Around Trecate, the stark contrast is immediate: between traditional Piedmontese rice paddies and the towering infrastructure of the San Martino chemical hub. Home to nearly 19,900 residents, this border town sits just west of the Ticino river and plays a major role in national energy, housing the Sarpom refinery and the Villafortuna oil field.
Beyond its industrial skyline, the historic center holds quiet artistic value. The church of San Francesco features original frescoes by the 17th-century painter known as il Cerano. After viewing the art, visitors should grab a pint at the local Croce di Malto craft brewery, a modern staple of the area's economy.
Near Trecate
The closest destinations covered by our editors, with straight-line distance.
