Trade & Investment Agency

The history of Lucedio Abbey is age-old. It was founded in 1123 by the Cistercian monks from Borgogna who reclaimed the land and were the first to introduce rice cultivation into Italy at the beginning of the 1400s.
Lucedio is the cradle of Italian rice: the Granges territory developed from there, comprising farms spread across the large agricultural area, obtained thanks to the deforestation and land levelling work carried out.

Initially, rice cultivation was introduced by the monks primarily for medical purposes: a document from the archives of the Vercelli ‘Ospedale Maggiore’ (Hospital) from 1253 cites the use of rice for therapeutic purposes in patients’ diets. Rice cultivation reached the peak of its productivity at the end of the nineteenth century, following the canalisation work, particularly the construction of the Cavour Canal (1863—66).

The geographical position along the Via Francigena was also strategic for the socioeconomic development of the Abbey, which become a thriving center of political power. No fewer than three popes visited it during those centuries.
Lucedio was also a source of conflict among the Italian dynasties: having passed from the House of Gonzaga to the Savoy, the Abbey became the property of Napoleon in the early nineteenth century.
Subsequently, it passed over to the marquis Giovanni Gozani di San Giorgio, an ancestor of the current owner, Countess Rosetta Clara Cavalli d’Olivola Salvadori di Wiesenhoff.
Nowadays, the Principato di Lucedio is a site of historic and artistic interest that has enhanced the regional context in which it is situated. The Salvadori di Wiesenhoff family personally oversee the farm, which produces top-quality Italian rice: the fields around the Abbey are open to visitors, as is the farm shop, where you can buy the rice from the Principato di Lucedio, ready-made risottos made with natural ingredients, as well as pasta and oven products containing rice.

- Arborio, Baldo, Carnaroli, Vialone Nano rice;
- Special rice: Venere (it was selected in the “Vercellese” area several years ago and belongs to an agricultural food supply chain); Red Ermes,
Apollo, Basmati; Organic Roma rice (organic agriculture) and Selenio rice, an Italian variety for ‘Sushi’;
- Risotto mix, with dehydrated vegetables;
- Black or white rice flour biscuits;
- Rice flour and maize flour;
- Cereals and pulses;
- Organic rice pasta (gluten free)

Our products are grown at low environmental impact and are packaged in a protective atmosphere, without the use of preservatives, in 250 g, 500 g, 1 kg and 5 kg bags.

We have also introduced a line specifically designed for the Ho.Re.Ca. sector, that consists of the same great rice, but packaged in a practical 1 kg or 5 kg cello bag without the outer cloth bag.

The price reflects the fact that we are a food specialist, not a mass producer. Our products are high-end which means they are not comparable with the rest of the market.

The Principato di Lucedio is open to the public, based on the calendar presented on the site, but it is also available for hosting private events, from cultural events to company parties. Above all, though, it is a dream location for organising sophisticated weddings.
Visit our website for more information and follow us on our social media channels to enjoy a display that combines art, history and nature in the Principato di Lucedio.