includes the Vercelli Book, an ancient manuscript written in Old English, which is one of the oldest surviving texts of its kind. The Vercelli Book adds to the city's importance as a center of medieval scholarship and religious history.
The Abbey of Lucedio
Located in the countryside near Trino, the Abbey of Lucedio is a former Cistercian monastery founded in 1123. The abbey played a crucial role in introducing rice cultivation to the region, and its historical significance remains intertwined with Vercelli’s agricultural identity. The abbey complex, which includes the church, cloisters, and surrounding agricultural land, is a beautifully preserved example of medieval monastic architecture. Visitors can tour the abbey and its grounds, learning about its fascinating history and its role in shaping the local landscape.
Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities
While Vercelli is known for its agricultural heritage, the province also offers beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor activities, particularly in the Sesia Valley and surrounding areas.
Parco Naturale delle Lame del Sesia
The Parco Naturale delle Lame del Sesia is a protected nature reserve located along the Sesia River, which provides a haven for wildlife and an ideal spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and birdwatching. The park is home to various species of birds, including herons, storks, and kingfishers, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the park’s wetlands, forests, and riverbanks while enjoying the tranquility of the region’s unspoiled natural environment.
Val Sesia
For those seeking more adventure, the Val Sesia offers stunning mountain landscapes and opportunities for outdoor sports such as rafting, kayaking, and skiing. The river Sesia, with its fast-flowing waters, is one of Italy’s top destinations for white-water rafting, attracting adventure seekers from across the country. In winter, the nearby Monte Rosa massif provides excellent skiing and snowboarding options, making the province a year-round destination for outdoor activities.
Culinary Delights of Vercelli
Vercelli’s culinary scene is deeply connected to its agricultural roots, particularly its rice production. The local cuisine is a celebration of traditional Piedmontese flavors, with dishes that highlight the region’s rich produce, meats, and cheeses.
Risotto
As the rice capital of Italy, it’s no surprise that risotto is the star of Vercelli’s culinary tradition. The region produces some of the best Carnaroli and Arborio rice in the world, and these varieties are used to create a wide range of risotto dishes, from the simple yet flavorful Risotto alla Milanese (made with saffron) to more complex variations featuring local ingredients such as mushrooms, truffles, or frog legs, a delicacy in the region.
Panissa
One of Vercelli’s signature dishes is Panissa, a hearty risotto dish made with Arborio rice, local sausages, borlotti beans, and red wine (often Barbera). This rustic and flavorful dish is a perfect example of the region’s ability to transform simple, local ingredients into culinary masterpieces.
Gorgonzola Cheese
Vercelli is also known for producing high-quality gorgonzola cheese, one of Italy’s most famous blue cheeses. The nearby town of Gorgonzola gives the cheese its name, and many dairies in the Vercelli area produce both Gorgonzola Dolce (mild and creamy) and Gorgonzola Piccante (sharp and tangy). Visitors can tour local dairies to learn about the traditional methods of cheese production and sample this beloved Piedmontese cheese.
Local Wines
The province of Vercelli is part of the Alto Piemonte wine region, which produces excellent red wines made from Nebbiolo grapes. One of the most famous wines from the region is Gattinara, a robust and complex red wine known for its aging potential and deep flavors. Wine lovers can explore local vineyards and wineries, tasting the full range of Piedmontese wines, including Lessona and Bramaterra, which are also produced in the region.
Festivals and Cultural Events
Vercelli Province is home to a variety of festivals and cultural events that celebrate its agricultural heritage, religious traditions, and culinary excellence.
Fiera in Campo
One of the most important agricultural events in the province is the Fiera in Campo, held annually in March. This event showcases the latest innovations in rice farming and agricultural technology, attracting farmers and industry professionals from across Italy. Visitors can explore exhibitions, attend workshops, and sample local products, including risotto and other rice-based dishes.
Vercelli Rice Festival
The Vercelli Rice Festival is another highlight of the provincial calendar, celebrating the region’s rice harvest with food tastings, cooking demonstrations, and cultural performances. Held in autumn, this festival is a must-visit for food enthusiasts looking to experience the best of Vercelli’s culinary traditions.
Procession of the Sacred Thorn
As a deeply religious province, Vercelli hosts several important religious festivals, including the Procession of the Sacred Thorn, held in the city of Vercelli on Good Friday. This solemn procession, which dates back to the Middle Ages, commemorates the relic of the Sacred Thorn, believed to be a fragment of Christ’s crown of thorns. The procession is an important part of Vercelli’s religious heritage and attracts pilgrims from across the region.
Conclusion: A Province of Tradition, Agriculture, and Culture
Vercelli Province is a captivating destination that offers a rich blend of historical landmarks, natural beauty, and culinary excellence. From its vast rice fields to its medieval churches and abbeys, the province provides visitors with an authentic experience of Piedmontese culture and tradition. Whether you’re exploring the streets of Vercelli’s old town, enjoying a risotto in a countryside trattoria, or hiking along the banks of the Sesia River, Vercelli offers a unique journey through the heart of Italy’s agricultural and cultural heritage.
