An itinerary through the Novara hills
From the Antonellian masterpieces in neoclassical style to works of popular devotion and peasant architecture, this MTB itinerary features a succession of climbs and descents that delve into the heart of the Novara vineyards.
MTB
all year round
moderate
1:45h
Romagnano Sesia (299 meters)
Romagnano Sesia (299 meters)
270 meters
Don’t miss the Antonelli structures that, from the starting point Villa Caccia, accompany the majority of the route, interrupted here and there by historic structures such as the Castle of Sopramonte and popular constructions like the Casotti delle Vigne in Cavallirio. The latter, distinguishable from each other due to their distinctive characteristics, tell of a peasant past that remains deeply rooted in Novara culture and economy.
Starting from Villa Caccia in Romagnano Sesia, follow the path that leads to the Castle of Sopramonte in Prato Sesia. From here, you reach the Baraggia road of Prato Sesia via white roads that then meets Via Antonio Gramsci heading towards Cavallirio.
Turning left, you walk along Via Sant'Antonio and then, again on the left, you take Via Dante Alighieri. You ascend along Strada della Borga and then descend towards Strada vicinale della Polera until you finally cross the bike path along path 784, which you take to the right.
Then follow until you reach the Santuario di Boca, the second Antonelli treasure of the tour. From here, continue on the right taking Via San Francesco and then again taking the bike path along path 793, which leads to Maggiora.
Here you meet various works by Antonelli, who revised the entire town's regulatory plan, built his family home, and designed the cemetery which holds the Scurolo of Sant'Agapito.
Return by taking Via Dante Alighieri first and Viale dei Partigiani next, until you reach Boca. From here take Via San Grato which leads you along path 787, discovering the Casotti delle Vigne and the Tre Madonnine. You can choose to leave your bike and continue on foot to the Tower of Cavallirio.
Resume the road until you return to Via Dante Alighieri in Cavallirio, cross Via Sant'Antonio again retracing the road taken on the way out. Here, instead of turning left for the Castle of Sopramonte, you can proceed straight along the white road that leads back to the starting point.
Safety in the mountains
Experiencing and living the mountains requires caution, preparation, and experience. No activity, even the easiest, should be taken for granted or improvised.