Located on the eastern edge of Piedmont, the province of Novara is home to a number of historical towns and villages, some of the Piedmont great lakes and stretches as far north as the foothills of the Italian Alps. Boasting a combination of cultural attractions and areas of outstanding natural beauty, Novara is an ideal destination for those who enjoy variety in their holidays; a day walking in the hills can easily be followed by a day exploring art galleries and ancient fortresses. The main town, which shares the name of the province, is an ideal place to base yourself and is where most of the tourist amenities, such as bars and restaurants, can be found.
Most of Novara's historic sites are located within the old city walls, though there are a number of interesting religious buildings outside the old town, such as the Church of San Nazzaro della Costa with its abbey and the pyramid-shaped Ossuary of Bicocca. Within Novara's walls you can wander the narrow historic streets, which wind their way into the more modern, wide boulevards.
The centre is dominated by the enormous Basilica of San Gaudenzio, the dome of which stands at an impressive 121 metres high, while the Novara Cathedral is on the site of an ancient Roman temple, signs of which have been discovered in archaeological digs. There are dozens of picturesque squares throughout Novara, most of them home to a fountain or statue of a local hero or dignitary. In the summer these piazzas are also populated by the tables of pavement cafés and are a pleasant place to relax with a drink and watch the world go by.
Drive only a few minutes in any direction from Novara and you will find yourself in the heart of the Piedmont countryside, an area very popular with walkers, thanks to its beautiful scenery and gentle slopes. The area is also home to several lakes, including the southern shores of the ever-popular Lake Maggiore and the smaller, but just as beautiful, Lake Orta.
The mountain of San Nicolao, which rises behind the lake is also home to one of the region's many pilgrimage sites and is also known as the Sacre Monte de Orta. Make the climb to the top and you will pass 20 chapels on the road, before reaching the peak with its breathtaking views over the lake and the surrounding peaks. Cyclists are a common sight on the lower slopes of the hills in Novara and there are several marked trails that are suitable for beginners as well as more experienced riders.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Novara? Then below is a selection of Apartments in Novara and villas in Novara that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
