In Vercelli, religious architecture and collections from very different periods come together. The Romanesque bell tower of Sant'Eusebio, archaeological finds and medieval manuscripts tell different chapters of the city’s story. Rice fields also shape the landscape around Vercelli in spring. Those who want to discover both culture and scenery will find many reasons to get to know the city.
Churches bearing traces of different periods
At the Cathedral of Sant'Eusebio, the history of its construction can be read in specific details: its Romanesque bell tower is the only surviving part of the 12th-century medieval structure. The original Basilica of Sant'Eusebio was built as early as the 4th century on the site of the saint’s tomb. The Basilica di Sant'Andrea in Vercelli offers a different architectural blend, combining the Romanesque tradition with emerging Gothic forms.
Admission to the cathedral is free, and it is accessible to visitors with disabilities. As services are held there regularly, visits must take religious celebrations into account. Check access details before your visit. Admission to the Church of San Cristoforo is also free, and it has level access for visitors with disabilities; here, too, it is advisable to check access details in advance. The Synagogue of Vercelli is open to the public regularly at certain times. Ask the secretariat about opening times before planning your visit.
Archaeology, art and precious collections
The MAC Museo Archeologico Civico “L. Bruzza” displays more than 600 artifacts from stratigraphic archaeological surveys carried out in Vercelli over the past 30 years. At the start of the visit, visitors are greeted by an animated digital hologram of the statue of Apollo, discovered in Vercelli in the 16th century. As installation details may change, check in advance whether the hologram will be on display during your visit.
At the Museo Camillo Leone, the archaeological section showcases Roman finds from the Vercelli area, including a famous bilingual stele in Latin and Gaulish. Another aspect of the museum is its historic library, which preserves around 20,000 volumes, including illuminated parchment manuscripts, Cinquecentine and incunabula. The approximate number and variety of books give an idea of the breadth of this collection.
The Museo Francesco Borgogna houses 800 works dating from the 15th to the 20th century, displayed across three floors. The altarpieces and frescoes of the Piedmontese Renaissance are particularly noteworthy. The Museo del Tesoro del Duomo, in the Archbishop’s Palace, preserves one of the richest collections of sacred objects in existence. These include goldsmith works dating from the 7th to the 17th century, as well as an anastatic copy of the Vercelli Book: the famous codex dates from the end of the 10th century and is written in Old English. Vercelli’s collections thus bring together archaeological evidence, fine art and religious objects, without the museums being limited to the same period.
ARCA is also used for cultural events and exhibitions. Visitors can see the medieval vaults of San Marco and uncovered 15th-century frescoes there. The program may change; if a particular exhibition is important to your visit, check in advance what is on display.
Rice fields and local sweets
Beyond its collections, Vercelli offers a different perspective: the city is surrounded by rice fields. During the flooding in April and May, you can cycle alongside them. Conditions vary from year to year, so it is worth checking the situation for your planned outing. This seasonal landscape contrasts with the city’s historic interiors and works of art.
At Piazza Cavour, you can try Bicciolani and Tartufata, local specialties, at a historic café. Check what is available on site if sampling them is part of your plans. Along with the museums and churches, these sweets reveal another side of Vercelli, one that cannot be understood through its architectural history alone.
Plan your trip and discover Vercelli
Vercelli is on the Milan–Turin railway line. Daily bus services connect the city with Biella, Varallo and Casale Monferrato. As timetables are subject to change, check connections before your trip. When planning, you can also consider whether to focus your visit on the churches and their architectural history, the museums and collections, or the seasonal rice fields. These themes offer different points of focus, but are all closely connected with Vercelli.
Discover more destinations: Pila, Scopello, Fobello, Campertogno, Alagna Valsesia, Riva Valdobbia, Breia, Carisio, Piode, Vercelli, Livorno Ferraris, Gattinara, Varallo, Bianzè, Rima, Motta Dè Conti, Santhià, San Genuario, Rimasco, Cigliano, Desana, Rimella, Crescentino, Trino, Serravalle Sesia, Balmuccia, Vocca, Borgosesia, Cellio, Ferrera, Valduggia, Albano Vercellese.
For the broader travel overview: Piedmont.
