Best attractions and places to see around Garbagna Novarese include historical landmarks and cultural sites within this small municipality in the Province of Novara, Piedmont. The area features preserved medieval structures and notable engineering works. Visitors can explore sites that highlight the region's history and local character.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Highlight • Settlement
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Highlight • Religious Site
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Highlight • Castle
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Highlight • Historical Site
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Tornaco is a small Italian municipality located in Piedmont, in the southeastern part of the province of Novara, almost on the border with the province of Pavia. It has a population of about 900 inhabitants and stands at an altitude of 122 meters above sea level. It is a predominantly agricultural village, strongly linked to the traditional cultivation of rice and cereals, included in the circuit of the Piedmontese Quality Rice Road.
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Gravellona Lomellina is a characteristic Italian municipality of about 2,700 inhabitants located in the province of Pavia, in Lombardy. Located at the gates of Vigevano, it is nationally famous as a "town of art" or "painted village" for the extraordinary presence of frescoes, murals, and artistic installations that decorate the entire urban fabric.
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Certainly one of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful, in Lomellina. The murals depicting ancient crafts and environments, the geranium-adorned street lamps, and the chimney sweeps on the rooftops bring back memories of your grandparents' stories, and it's wonderful to be a child again for a few moments.
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The chirch is impressive, doesn't matter to have double highlight
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The Visconti-Sforza Castle of Novara is a castle located in the south-western border of the old center of Novara. It was erected on the former corner of the Roman and Middle Age walls that surrounded the city. The origin of the castle is connected to the transfer of Novara under the influence of Milan, taking place in the second half of the 13th century. In 1272 Francesco Della Torre (member of the family ruler of Milan), after taking over the city, ordered the construction of a fortification on the site belonged to the Tettoni family. In the 14th century, after the exchange of the ruling families from the Della Torre to the Visconti, the Lord of Milan Giovanni Visconti (1339-1354) paid again attention to Novara and had the castle built. The castle was strengthened by his successors Galeazzo II (1354-1378) and Gian Galeazzo (1378-1402). Works and repairs were done over the years by Francesco Sforza. His son, the duke Galeazzo Maria, carried out the major transformation of the building. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visconti-Sforza_Castle_(Novara)
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Basilica of San Gaudenzio - you can see this church from a great distance, it shines above the rooftops and the other churches in the city. A guide to it. And when you are inside, you understand its height. Look up and be amazed at what has been built here.
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Its construction began in 1476 on an ancient Visconti fortress, the works were interrupted due to the death of the Duke of Milan Galeazzo Maria Sforza. It was Ludovico Maria Sforza known as Il Moro who completed its construction in 1496.
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Castello Sforzesco built between 1476 and 1496 It was Ludovico il Moro who completed the works after the death of Galeazzo Maria Sforza had blocked the works. built on an ancient Rocca Viscontea since the 12th century it had been a bulwark of the Duchy of Milan against attacks coming from the West.
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Within Garbagna Novarese, you can visit The Castle, dating back to the 9th century, with its preserved watchtower and walls offering elevated views. The Oratorio di Santa Maria (Madonna di Campagna) is another significant site, known for its 15th-century frescoes. Additionally, the Palazzo Carolli and The Contrada, the ancient heart of the village with old shops, offer glimpses into the past.
Yes, the region features several impressive structures. In Garbagna Novarese, the Ponte canale della Vallazza (Vallazza Aqueduct Bridge), built in 1863, is an interesting six-arch engineering feat. Further afield in Novara, the Basilica of San Gaudenzio is renowned for its daring dome designed by Alessandro Antonelli, offering panoramic views. The Cavour Canal, an artificial waterway for agriculture, is also a significant regional engineering work.
Garbagna Novarese offers a blend of historical and local cultural experiences. You can wander through The Contrada, the village's ancient heart, where old shops retain their original layout. The municipality is also known for its deep red, juicy, and crunchy cherries, which are a Slow Food Presidium and are still picked by hand, reflecting a local tradition.
Yes, several attractions in the wider area are suitable for families. Gravellona Lomellina Artist’s town, with its frescoes and murals, is an open-air gallery that can be engaging for all ages. The Basilica of San Gaudenzio and the Visconti-Sforza Castle (Novara) also offer historical exploration that can be enjoyed by families.
The area around Garbagna Novarese is great for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find various routes for gravel biking, hiking, and road cycling. For gravel biking, explore routes like the 'Novara and Ticino Park Loop'. Hiking options include the 'Novara Trail: Stage 7' or easier loops around Novara. Road cyclists can enjoy routes such as 'Historic Center of Tornaco – Barbavara Murals loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for gravel biking, hiking, and road cycling.
Yes, there are several hiking trails in the vicinity. Options range from challenging routes like 'Novara Trail: Stage 7' to more moderate and easy loops, such as 'Giardino del Mondo, Novara loop from Torrion Quartara' or 'Duomo of Novara – Palazzo Natta loop from Novara'. These trails allow you to explore the local landscape. For more information on hiking routes, refer to the hiking guide for Garbagna Novarese.
Gravellona Lomellina Artist’s town is celebrated for its unique artistic decorations. Many buildings in the center and along access roads feature frescoes, murals, and various works of art, transforming the town into an open-air gallery. You'll find artistic posts, wrought iron figures, and mosaics, often depicting ancient crafts and local environments.
The Basilica of San Gaudenzio in Novara is a significant architectural achievement, primarily due to its iconic dome designed by Alessandro Antonelli. Constructed using only bricks and lime, it's considered one of the most daring masonry structures globally. From its spire, visitors can enjoy extensive panoramic views of Novara and the surrounding plain, stretching to the Alps.
The Visconti-Sforza Castle (Novara) is a historical castle located in the city center, built on former Roman and Middle Age walls. Its origins trace back to the 13th century when Novara came under Milanese influence. It was significantly strengthened by the Visconti and Sforza families, including Gian Galeazzo Visconti and Francesco Sforza, with major transformations carried out by Galeazzo Maria Sforza. Today, it houses a museum complex and various associations.
Yes, in addition to the Visconti-Sforza Castle in Novara, you can visit the Sforzesco Castle of Galliate. This imposing and massive building, constructed by the Sforza family between 1476 and 1496 on an existing Visconti fortress, is one of the most significant monuments in the Novara area due to its grandeur and uniform layout. It features beautiful frescoed rooms and houses the Civic Library.
Visitors particularly appreciate the rich historical and artistic heritage of the region. They enjoy the unique experience of places like Gravellona Lomellina Artist’s town, where murals and art bring stories to life. The architectural grandeur of the Basilica of San Gaudenzio and the historical depth of the castles also receive high praise, with many noting the panoramic views and well-preserved structures.
The Cavour Canal is a significant artificial canal, nearly 83 km long, built to support agriculture. It originates from the Po river in Chivasso and ends in the Ticino river near Galliate. Yes, you can cycle along it; the cycle path mostly follows a white road. A gravel bike is recommended for this itinerary, as some sections might have grass growth, especially in warmer months.


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