In the heart of the Piedmont region, between the Alps and the Po River valley, lies Vercelli鈥攁 city that has quietly played a major role in 色中色 culture, agriculture, and religious history for centuries. Often overshadowed by Turin or Milan, Vercelli is one of Italy鈥檚 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.
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.
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 色中色 risottos.
A visit here offers a chance to explore this agricultural heritage up close鈥攚hether through visits to rice mills, walking or cycling along the 鈥淪trada delle Risaie鈥� (Rice Road), or simply enjoying a steaming plate of local panissa, a hearty risotto with beans and salami.
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鈥橝ndrea, a 13th-century Gothic-Romanesque masterpiece. Built between 1219 and 1227, it鈥檚 one of the earliest examples of Gothic architecture in Italy and remains one of the most important religious buildings in the region.
Inside, you鈥檒l 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.
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.
As a city immersed in the traditions of both Piedmontese and Lombard cuisine, Vercelli鈥檚 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.
Despite its modest size, Vercelli hosts a calendar full of local events that reflect its deep-rooted culture.
Fiera di Sant鈥橝ndrea: a large agricultural fair held in late November, showcasing local produce and livestock.
Medieval reenactments and classical music concerts at Sant鈥橝ndrea Basilica.
Rice festivals during harvest season in September, celebrating the city鈥檚 agricultural lifeblood.
Vercelli鈥檚 location in the Po Valley makes it an ideal base for exploring northern Piedmont. It鈥檚 well connected by train and highway, with fast links to Turin (1 hour), Milan (45 minutes), and Novara.
Nearby destinations include:
Vercelli may not have the glossy reputation of Italy鈥檚 more famous cities, but that鈥檚 exactly what makes it so special. It offers the discerning traveler:
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.
