The origins of the city of Vercelli remain shrouded in mystery. Initially the area was inhabited by a population of Ligurian lineage, then came the Celts and subsequently the Romans who named the city Vercellae. Since ancient times Vercelli has been an important crossroads for communication and trade between Italy and the rest of Europe and in the last two centuries the rice capital of Europe. In Roman times the city was already an important reference point for travelers and in the Middle Ages it became one of the most important milestones along the Via Francigena. Vercelli is a good place for art lovers of old masterpieces or contemporary works. Among the numerous centuries-old churches of Vercelli that should not be passed over are the Romanesque-gothic Basilica di Sant’Andrea and the grand St. Eusebius Cathedral, better known as Duomo. Moreover, the town hosts various museums which conserve authentic treasures. The most remarkable are the Leone museum which contains a cycle of frescoes from the Middle Ages and the Borgogna museum, a collection of the most important artworks by Medieval and Renaissance artists from Piedmont. The heart of Vercelli with the beautiful restored Piazza Cavour and its surrounding history-rich streets are well worth a walk and a visit. Tourists from all over the world visit Vercelli every year not only to enjoy its artistic heritage but also for all the sport activities. The Valsesia area offers everything from kayaking, rafting, and riverboarding (hydrospeed) on the river Sesia to skiing and excursions in the Alps nearby or even, for the most fearless, ice-climbing up frozen waterfalls and paragliding.