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Novara - Piazza Martiri Della Libertà
This is the easternmost province of Piedmont and borders Lombardy to the east and south.
Enclosed by the Ticino and Sesia rivers, it is mainly flatland in the south, hills in the centre and mountains to the north, where the Monte Mattarone rises up.
Novara contains part of the great lakes of Piedmont, including most of Lake Orta and the evocative village of Orta San Giulio, the southern part of Lake Maggiore with its renowned tourist resorts of Arona and Castelletto sopra Ticino.
These areas offer a wide variety of splendid landscapes, but the most characteristic are the paddy fields, wide stretches of water bordered by long rows of poplar trees whose colours change with the season.
The territory boasts reserves like the Parco Fluviale del Ticino Piemontese where foxes, otters and herons have their habitats, and the Riserva Naturale Orientata delle Baragge, a vast plain of meadows and moors.
Novara has a rich history reflected in villages such as San Nazzaro Sesia, Galliate, Gozzano, Romagnano Sesia, Ghemme and others.
Following the trail of discovery of architectural splendours also leads into the country where oratories of great architectural value nestle, along with ancient castles and medieval abbeys.
From hamlets to lakes, country houses and paddy fields: Novara variety and local traditions make it a land full of fascinating places to visit that, like magic, never cease to surprise.
The first stop on any journey of discovery of the territory is Novara, surrounded by fortresses and dominated by the Antonelli dome of the Basilica di San Gaudenzio. The old town harmoniously combines medieval remains, buildings dating back the 15th century and neoclassical buildings.
The architectural splendours include the Duomo, the baptistery and the monumental complex of Broletto, which houses the Museo Civico, with a wealth of local archaeological, historical and artistic remains.
The centrepiece is the Sacro Monte di Orta, a monumental complex of great religious and artistic importance, lying in a conservation area that is listed by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. Among some especially fascinating sites are the village of Orta San Giulio with its Baroque buildings, Renaissance arcades and peaceful streets reflected in the lake, and the Isola di San Giulio that houses one of the most important Romanesque monuments of Piedmont. Another perfect place for holidays is the western bank of Lake Maggiore where there are many tourist resorts, such as Arona, dominated by the famous “San Carlone”, an enormous statue dedicated to San Carlo Borromeo.
The route through the hills of Novara passes through villages with many historic remains: from the Sforza castle of Galliate to the ancient mill of Bellinzago, from the Benedictine abbey of San Nazzaro Sesia to the charming medieval settlement of Ghemme, whose original walls have been preserved.
The rural oratories with their beautiful fresco are well worth visiting, as are the castles of Solaroli di Briona, Castello Visconti in Castelletto Ticino and the castle of Cavagliano in Bellinzago Novarese.
The plain south of Novara, known as the “Bassa” area, is especially suitable for cycle trails through paddy fields, alongside canals and passing ancient country houses. The city of Novara has an extensive cycle trail that leaves the historic centre and continues through scenery dominated by nature and the countryside. The hills surrounding historical villages can be explored by bike, through woods and pleasant landscapes.
In the Ticino Park, many recreational outdoor activities are available, including trekking, cycling, horse riding, navigating the river in a canoe, kayak or rubber dinghy.
Many other sports can be played in the charming natural territory of Novara: tennis, golf, water sports on the lakes and hiking on the slopes of Mount Mattarone, known as “the mountain with two lakes” with its unique views.
Historic and folkloristic events that should not be missed include the historical re-enactment of the battle of Bicocca in Novara, the Corsa della torta, or cake race, in Oleggio , the people’s carnival of Novara and the “Palio degli asini” (donkey race) accompanied by a costume processed in Marano Ticino.
The many fairs and shows devoted to the typical produce offer a chance to discover local traditions.
The flavours and fragrances of typical local dishes can be traced to peasant traditions.
Rice is the main ingredient in the land of paddy fields and it is cooked in many different ways. The most common recipe is “paniscia”, which is a rice soup with vegetables, beans and sausages. Frogs are another favourite ingredient, fried, stuffed or put in a broth . The cured meats include the salam d’la duja, preserved in pork fat and placed inside terracotta vases, and fideghin, a liver mortadella. Another typical product is gorgonzola cheese, which is creamy and extremely tasty, originally from the Milan area.
Traditional desserts include the little biscuit of Novara, Pane di San Gaudenzio and biscuits called “brutti ma buoni” (ugly but tasty).
Boca, Sizzano, Fara, Colli Novaresi and Ghemme are some of the prestigious wines produced from the vineyards of Novara’s hills.
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