Discover the true spirit of Vercelli by following the thread of the element that, more than any other, has shaped its landscape, history, and identity: water. On this itinerary, we’ll take you to the heart of the city on an exclusive themed tour that combines centuries of history, artistic masterpieces, and technological ingenuity.
- The Sacred Mystery – Our starting point will be the Basilica of Sant’Andrea. Surrounded by architecture dating back nearly a thousand years, we’ll discover the folk legend of the mysterious underground lake hidden beneath the basilica.
- Between Water and Art – A stroll through Piazza Cavour leads us to the prestigious Borgogna Museum. We’ll visit the themed galleries dedicated to master painters such as Morbelli, Gazzone, and Cominetti, discovering how water has inspired great masterpieces and admiring the sketch of Attilio Gartmann’s famous Fountain of Agriculture.
- An Immersive Experience – Our next stop takes us to the elegant and historic headquarters of the West Sesia Irrigation Association. Amid a fascinating contrast between antique furnishings and modern technology, the tour will be accompanied by multimedia presentations recounting the epic history of hydraulic science and water management in the region.
- A Tribute to Labor – We’ll continue our walk through Piazza Sant’Eusebio, concluding in the green space of Kennedy Park to discover Agenore Fabbri’s Monument to the Rice Paddy Worker.
At the end of the tour, the day will conclude with free time for you to continue exploring the city center on your own, which will be bustling with activity thanks to Risò—the International Rice Festival—its Village, its pavilions, and its events.
Note: The itinerary is accessible to participants with mobility impairments.
- Walking Tour
- Meeting Times: 10:00 a.m. (Saturday and Sunday only) – 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Meeting Place: The churchyard of the Basilica of Sant’Andrea
- Estimated Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Includes: Licensed guide – Admission fees
Basilica di Sant'Andrea, Via Galileo Ferraris, 99 - 13100, Vercelli