Surrounded by km of rice fields, Vercelli is today considered the European rice capital.
The history of rice cultivation is closely linked with water, which is found abundantly in these lands, not only because of the presence of large rivers and rushing streams, but also thanks to ingenious hydraulic works built to bring water directly to the cultivated fields.
A few centuries ago, Cistercian monks began land reclamation works and introduced massive cultivation of this cereal, newly known in Europe.
As a consequence, in the territory extending from Trino to Crescentino, passing through Vercelli and Novara, the Grange were born: agricultural centres reclaimed by monks.
The grange were transformed over the centuries into modern farms, where even today you can still discover the traditions born for the purpose of growing rice.
