Novara di Sicilia
Welcome to Novara di Sicilia
Hello everyone! Today we're taking you to discover Novara di Sicilia, a beautiful village in the Metropolitan City of Messina in Sicily. Novara di Sicilia has been included in the circuit of the most beautiful villages in Italy, and it couldn't be otherwise!
The Geography of Novara di Sicilia
Novara di Sicilia is located at the foot of the Nebrodi and Peloritani mountains, and has a territory of about 49 km². The Rocca Novara, which reaches 1,340 meters, dominates the town from above. The location of the town, in the middle of a charming natural scenery, makes it the perfect place for a relaxing vacation.
The History of Novara di Sicilia
Novara di Sicilia has a millenary history. The first human settlements date back to the Mesolithic period, as evidenced by the presence of archaeological remains in the Casalini district. The Romans already knew the town with the name of Noa, mentioned by Pliny the Elder. In the 9th century, the Berbers built a castle that became the center of civil life, replacing the one in the current Casalini district, inhabited until the Byzantine era. In 1171, the Abbey of Santa Maria di Novara was founded, the first Cistercian building in Sicily.
The town reached its maximum splendor in the 17th century, and almost all the building fabric preserved to this day dates back to this era. Over the years, Novara di Sicilia underwent various historical events, including the Anglo-American bombing of 1943 which caused much damage to the town.
What to Visit in Novara di Sicilia
The village stands on the slope of the mountain from which ancient Tindari can be seen, and its historic center is of unique beauty. The small houses stacked up, the plot of alleys and narrow streets sometimes surmounted by arches, the decorations of the facades, the elegance of the palaces, the sumptuousness of the churches give charm to an urban layout of medieval imprint.
There are many religious buildings, among which stand out the Mother Church of San Michele Arcangelo, the Church of Santa Maria del Rosario, the Church of San Giovanni Battista and the aforementioned Abbey of Santa Maria di Novara. All the churches are decorated with works of extraordinary beauty.
The streets, mostly paved with narrow cobbles, contribute to enhancing the architecture of the historic center. The local sandstone has been used in civil constructions and with elaborations of great value in religious ones.
From the town it is possible to reach the Rocca Novara, from which you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. In addition, Novara di Sicilia is close to other tourist locations in Sicily, such as the beautiful Tindari or the beach of Capo d'Orlando.
What to Eat in Novara di Sicilia
The cuisine of Novara di Sicilia is rich in flavors and fragrances of the Mediterranean. Among the typical dishes there are pasta with sardines, Sicilian style couscous, pasta with broccoli, stewed rabbit, kid and much more.
The town also has delicious sweets, such as cannoli, cassate, catanesi, ricotta pies and pignolate.
How to Get to Novara di Sicilia
Novara di Sicilia is easily reachable by car or train. If you arrive by car, the town is about 50 km from Messina and about 130 km from Catania. By train, the nearest station is the Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto station, from which you can reach Novara di Sicilia with a short bus ride.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Novara di Sicilia is an enchanting place that is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. Its historic center, its churches, its narrow streets and the surrounding panorama represent an unforgettable experience. Additionally, the town offers the opportunity to savor typical Sicilian cuisine and to spend a vacation focused on relaxation and good food.
