Itinerary
Km 11 / Elevation change - 88
The journey continues passing the many farmhouses dotted around the countryside, with twelve ascents and descents along the low moraine hills created during the third last glacial period: over 400,000 years ago! Having passed a hill covered in vineyards it is possible to enjoy a panoramic view over the first rice paddies, alternating with patches of shrubs and trees.
Crossing the Navilotto della Mandria, a small canal that supplies the water to the rice paddies, means crossing the border between the provinces of Biella and Vercelli: we are now on the outskirts of Santhià, the first part of the Pianura Padana for those descending from the Alps, which begins with corn fields and the Depretis Canal. This town mainly develops along the Ivrea-Vercelli road and is now a flourishing commercial and industrial centre: in medieval times, the ancient Sancta Agatha, with its hospitalia, was a key point for pilgrims and merchants travelling along the major European routes. The Church of Sant'Agata, founded as a canonical minster, underwent various transformations until acquiring its present form in the 19th century designed by the architect Giuseppe Talucchi: of the original building there is left the Romanesque bell tower (12th century) and the Crypt of Santo Stefano, possibly originating from the Ottonian dynasty reusing parts from the Roman era. Inside there is the Polyptych of Sant'Agata (1531), one of Gerolamo Giovenone's greatest works. The cylindrical Tower of Theodolinda is traditionally attributed to the Lombard queen, situated in a private courtyard which is accessed from the main road: it is actually a late medieval construction, perhaps belonging to a nobleman's house. In the central Piazza Roma is the neoclassical Town Hall, a combination of grandeur and elegance. The Hydrometric Station, along the Naviglio, is considered one of the most important in the history of hydraulic science since it was able to accurately measure the flows of ditches and canals: it is now no longer in operation and awaiting refurbishing to become a recreational centre as the Ecomuseum of Terre d'Acqua, of which it forms part.
The journey continues passing the many farmhouses dotted around the countryside, with twelve ascents and descents along the low moraine hills created during the third last glacial period: over 400,000 years ago! Having passed a hill covered in vineyards it is possible to enjoy a panoramic view over the first rice paddies, alternating with patches of shrubs and trees.
Crossing the Navilotto della Mandria, a small canal that supplies the water to the rice paddies, means crossing the border between the provinces of Biella and Vercelli: we are now on the outskirts of Santhià, the first part of the Pianura Padana for those descending from the Alps, which begins with corn fields and the Depretis Canal. This town mainly develops along the Ivrea-Vercelli road and is now a flourishing commercial and industrial centre: in medieval times, the ancient Sancta Agatha, with its hospitalia, was a key point for pilgrims and merchants travelling along the major European routes. The Church of Sant'Agata, founded as a canonical minster, underwent various transformations until acquiring its present form in the 19th century designed by the architect Giuseppe Talucchi: of the original building there is left the Romanesque bell tower (12th century) and the Crypt of Santo Stefano, possibly originating from the Ottonian dynasty reusing parts from the Roman era. Inside there is the Polyptych of Sant'Agata (1531), one of Gerolamo Giovenone's greatest works. The cylindrical Tower of Theodolinda is traditionally attributed to the Lombard queen, situated in a private courtyard which is accessed from the main road: it is actually a late medieval construction, perhaps belonging to a nobleman's house. In the central Piazza Roma is the neoclassical Town Hall, a combination of grandeur and elegance. The Hydrometric Station, along the Naviglio, is considered one of the most important in the history of hydraulic science since it was able to accurately measure the flows of ditches and canals: it is now no longer in operation and awaiting refurbishing to become a recreational centre as the Ecomuseum of Terre d'Acqua, of which it forms part.
Contacts
, 13042 Cavaglià (BI)