カステッラッツォノヴァレーゼのおすすめライド

The Abbey of San Nazzaro Sesia is a complex made up of structures from different historical periods. The oldest parts are the bell tower, built as a watchtower, and the two wings of the narthex preceding the façade, which are what remains of the quadriportico built around 1150, shortly after the abbey itself was founded (1040). The cuts resulting from the demolition of the other two sides are still clearly visible today. The narthex is almost entirely made up of stones from the Sesia river arranged in a herringbone pattern to increase its solidity. The mortar itself was obtained from materials found on site, near the Sesia river. It was probably originally used as a “hospitalis”, that is, it served as a place of rest and refreshment for travellers and pilgrims, who we know were very numerous in medieval times, and it also had the function of hosting catechumens.

Cycle path that runs along the road to Biandrate

Pedestrian area, also suitable for bicycles (but be careful of pedestrian traffic, especially on weekends!)

Put your feet in the water and cool off

Beautiful infrastructure on the Agogna at the entrance to Novara on the road to Biandrate

Beautiful vineyards overlooking the hills of the lower Valsesia

Quiet village with nice scenic backdrops to photograph

“Gattinara – city of wine”, as the sign that welcomes us as we approach the town says. Wine has, in fact, been one of the major resources of this territory since ancient times. According to some, the cultivation of vines was introduced to this territory by the Gauls, who succeeded the Ligurians and the Celts (the first inhabitants of the territory starting from the 6th century BC); according to others, however, it was introduced by the Romans in the imperial age.