Borgo Vercelli
Vercelli: a city rich in history and culture
Vercelli is a city located in Piedmont, with a population of approximately 45,000 inhabitants. The city is characterized by an important history dating back to Roman times and its key role in the development of rice cultivation. In this text, we will talk about the geography, cultural and tourist attractions, and economy of the city.
Physical geography
Vercelli is located in the Po Valley, at an altitude of 130 meters above sea level. The city is located northeast of the Po and on the banks of the Sesia River. The surrounding area is flat and rich in watercourses and channels that are essential for irrigating rice fields. The city is halfway between Milan and Turin and is easily accessible due to its proximity to important road and rail network.
History and culture
Vercelli has a rich and interesting history dating back to Roman times. The city was described by the historian Publius Cornelius Tacitus as one of the "firmissima Municipia" of the Regio XI Transpadana. During the Middle Ages, Vercelli had a period of great artistic and cultural splendor and saw the birth of its first subalpine university, the Studium, in 1228. Vercelli was also the center of Christianity propagation throughout the region, on the impulse of Eusebius of Vercelli. Today, the city boasts several historic and artistic monuments, including the Basilica of Sant'Andrea, the Vercelli Cathedral, the Church of San Cristoforo, and the Church of San Marco. The city is also famous for the Book of Vercelli, one of the oldest texts written in Old English, and the Codex Vercellensis.
Economy
Vercelli is the Italian and European capital of rice. Cultivation, experimentation, and trade of rice still represent the basis of the local economy today. For this reason, the city is also famous for its rice fields, which cover most of the surrounding area. However, in recent years, the tertiary sector has become the main driver of the local economy with strong expansion in logistics. Tourism is another sector in constant growth, thanks to the presence of several historical and cultural monuments and being a stop on the Via Francigena.
Climate
Vercelli's climate is influenced by its location in the Po Valley. Winters are cold and often foggy, while summers are hot and very muggy. Throughout the year, an average of 824.3 mm of rain falls, with the wettest month being May. Vercelli also receives a good amount of snow, with an average of 25 cm of snowfall each year between November and March.
In summary, Vercelli is a city with a wide range of cultural and tourist attractions, a rich history, and an economy based on rice production. The city is easily accessible due to its central location in northern Italy, and is an ideal destination for those who want to learn more about the history and culture of northern Italy, as well as those who want to taste the famous rice dishes of the city.
