cyclable rice paddies N. 7 – from rice lands to wine lands

From the Vercelli train station, take the Corso Gastaldi overpass and follow to Olcenengo and Casanova Elvo, where you can admire the pre-12th-century castle and the majestic Church of S. Martino in the main square. Follow to Formigliana, taking some time to observe the Monte Rosa Massif that frames the ancient farmsteads along the way. Crossing the Cervo stream, you continue on to Balocco, where you can admire the 15th-century castle and the Church of San Michele, inside which a triptych by Giovenone is preserved; you then pass through the villages of San Giacomo Vercellese and Rovasenda, respectively, to continue on to Gattinara. A stop here is a must, to visit the town and its surroundings, on whose hills the DOCG wine of the same name is produced. The town center features important historic-artistic buildings, such as the Parish of St. Peter, dating from the early medieval period, and the Castelle Tower, which dominates the town from the surrounding hills.

We continue the route by crossing the Sesia River and reaching Romagnano Sesia, passing to the left orographic bank, entering the territory of the Novara hills. Here in succession we encounter Ghemme, Sizzano and Fara, a hilly region producing excellent DOC wines. Approaching the Sesia again, we pass Carpignano and Landiona, to arrive at the towns of Recetto and San Nazzaro Sesia, which present, respectively, the historic village with its ancient castle and 13th-century walls and the Abbey of SS. Nazario and Celso, an example of medieval fortified abbeys, dating back to the 11th century. From here it continues past the towns of Villata and Borgo Vercelli, returning to the city of Vercelli.

Recommended period: spring and autumn

Terrain type: asphalt