The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Vercelli stands as one of the city’s co-cathedrals and holds the title of a minor basilica. The Jesuit order originally commissioned its construction. Filippo Juvarra, a renowned architect, designed the church in 1734. Initially named the Church of the Holy Trinity, the church reflected the Jesuits’ architectural and religious ideals. It became a symbol of their influence in the region during that period.
In 1773, the Jesuit order faced suppression, which led to a significant change for the church. The Cathedral Chapter exchanged the Church of the Holy Trinity for the ancient Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, which stood nearby. As a result, the church adopted the title of Santa Maria Maggiore, a name it has kept ever since. This shift transformed the church from a Jesuit establishment into an integral part of the local Catholic community’s history.
The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore has remained a vital place of worship in Vercelli over the years. It has preserved its architectural beauty and historical importance. Worshippers and visitors alike are drawn to the church for its impressive design and rich history. Today, the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore plays a central role in the religious and cultural life of Vercelli, continuing to serve the community with pride.
Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Vercelli, Italy Via del Duomo, 6, 13100 Vercelli VC, Italy
How to Reach
Connectivity of Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Vercelli, Italy
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Vercelli, Italy, is well-connected by air, rail, and bus, offering easy access for travelers.
Airways
The nearest major airport is Malpensa Airport (MXP) in Milan, located approximately 80 km from Vercelli. From the airport, you can take a train or bus to reach the city.
Train: You can take a direct train from Malpensa Airport to Milan Centrale station, then transfer to a train to Vercelli. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Bus: Alternatively, you can take a bus from Malpensa to Milan Centrale and then continue to Vercelli by train.
Railways
The Vercelli Railway Station is well-connected to major cities in Italy, including Milan. From Milan Centrale, trains to Vercelli take about 1 hour, making the city easily accessible by rail.
Roadways
Vercelli is accessible by bus from nearby cities like Milan, Novara, and Turin. The bus ride typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours from Milan to Vercelli. Once you arrive at the Vercelli Bus Station, the Basilica is just a short walk away.
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is centrally located, making it convenient to reach from any of these transport options.
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