Vercelli

In the heart of the Piedmont region, between the Alps and the Po River valley, lies Vercelli—a city that has quietly played a major role in Italian culture, agriculture, and religious history for centuries. Often overshadowed by Turin or Milan, Vercelli is one of Italy’s oldest urban centers, founded by the Romans and shaped by medieval power, Gothic architecture, Renaissance art, and the golden plains of rice that surround it.

Vercelli is a place where visitors are rewarded not with crowds, but with authenticity, depth, and discovery. Whether you're passionate about ancient manuscripts, Gothic frescoes, or the simple pleasure of a perfectly made risotto, Vercelli is a city that whispers its secrets with quiet confidence.

Map of Vercelli

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A Roman City with Deep Roots

Known in Roman times as Vercellae, the city was a major settlement of the ancient Ligurians and later developed into an important Roman municipium. It stood at a strategic junction of trade routes between the Po Valley and the Alpine passes. Archaeological finds reveal that Vercelli was already thriving in the 2nd century BCE, and today, its layout and many underground remnants still tell the story of its Roman origins.

The Cradle of European Rice

If there's one thing that defines the modern identity of Vercelli, it's rice. Surrounded by vast, mirror-like paddies that flood each spring, Vercelli is often considered the rice capital of Europe. The region produces premium varieties like Carnaroli, Arborio, and Baldo, which are exported worldwide and form the base of countless traditional Italian risottos.

A visit here offers a chance to explore this agricultural heritage up close—whether through visits to rice mills, walking or cycling along the “Strada delle Risaie” (Rice Road), or simply enjoying a steaming plate of local panissa, a hearty risotto with beans and salami.

Artistic Treasures and Gothic Grandeur

Vercelli is one of the most surprising small cities in Italy when it comes to art and architecture. At its center lies the breathtaking Basilica di Sant’Andrea, a 13th-century Gothic-Romanesque masterpiece. Built between 1219 and 1227, it’s one of the earliest examples of Gothic architecture in Italy and remains one of the most important religious buildings in the region.

Inside, you’ll find soaring arches, an elegant cloister, and stunning frescoes that blend medieval piety with architectural innovation.

Other must-see religious sites include:

The Cathedral of Saint Eusebius (Duomo di Vercelli): with a blend of architectural styles and a treasury housing relics and illuminated manuscripts.

Church of San Cristoforo: home to Renaissance frescoes by Gaudenzio Ferrari, often compared to Michelangelo in expressive skill.

Museums and Manuscripts

Vercelli holds an exceptional place in the history of European literature and learning. At the Capitular Library of Vercelli, scholars discovered the Vercelli Book, one of the oldest and most important collections of Old English religious poetry and homilies. Believed to date to the 10th century, this Anglo-Saxon manuscript has fascinated linguists and historians alike.

The Museo Borgogna is another highlight. It houses an outstanding collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, including works by Gaudenzio Ferrari, Defendente Ferrari, and international artists such as Van Dyck and Tiepolo.

Food and Local Specialties

As a city immersed in the traditions of both Piedmontese and Lombard cuisine, Vercelli’s gastronomy is rustic, hearty, and rice-centric. While risotto is the star of the show, visitors should also try:

Panissa: rice with beans and local salami

Fritto misto alla piemontese: a traditional fried meat and sweet platter

Torta Vercellese: a rich hazelnut cake often flavored with chocolate or coffee

Local markets, traditional trattorias, and autumn food festivals offer plenty of opportunities to explore the flavors of the region.

Festivals and Events

Despite its modest size, Vercelli hosts a calendar full of local events that reflect its deep-rooted culture.

Fiera di Sant’Andrea: a large agricultural fair held in late November, showcasing local produce and livestock.

Medieval reenactments and classical music concerts at Sant’Andrea Basilica.

Rice festivals during harvest season in September, celebrating the city’s agricultural lifeblood.

Day Trips and Regional Access

Vercelli’s location in the Po Valley makes it an ideal base for exploring northern Piedmont. It’s well connected by train and highway, with fast links to Turin (1 hour), Milan (45 minutes), and Novara.

Nearby destinations include:

• The rice fields of the Vercellese plain
• Monferrato hills for wine tasting and vineyard views
• The Sacro Monte of Varallo, a UNESCO World Heritage site

Why Visit Vercelli?

Vercelli may not have the glossy reputation of Italy’s more famous cities, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. It offers the discerning traveler:

• A deep historical narrative, from Roman foundations to Gothic and Renaissance gems
• Artistic richness without the tourist crowds
• A taste of real Italy, where rice fields meet bell towers and locals live at a slower, authentic pace

Whether you come for a day or a week, Vercelli welcomes you with open arms and quiet sophistication.

Discover Vercelli: a place where rice fields ripple under the sun, ancient manuscripts hide in dusty libraries, and churches whisper stories of centuries past.