The best walks and hikes around Villata

Small and enchanting church with a beautiful cloister inside

The cathedral of Sant’Eusebio, patron saint of Vercelli and Piedmont, boasts ancient origins, but its current appearance is the result of numerous restorations. In Roman times, there was a necropolis here where San Teonesto, the first Christian martyr of Vercelli, a victim of Diocletian's persecutions, was buried. Next to him, Sant’Eusebio was laid to rest in his honor. Tradition has it that the basilica was founded by Emperor Theodosius I, but the barbarian invasions caused serious damage, requiring subsequent reconstruction work. Thanks to its position on the Via Francigena, the cathedral has become a fundamental stop for pilgrims over the centuries, a testimony made evident by the precious relics preserved inside, including those of Thomas Beckett.

Magnificent outing in the rice fields of the Po 😊

A water source runs through the church underground. Looking at the facade, on the right you can see the water flowing. Inside, behind the altar, you can see the underground source.

This beautiful church was built in 1220, during a prosperous period. The style is a combination of Northern Gothic (vertical towers and octagonal bell tower) and the typical style from the Po Valley (triangular gable, arches and use of brick). The facade, a colorful whole of stone and marble, is flanked by high towers and has three vaulted porches; The tympanums are probably by sculptor Benedetto Antelami. The very massive bell tower (right) dates from the 15th century. The sober interior with three naves has a choir with wooden inlay and the funerary monument (14th century) of Tomasso Gallo, first abbot of the basilica (second chapel in the right transept). The left aisle leads to the monastery buildings and to the cloister, which offers beautiful views of the complex.

The Duomo di Vercelli, also known as the Cattedrale di Sant'Eusebio, is the most important religious building in Vercelli. This cathedral, dedicated to Saint Eusebius, the patron saint of Vercelli, has a rich history and impressive architecture. The origins of the Duomo date back to the Paleochristian era. Near the cemetery of San Teonesto, the alleged first Christian martyr of Vercelli, a basilica was built between the 5th and 6th centuries. This replaced the original cathedral, Santa Maria Maggiore, which was located elsewhere in the city. The current Duomo is a result of several construction phases. It combines elements of Mannerism, Baroque, Neoclassical and Eclecticism. Architects such as Pellegrino Tibaldi and Benedetto Alfieri contributed to its construction. The interior houses notable works of art, including the monumental Ottonian Crucifix. Inside the Duomo there are treasures such as: The Ottonian crucifix: an impressive crucifix. *The Madonna dello Schiaffo: a painting with a special legend. *Reliquaries and the treasury with jewels and precious fabrics. *Baroque altars and beautiful organs.

The Lame del Sesia park extends over an area of approximately 900 hectares along a stretch of almost 8 kilometers of the Sesia river, located between the provinces of Novara and Vercelli. The river environment, enriched by blades, meanders, bodies of water, woods, gravels and sands, constitutes an important natural oasis in stark contrast to the surrounding landscape characterized by rice monoculture.

In addition to the Basilica of Sant' Andrea and the Cathedral of Sant' Eusebio, also interesting are the Avogadro Tower, Piazza Cavour with its porticoes, the statue of Cavour and the nearby Torre dell'Angelo visible from the square.