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The Province of Vercelli: a Brief Introduction
The Province of Vercelli, located in Piedmont, has a population of approximately 165,671 people and is one of the oldest Italian provinces. It borders to the north with the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province and Switzerland, to the east with the province of Novara and Lombardy, to the south with the province of Alessandria, and to the west with the metropolitan city of Turin, the province of Biella, and the Aosta Valley.
History
During the Napoleonic period, the province was named the "Department of Sesia." After the Restoration, the Province of Vercelli was assigned to the province of Novara with the Rattazzi Decree, causing protests from the population. In 1927, Benito Mussolini reinstated the Province of Vercelli, separating the districts of Vercelli, Biella, and Varallo from the province of Novara. However, the Val d'Ossola was mistakenly assigned to the Province of Vercelli but was later reassigned to the province of Novara in 1927. In 1929, the Province of Vercelli ceded the municipality of Campello Monti to the province of Novara.
Economy
The economy of the Province of Vercelli is primarily based on agriculture, particularly rice cultivation, which represents an important source of income for many people in the area. The Province of Vercelli is in fact the main producer of rice in Italy. There are also important rice processing industries that produce products such as rice flour, rice polenta, etc. In addition, the Province of Vercelli is an important center for the production of textiles and clothing, with companies producing both for the national and international market.
Food and Local Culture
Vercelli cuisine is strongly influenced by local products, particularly rice. Among the typical dishes of the area are risotto alla Vercellese, riso al salto, panissa, and rice polenta, all made with rice. In addition, there are also meat-based dishes such as brasato al Gattinara, coniglio alla civet, and trippa alla Vercellese. The Province of Vercelli also hosts important cultural events such as the Carnevale di Vercelli, the Mostra del Riso, the Festival Delle Colline Novaresi and the Festival dello Spettacolo dal Vivo di Vercelli.
Tourism
The Province of Vercelli offers many tourist attractions, starting from its numerous historic buildings and the beauty of its natural landscapes. Among the places to visit are the Cathedral of Sant'Eusebio, the Castle of Cervatto, and the Sanctuary of San Giovanni d'Andorno. In addition, the Province of Vercelli is known for its rice fields, which attract visitors from all over the world. There are also numerous outdoor activities available, such as hiking and cycling routes.
In summary, the Province of Vercelli offers a unique combination of culture, gastronomy, and natural beauty that makes it an ideal tourist destination for those seeking a relaxing and authentic vacation.
