Novellara
The itinerary starts in the Valleys, where the CAI trail 608 - dedicated to Don Candido Bizzarri - was inaugurated in 2017. The route starts from “Loc. Ponte del Pastore” and proceeds for 10 km, for a journey time of about two and a half hours. The trail is suitable for everyone.
The tour continues with a stop at the Rocca (Fortress). The construction works of the Gonzaga Fortress began at the end of '300 and were concluded a century later. In the 16th century, a series of interventions gradually transformed the fortress into a Renaissance castle, more suitable for court life than for defense. In 1754, the fortress was purchased by the Municipality.
Currently, the building is the seat of the Town Hall and the cultural services (Gonzaga Museum, Theatre, Library and Historical Archive). Inside, you may also admire the “Sala del Fico”, decorated in the mid-16th century, the Council Hall, painted in the 19th century, the Civic Hall, dedicated to Augusto Daolio, were some of his paintings are exhibited, and, in the attic of the east wing, the Municipal Acetaia (vinegar factory).
Novellara is the town of the Gonzaga family. We recommend to end the tour with a visit to its historic Renaissance centre, surrounded by porticoes. In the mid-16th century, the facades of the houses overlooking the square were entirely decorated on a project by Lelio Orsi. Piazza Unità d'Italia is the heart of the town, where the main festivals take place and the historical shops are located. You may also admire the Church of Santo Stefano, built by order of Alfonso I Gonzaga in 1567. The facade dates back to the 18th century. Inside, it preserves valuable stuccoes and paintings of Lelio Orsi’s best students. Near Piazza Unità d’Italia, you may make a stop at the Church of the “Beata Vergine del Popolo”, founded in 1704.