- Vercelli hosts one of the oldest universities in the world, founded in 1228.
- The city is located at the center of the largest rice-growing area in Europe, a landscape defined by flooded paddies known as the 'sea of rice'.
- Vercelli was an important settlement of the Roman Empire, originally known as Vercellae.
- The city is home to the Vercelli Book, an important Old English manuscript preserved in the Cathedral library.
- Vercelli historically developed around the intersection of ancient Roman roads, facilitating trade between Milan and Turin.
About Vercelli
Vercelli is a historic powerhouse in the Piedmont region, recognized globally as a primary center for European rice cultivation. The city showcases a unique blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture, anchored by the iconic Basilica di Sant'Andrea and the expansive Cattedrale di Sant'Eusebio. Visitors can trace centuries of regional heritage through the extensive collections at the Museo Leone or the Archeological museum MAC L.Bruzza. Located in the Po Valley, the city serves as a vital agricultural hub while maintaining a rich ecclesiastical and cultural legacy.
Highlights of Vercelli
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
Admire the transition between Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles in this 13th-century abbey complex.
Temples
Explore the structural evolution of the cathedral, which features a neoclassical facade and an ancient baptistery.
Museums
Browse a vast collection of artifacts spanning from the prehistoric period to the nineteenth century inside a noble residence.
Temples
View the preserved Renaissance frescoes by Gaudenzio Ferrari, including a notable cycle depicting the life of Saint Christopher.
Museums
Examine Roman-era tomb inscriptions and local artifacts recovered from the site of the ancient city.
Places of interest
Photograph this distinctive medieval tower, which stands as a remnant of the city’s complex defensive history.
Museums
View one of the most significant collections of medieval liturgical art and ancient manuscripts in Northern Italy.
Venues
Visit the stadium named after the legendary Italian footballer Silvio Piola, who began his professional career with the local club.
Top things to do in Vercelli
The 62 highest-rated places in Vercelli, ranked by travellers.
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Temples
The Basilica di Sant'Andrea is a foundational example of the transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture in Northe...
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Venues
The Civic Theater of Vercelli, known as Teatro Civico, serves as the primary performing arts venue in the city. The stru...
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Temples
The Cattedrale di Sant'Eusebio is the seat of the Archbishop of Vercelli and one of the oldest Christian sites in Piedmo...
4
Venues
The Silvio Piola Stadium serves as the primary home ground for the historic football club Pro Vercelli 1892. It is notab...
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Temples
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Museums
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Historical places
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Historical places
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Zoos
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Museums
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Places of interest
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Museums
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Temples
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Parks
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Venues
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Temples
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Museums
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Temples
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Museums
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Historical places
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Places of interest
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Zoos
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Temples
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Temples
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Parks
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Temples
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Temples
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Venues
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Venues
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Vercelli on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Vercelli
Late spring or early autumn, when the flooded rice paddies create a distinctive mirror-like landscape without the extreme heat of summer.
1-2 days, as the central historic district is compact and walkable.
The city center is highly walkable, with regional trains and local buses providing connectivity to the surrounding rural areas.
The historic center near Piazza Cavour and the cathedral offers the most convenient access to major heritage sites and dining.
Mid-range; as a non-tourist-centric agricultural hub, prices remain moderate compared to nearby Milan.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 62 curated attractions in and around Vercelli, ranked by traveller ratings.
Basilica di Sant'Andrea is the highest-rated place to visit in Vercelli right now.
The largest category is temples, with 24 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Rome, Milan, Galatina.
Explore more of Italy
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
