The cathedral is built directly over the ancient 4th-century oratory dedicated to Saint Eusebius.
The bell tower is the oldest part of the standing structure, retaining its original Romanesque masonry.
It contains the remains of Amadeus IX, Duke of Savoy, who was beatified by the Catholic Church.
The cathedral historically served as the custodian of the Vercelli Book, one of the four most important manuscripts of Old English literature.
The 18th-century facade was designed by Benedetto Alfieri, the nephew of the famous writer Vittorio Alfieri and a renowned royal architect.
The Cattedrale di Sant'Eusebio is the seat of the Archbishop of Vercelli and one of the oldest Christian sites in Piedmont, established on the burial site of Saint Eusebius, the city's first bishop. The current structure primarily reflects 16th-century architectural revisions, though it incorporates Romanesque elements from its earlier medieval iterations, most notably in the bell tower. The interior contains the Chapel of Blessed Amadeus IX of Savoy, housing the remains of the Duke of Savoy. It is famous for preserving the Vercelli Book, a significant collection of Old English manuscripts, though the original is held in the adjacent Diocesan Museum. The cathedral features a prominent neo-classical facade completed in the 18th century by Benedetto Alfieri. Its layout follows a Latin cross plan with three naves adorned with expansive vaults and frescoes. The treasury and the cathedral archives are significant repositories of ecclesiastical artifacts and medieval documentation. The site remains a functioning active Catholic parish.
From the center of Piazza Sant'Eusebio to capture the full scale of the neo-classical facade and the bell tower simultaneously.
Visit the adjacent Museo del Tesoro del Duomo to see the actual Vercelli Book and related liturgical artifacts.
Walk around the perimeter to view the distinct difference between the 18th-century exterior and the underlying medieval masonry.
Check for local concerts or choral performances, as the cathedral’s acoustics are highly regarded.
Avoid taking flash photography inside, especially during ongoing religious services.
The cathedral may close briefly for lunch or during specific liturgical functions; entrance is restricted during Mass.
Shoulders and knees must be covered; maintain silence out of respect for those praying.
