The best traffic-free bike rides around Natural Park Lame del Sesia

The Abbey of San Nazzaro Sesia is a complex made up of structures from different historical periods. The oldest parts are the bell tower, built as a watchtower, and the two wings of the narthex preceding the façade, which are what remains of the quadriportico built around 1150, shortly after the abbey itself was founded (1040). The cuts resulting from the demolition of the other two sides are still clearly visible today. The narthex is almost entirely made up of stones from the Sesia river arranged in a herringbone pattern to increase its solidity. The mortar itself was obtained from materials found on site, near the Sesia river. It was probably originally used as a “hospitalis”, that is, it served as a place of rest and refreshment for travellers and pilgrims, who we know were very numerous in medieval times, and it also had the function of hosting catechumens.

The work 🚧 is finished, and now the bridge is passable again. The previous stretch is often muddy 💩 after the rains.

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.

Between Greggio and San Nazzaro Sesia, the Cavour canal is about to enter the siphon that makes it pass under the Sesia river. Thanks to this little bridge-lock between the fields, it can be crossed with ease.

Magnificent outing in the rice fields of the Po 😊

On the edge of a natural terrace of the Sesia river, in a short side street from Piazza Vodano you can admire the beautiful and solid tower that in ancient times was part of the medieval castle known as Torre dei Visconti, dating from the twelfth century. In compact red bricks, it has a square plan and is crowned by split battlements resting on a triple motif of sawtooth stones. In ancient times, a few small windows on either side served as light connections. The building was probably connected to the early medieval castrum of which traces have been lost: documents dating from the eleventh and thirteenth centuries indicate the fortified complex "Castro della torre".

After the Galeria Sabauda in Turin, this museum has the largest art collection in Piedmont, with works by Italian, Flemish and Dutch masters from the 15th to the 19th century. The frescoes from churches in the region and paintings by Piedmontese Renaissance painters are special.

The Chiesa di San Cristoforo in Vercelli, Italy, is a small jewel that houses some precious works by the talented artist Gaudenzio Ferrari. Also known as the “Cappella Sistina of Vercelli”, this church is completely frescoed and contains some of the most important masterpieces of the Piedmontese Renaissance. The impressive frescoes, executed between 1529 and 1534, include the famous Madonna degli aranci and the Crocifissione. The entire church exudes a serene spiritual atmosphere and is a must-see for art lovers.