Top 6 Castles around Fara Novarese

The historical castles within Fara Novarese itself, known as "Castello" and "Castellone," no longer exist in their original medieval form. They have been significantly altered and repurposed over centuries. Castellone became a stately noble residence, and Castello was converted into a college and later a private clinic. Neither functions as a public historical site today.

While the original Fara Novarese castles are private, several notable historical sites in the surrounding Novara hills offer unique experiences. You can visit San Lorenzo Castle, which provides a 360-degree view. Castello di Proh is undergoing renovation to become a cultural park, offering initiatives and guided excursions. Additionally, Rovasenda Castle, a fortification built in 1170, is also worth exploring.

Yes, San Lorenzo Castle, situated at 504 meters above sea level, offers an exceptional 360-degree view of the valley where the Sesia river flows.

Absolutely. Castello di Proh is being developed into a cultural park, aiming to offer didactic, educational, and historical activities, making it a great option for families once fully operational. The area also features other historical sites that can be explored with family.

The region around Fara Novarese, characterized by vineyards and rice fields, is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including routes like 'Fara Sizzano Through the Hills' or 'Briona Castle loop'. There are also dedicated road cycling routes and MTB trails that pass through the scenic landscape and near some historical sites.

While specific trails connecting multiple castles directly are not explicitly detailed, many hiking routes in the Novara hills allow you to explore the region's historical sites. For example, the 'Trail dei Gatti Junction – San Lorenzo Castle loop' is an MTB trail that passes near San Lorenzo Castle. You can find various routes on the hiking guide for Fara Novarese.

The Novara hills region is generally pleasant for visiting castles and outdoor activities during spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) when the weather is mild and the landscapes are vibrant with blooming nature or autumn colors. Summers can be warm, and winters are cooler, but still offer opportunities for exploration.

Yes, the area offers more than just traditional castles. For instance, the Streets of the Ricetto Castle in Carpignano Sesia reveal a hidden medieval heart with houses dating back to the 15th century. Also, the village of Lenta features a unique 'defended nucleus' whose lordly portion was a Benedictine Female Monastery of S. Pietro, founded in 1127.

Visitors appreciate the blend of history and natural beauty. The panoramic views from sites like San Lorenzo Castle are highly rated. The ongoing efforts to transform places like Castello di Proh into cultural centers also generate excitement for future educational and cultural initiatives.

The castles and historical sites are located in the Novara hills, often near small towns and villages. While specific cafes directly adjacent to every castle might be limited, you can typically find local eateries and cafes in the nearby communities like Fara Novarese, Sizzano, Briona, or Carpignano Sesia, which are usually a short drive away.

Access to many of the castles and historical sites in the Novara hills region is generally easier by car, as they are often situated in rural or elevated locations. Public transport options might be limited to bus services connecting larger towns, requiring additional walking or local transport to reach the specific castle sites.

Many of the outdoor trails in the Novara hills, including those for hiking and MTB, are generally dog-friendly, allowing you to explore the natural surroundings with your pet. However, specific rules for dogs within the castle grounds or historical buildings may vary, so it's advisable to check with individual sites if you plan to enter.