The best walks and hikes around Desana

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.

Pilgrim hostel in Vercelli

Magnificent outing in the rice fields of the Po 😊

The original building dates back to the sixteenth century and belonged to the Priory of San Graziano, hence its name. Over the centuries, various interventions have taken place, the last towards the end of the eighties, which were considered by many to be too invasive and disrespectful to the original architecture. Today, however, this small rectangular cloister is appreciated for the contrast of its tranquility, located a stone's throw from one of the most central streets of the city. The groups of four columns are in good condition, apart from some local damage, as are the arches and cross vaults of the portico. Source: museionline.info/tipologie-museo/antico-chiostro-di-san-graziano

Hospitale Sancti Eusebi in Vercelli, Italy, is a welcoming place for pilgrims on the Via Francigena. This hostel is open all year round for pedestrians and cyclists. Please note that there is no reception for pilgrims on horseback. For group reception, you must book in advance. The opening hours are from 14:00 to 22:00. In the winter months (October-February) hot water is available for showers and heating is provided on one floor of the accommodation (kitchen + room with 6 beds). It is recommended to bring a warm sleeping bag. Within a radius of 200 meters you will find a church, a bus stop, an ATM, a bar/restaurant, a supermarket, a pharmacy and a residential area. Within 1 kilometer you will find the train station and the hospital. Smoking is prohibited throughout the property and pets are not allowed. The reception is only open during fixed hours. For direct contact you should look up the contact details on the internet. The Hospitale Sancti Eusebi offers a simple and welcoming place for pilgrims following the Via Francigena.

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 Hospitale Sancti Eusebi in Vercelli, Italy, is a welcoming place for pilgrims on the Via Francigena. This hostel is open all year round to pedestrians and cyclists. Please note that there is no reception for pilgrims on horseback. You must book in advance for group reception. Opening hours are from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM. In the winter months (October-February) hot water is available for showers and heating is provided on one floor of the accommodation (kitchen + room with 6 beds). It is recommended to bring a warm sleeping bag. Within a radius of 200 meters you will find a church, a bus stop, an ATM, a bar/restaurant, a supermarket, a pharmacy and an inhabited area. The train station and hospital are within 1 kilometer. Smoking is prohibited throughout the property and pets are not allowed. The reception is only open at fixed times. For direct contact you have to look for the contact details on the internet. The Hospitale Sancti Eusebi offers a simple and welcoming place for pilgrims following the Via Francigena

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.