Vercelli

Vercelli is a city and comune in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. It is the capital of the Province of Vercelli and sits in the eastern part of the Piedmontese Plain, along the Sesia River near the Po Valley. The municipality has around 45,000 inhabitants.

The area has ancient origins, with a Roman foundation. In the Early Middle Ages it developed as an important episcopal see and grew into a regional center for trade and culture. Its historic core preserves a mix of medieval and Renaissance architecture and streets that reflect its long urban history.

Economically, Vercelli lies at the heart of one of Italy’s largest rice-producing areas. The surrounding plains are devoted to rice farming and processing, a defining feature of the local economy alongside services and light industry.

Notable landmarks in the city include the Cathedral of Saint Eusebius and the Basilica of Sant’Andrea, both reflecting Lombard-Romanesque and medieval architectural styles. The historic center retains churches, towers, and palazzi from various periods, as well as cultural institutions and museums that illustrate Vercelli’s religious and civic heritage.