The best walks and hikes around Palestro

Palestro view

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.

Magnificent outing in the rice fields of the Po 😊

"Ponte ciclopedonale sul Cavo Crocettone" The Ponte ciclopedonale sul Cavo Crocettone in Vercelli, Italy, is a bicycle and pedestrian bridge. This bridge provides a safe passage for both cyclists and pedestrians and is ideal for relaxing walks or bike rides. There is (was) even a rest area at the bridge, perfect for a picnic break, which is now overgrown. The Via Francigena passes here. The bridge is now in a rather pitiful state. But it still does its job.

The Sesia, a majestic river, flows through Vercelli. This waterway has a rich history and plays a crucial role in the landscape of the Piedmont region. The Sesia is surrounded by rice fields that are flooded in summer, and it is a popular destination for canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts and hikers. The Sesia Valley, also known as the “greenest valley in Italy”, attracts countless nature lovers and adventurers every year.

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.