via francigena

The Via Francigena is a system of branched routes that unites the peoples and cultures of Europe, touching five states, 16 regions, and more than 600 municipalities.

The Sigeric Itinerary refers to the route described by the Archbishop of Canterbury, who traveled to Rome in 990 to receive the pallium, symbol of archiepiscopal dignity, from Pope John XV.

Vercelli, in the list of 80 stops cited by the archbishop, appears as the 43rd point, a sort of “halfway point” of the devotional journey. To welcome pilgrims on their journey and provide them with refreshments, Cardinal Guala Bicheri commissioned the city’s first hospital, built directly across from the Basilica of Sant’Andrea, which he himself had commissioned in 1219.

Every year, Vercelli welcomes countless pilgrims from around the world to travel the historic Via Francigena, receive the city stamp for their passports, and rest at the Hospitale Sancti Eusebi before continuing their journey!

ITINERARY IN THE PROVINCE OF VERCELLI

Coming from the Province of Biella (Viverone/Cavaglià), you enter the Vercelli region, with Santhià as the first stop in the province.

Santhià – San Germano – via Olgenengo – Cascine Strà – Montonero – Vercelli. Total route length: 29 km.

Leaving Vercelli, following the banks of the Sesia River, through poplar groves and rice paddies, you enter Lombardy, in the province of Pavia.