Vercelli

<< Piedmont

Vercelli is a city in Piedmont, located in the Po Valley near the Sesia river and the border with Lombardy. The town was founded in ancient times by local tribes and later became a flourishing Roman city. After a period of decline, Vercelli rose to prominence as a free comune in the Late Middle Ages, ruling over a large territory. After losing its autonomy, the city was ruled by Milan and then the House of Savoy, with some periods of Spanish and French occupation. Vercelli emerged as an important center for the cultivation of rice after the Italian unification, but it is also known now for its rich cultural heritage.

✪ Basilica of Sant’Andrea

The Basilica of Sant’Andrea is a large medieval church in Vercelli. Built between 1219 and 1227, it is an early example of Gothic architecture, also featuring Romanesque elements. The facade of the church features two bell towers, and it is richly adorned with arcades, reliefs, and a rose window. Its interiors host various artworks, frescoes, and a 14th-century funerary monument. A decorated cloister is adjacent to the church.

Vercelli Cathedral

Also known as: Cathedral of Sant’Eusebio

The Vercelli Cathedral (Duomo di Vercelli) is the most important religious site in Vercelli. The current building was erected starting in the 16th century to replace a previous church, but it preserves some older elements, such as the 12th-century bell tower. The church houses various interesting artworks, such as a monumental crucifix dating from the 10th century. The relics of Saint Eusebius of Vercelli, patron saint of the city, are hosted in the church, which also houses the tombs of some members of the Savoy family.

Palazzo Arcivescovile of Vercelli

Palazzo Arcivescovile is the historic residence of the archbishop of Vercelli, located adjacent to the city’s cathedral. Originally erected in the 10th century, the palace was reworked and expanded numerous times. Now it hosts the Museo del Tesoro del Duomo di Vercelli, a rich collection of religious art with pieces dating as far back as the Early Middle Ages. Palazzo Arcivescovile also hosts the Chapter Library of Vercelli (Biblioteca Capitolare di Vercelli), which features numerous historic documents. Among these are the Codex Vercellensis, the earliest surviving Latin manuscript of the Gospels, dating from the 4th century, and the Vercelli Book (Libro di Vercelli), one of the oldest documents in Old English, written in the 10th century.

Synagogue of Vercelli

The Synagogue of Vercelli was erected between 1874 and 1878 to replace a previous small oratory. The building features a beautiful facade decorated with Moorish Revival decorations and richly adorned interiors.

Francesco Borgogna Museum

The Francesco Borgogna Museum (Museo Francesco Borgogna) is a rich art museum in Vercelli, considered among the most important ones in Piedmont. Its collection includes hundreds of paintings mainly by Piedmontese and Italian artists, spanning a period between the Late Middle Ages and the 20th century. The museum also hosts various sculptures and other art pieces.

Archaeological Museum of the City of Vercelli

The Archaeological Museum of the City of Vercelli (Museo Archeologico della Città di Vercelli) is a collection of archaeological findings hosted in a former monastery in Vercelli. The museum hosts a wide range of ancient artworks and objects unearthed around Vercelli, mostly dating from the Pre-Roman and Roman period.

Piazza Cavour

Piazza Cavour is the historic main square of Vercelli, located in the center of the city. The plaza is surrounded by porticoed buildings and hosts a statue dedicated to Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour erected in 1864. Two ancient towers face Piazza Cavour, known as Torre dell’Angelo and Torre dell’Orologio.

Leone Museum

The Leone Museum (Museo Leone) is a rich collection of art and archaeology hosted in a historic palace in Vercelli. The museum houses many findings mostly dating from the Roman age, but also pieces of medieval and modern art, as well as ancient weapons, books, and more.

Arca Exhibition Center

The former Church of San Marco, erected during the 13th century and deconsecrated in 1802, now houses the Arca Exhibition Center (Polo Espositivo Arca). The site is used to host temporary art exhibitions, but it also preserves some of its ancient frescoes.

Church of San Cristoforo

The Church of San Cristoforo is a church erected during the 16th century in Vercelli. Its interiors are adorned with a rich series of frescoes and many paintings by local Renaissance artist Gaudenzio Ferrari, including some of his most notable works.

Visconti Castle of Vercelli

The Visconti Castle (Castello Visconteo) is a medieval castle erected during the 13th century in Vercelli, under the rule of the Visconti family of Milan. The fortress was later reworked to serve as a residence for the Savoy family, but it was later turned into a prison. Now the castle hosts the local courthouse.