Guida Turistica: Provincia di Novara

Novara Province is located in the Piedmont region, in the northwest of Italy. It borders to the north with the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province, to the east with Lombardy (provinces of Varese and Milan), to the south with the Pavia province, and to the west with the Vercelli and Biella provinces.

The inhabitants of Novara call themselves Novaresi. This term refers both to the inhabitants of the city of Novara and, in a broader sense, to those of the entire province.

Novara Province comprises 87 municipalities. Among the most notable, in addition to the capital Novara, are Borgomanero, Trecate, Galliate, and Arona.

Novara Province offers numerous attractions. Among the must-see places are: the Novara Cathedral and the Basilica of San Gaudenzio with its dome designed by Alessandro Antonelli; the Lago d'Orta, one of the most suggestive lakes in Piedmont, with the charming island of San Giulio; the Sacro Monte di Orta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Parco Naturale dei Lagoni di Mercurago, ideal for hiking and birdwatching; the Riserva Naturale Speciale delle Baragge, a protected area of great natural value; the cities of Arona, with the statue of the Colosso di San Carlo Borromeo, and Borgomanero, famous for its gastronomic tradition.

The best time to visit Novara Province is during the spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October), when the temperatures are mild and ideal for hiking and cultural visits. Summer is perfect for enjoying the lakes, while winter offers suggestive atmospheres, especially in the areas near the mountains.

Novara Province boasts a rich culinary tradition. Among the typical dishes are: red wine risotto, prepared with local wine; paniscia, a soup of beans, cabbage, and salami; Novaresi agnolotti, stuffed with braised or roasted meat; tapulon, a dish made with ground donkey meat; bicciolani, dry biscuits typical of Novara; DOC wines such as Gattinara and Fara, perfect for accompanying local dishes.