Novedrate: Cultural History and Trails

Several themes may shape a stay in Novedrate: churches and Villa Casana as historical landmarks, the Mostra del Pizzo as a cultural event, and a trail toward Carimate. When looking for a hotel, consider whether architectural history, an event date or a walking experience should be the focus. This leads to different planning choices, depending on what you want to prioritize during your trip.

Churches and historical landmarks

The Chiesa dei SS. Donato e Carpoforo complex is a religious architectural landmark whose construction lasted from 1902 to 1935. The separate Chiesa dei SS. Donato e Carpoforo was built in 1902. The scope matters when placing these dates in context: the longer construction period refers to the complex, while the single year of construction refers to the separate church. This distinguishes the two dates without reducing them to the same construction year.

Another historical landmark is the Church of San Donato in Novedrate, documented since the 13th century as one of the dependencies of the Pieve di Galliano. Villa Casana was documented as a simple farmhouse in 1704. Together, these landmarks span different periods: from the church’s medieval affiliation to the farmhouse in the early 18th century and the church complex’s construction in the 20th century. If your trip focuses on cultural history, you can take these different time periods into account when choosing what to visit.

Exhibition and living tradition

The Mostra del Pizzo has been held in Novedrate since 1977. It attracts visitors as well as delegations of lace-makers from Italy and abroad. For travelers interested in lace and bobbin lace-making, the exhibition offers a specific reason to visit. If you want it to be the main focus of your stay, check the event dates before booking so your travel plans align with the visit you have in mind.

Another cultural landmark is the annual ritual of burning the balloon. It commemorates the martyrdom of the parish’s patron saints in Novedrate. Unlike the Mostra del Pizzo, which is an exhibition, this is an annual tradition connected to religious commemoration. This distinction can help you identify the reason for your trip; check the dates of the particular event when planning your itinerary.

Trails from Novedrate and a pilgrimage route

A maintained trail leads from Novedrate to Carimate, starting from Via Porro. It passes through the Valle del Serenza to a bridge. A notice from the park authority dated August 26, 2026, describes the trail as maintained; check trail conditions before setting out. The starting point, destination and section through the valley provide specific guidance for planning this walking experience.

Another trail-related reference is a pilgrimage walk from Cantù to the Santuario di San Pietro Martire in Seveso. The route followed the Via Francigena Renana, along the Antica Via Canturina section; the sports center in Novedrate served as a technical stop. For travel planning, these are two distinct connections: the trail from Via Porro leads from Novedrate to Carimate, while Novedrate served as a technical stop on a longer route during the pilgrimage walk.

When searching for hotels in Novedrate, use the reason for your trip as a starting point: historical landmarks, a visit to the Mostra del Pizzo or a stay that includes walking all call for different priorities. Tailor your search to your travel plans and coordinate events or setting out on the trail accordingly.

Discover more destinations: Piano Porlezza, Lucino, Cavargna, Uggiate-Trevano, Colonno, Vercana, Valsolda, Dongo

For the broader travel overview: Como.