Vercelli Cathedral

In the 11th century, another major restoration took place, as a consequence of extreme decay and in particular of a serious fire in 997 that threatened the stability of the structure.

In the 12th century, the present campanile was built, and the main body of the cathedral was restored again: it now had five aisles separated by columns, a transept and an imposing portico.

Tibaldi was able to erect the choir, the side chapels and the two sacristies before lack of funds brought the work to a halt after eight years.

The remaining parts of the structure, including the west front, were completed in 1757–63 by Benedetto Alfieri and Luigi Barberis, who towards the end of the 18th century also added a chapel off the northern aisle for the relics of Saint Eusebius, which had been discovered during the reconstruction works of the 16th century.

This was rebuilt in the late 19th century by Giuseppe Locarni, and the urn containing the remains is now located beneath the high altar.