There is no shortage of beautiful towns and villages in Italy. Picturesque towns that look like something ripped right from the pages of a storybook or like a postcard come to life are scattered all across the country.
Made up of historic buildings, winding streets, great views and scenic surroundings, these little gems are the perfect place to well and truly get away with it all and experience the unique culture of Italy. One of the most beautiful among all of these lovely towns is the village of Novara di Sicilia in Sicily.
Located around 70 kilometers from Messina, the town is steeped in legend. Built where the Nebrodi mountains and the Peloritani mountains meet, it is fabled to have been inhabited by the Cyclops. Today, sadly, there are no mythological creatures to be found but there is still plenty to discover in this incredibly pretty town.
Made up of historic buildings, winding streets, great views and scenic surroundings, these little gems are the perfect place to well and truly get away with it all and experience the unique culture of Italy. One of the most beautiful among all of these lovely towns is the village of Novara di Sicilia in Sicily.
Located around 70 kilometers from Messina, the town is steeped in legend. Built where the Nebrodi mountains and the Peloritani mountains meet, it is fabled to have been inhabited by the Cyclops. Today, sadly, there are no mythological creatures to be found but there is still plenty to discover in this incredibly pretty town.
The views in Novara di Sicilia are incredible. Surrounded by lush, tree-covered mountains, the raised position offers a vista that stretches across to the Aeolian Islands on clear days. The pretty old streets wind through a town made up of picturesquely colourful and crumbling buildings, stunning churches and other incredible buildings. Wandering around and taking it all in, in of itself, is a rewarding activity as there is something very special about the atmosphere of this charming town.
Particular highlights include the remains of the castle that sits atop the town; the deconsecrated but beautifully preserved Church of San Giorgio, with its twelve monolithic Corinthian columns and coffered ceiling; the 16th century Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, with its distinct sandstone facade and Renaissance interior; the simple 13th century church of San Francesco; the sombre 12th century Abbey of Santa Maria La Noara; and the hiking trails around the town. There are also some must-see events, including the historic Tournament of Maiorchina, a game that dates back to the 17th century and is still practiced today and involves tossing Maiorchino cheese, and the hazelnut festival that takes place in October with lots of delicious foods.
Particular highlights include the remains of the castle that sits atop the town; the deconsecrated but beautifully preserved Church of San Giorgio, with its twelve monolithic Corinthian columns and coffered ceiling; the 16th century Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, with its distinct sandstone facade and Renaissance interior; the simple 13th century church of San Francesco; the sombre 12th century Abbey of Santa Maria La Noara; and the hiking trails around the town. There are also some must-see events, including the historic Tournament of Maiorchina, a game that dates back to the 17th century and is still practiced today and involves tossing Maiorchino cheese, and the hazelnut festival that takes place in October with lots of delicious foods.
While you can't really stay in the town, if you have found a vacation rental in Messina, you can easily make your way to this beautiful town and spend a day exploring its unique charms.
Photo credits
picture 1: Effems / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Effems / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Malega / CC BY-SA 2.0
picture 1: Effems / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Effems / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Malega / CC BY-SA 2.0