Checkered sea
#losapevateche
Exploring the Po river
Itinerary The lands of rice
nature and rice fields
just a stone’s throw away from Monferrato
In a predominantly agricultural area with many villages, the short stretch of the Po River near Vercelli separates the plain of rice fields from the green hills of Monferrato. With this itinerary, you can discover the charming area between Trino and Crescentino, where the largest Italian river flows in territories different in terms of environment, history and traditions, but linked since ancient times.
1 the po river and the nature park
The Po Nature Park was created with the aim of safeguarding the river’s last natural environments. The protected areas, in the stretch between Crescentino and Trino, are particularly interesting for birdwatchers, who can admire numerous colonies of resident birds. Near the river and within the protected areas, there are several marked paths, huts, and rest points to enjoy nature in full relaxation.
2 crescentino
Crescentino, located at the confluence of the Po River and the Dora Baltea River, in the Middle Ages was an important “free commune”. Downtown, where the medieval urban plan is still preserved, you can trace the symbol of the town: the Civic Tower, dating back to the 14th century, it houses the largest bell in the province of Vercelli known as the “Crescentina”. Also the Isola S. Maria Nature Reserve, one of the protected areas of the Po Nature Park, is located not far from town.
3 fontanetto po
Fontanetto Po, that took its name from the numerous fountains across its area, is known as the birthplace of Giovan Battista Viotti, one of the greatest musicians of the 18th century.Remarkably interesting along via Viotti,where the artist was born, is the Parish Church of S. Martino with its sumptuous bell tower in Romanesque-Norman style. It is 56 meters high.
4 Antico Mulino – Riseria “S.Giovanni”
Near Fontanetto Po, you can find the Mulino – Riseria S. Giovanni, the only surviving example in the Province of Vercelli of a rice mill powered by water. The rice mill, which preserves the old machinery for processing rice, is part of the Terre d’Acqua Ecomuseum.
5 Palazzolo Vercellese
The small agricultural village of Palazzolo Vercellese was founded by Romans along the Ticinum-Augusta-Taurinorum Road, which, passing along the Po River, connected Turin to Pavia. From the village, looking at the hills of Monferrato, it is possible to admire the beautiful ravines and the very steep walls created by rainwater.
4 Trino
Trino, located at the foot of the hills of Monferrato, was within the feud owned by the Paleologis, a noble family that ruled the fate of the Marquisate of Monferrato from 1305 until 1532. There are many artistic and architectural jewels here: Palazzo Paleologo hosted the court of the Paleologis; the Church of San Bartolomeo was built in the Middle Ages; the “G.A. Irico” Civic Museum hosts several local finds.
Il fiume Po e il parco
Crescentino
Fontanetto Po
Antico Mulino – Riseria “S.Giovanni”
Palazzolo Vercellese
Trino
Il fiume Po e il parco
Crescentino
Fontanetto Po
Antico Mulino – Riseria “S.Giovanni”
Palazzolo Vercellese
Trino
how to get the po river
BY CAR
From Vercelli: take the SP1 “Strada delle Grange” towards Crescentino.
From Milano and Torino: take the highway E25 and exit at the tollbooth of Vercelli Ovest. Take the SP1 “Strada delle Grange” towards Crescentino.
BY BUS
Daily bus services link Vercelli to Crescentino, Fontanetto Po, Palazzolo Vercellese e Trino. How to get to Vercelli area.
Deepening
Checkered sea
Heading towards the hills of lower Monferrato, it’s possible to travel a beautiful scenic route that, in many places, allow you to enjoy wonderful views of the Po River and the Vercelli rice plain.
This route is particularly charming in the clear spring days when the flooded rice fields create the spectacular view of the “checkered sea” framed by the Alps and Monte Rosa..
The most suggestive points from where this unique landscape can be admired are at the Rocca di Verrua Savoia, the castle of Gabiano, the parish church of Cantavenna, the small hamlet of Rocca delle Donne and the castle of Camino.
Plan your holiday
Where to eat, where to sleep, how to get around: plan your trip to Valsesia and Vercelli!
