The best traffic-free bike rides around Villata

Small and enchanting church with a beautiful cloister inside

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.

the large poplars dividing properties and roads

Beautiful Church with frescoes from the 14th century. Possible visit, telephone number of volunteers on the noticeboard at the entrance. Unmissable, prepared and very helpful volunteers.

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".