Bellinzago Novarese: History, Churches and Nature

Bellinzago Novarese offers different perspectives on history and landscape: in the historic center, the circular layout of the original castrum and its preserved courtyards take center stage; churches add architectural and art history to the picture. A route also leads from Bellinzago into the Parco Naturale della Valle del Ticino. If you are looking for a hotel in Bellinzago Novarese, deciding on your priorities can help you plan: would you mainly like to explore the old streets and the history of the religious buildings, or set aside time for woodland paths and walks along the river? These themes give you a concrete basis for tailoring your stay to your own interests.

Historic Center and Churches

In the historic center, you can follow the circular layout of the original castrum through the old streets and see courtyards that have been preserved for centuries. The walk therefore draws attention both to the shape of the town center and to its courtyards. Those interested in historic structures will find a distinctive way to explore the town’s history here: the circular layout of the old castrum, as well as individual churches, shapes the walk.

The Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Clemente stands on an ancient religious site documented in the Consignationes of 1347. It is the third church built on this site and has been rebuilt several times over the years. It was partly remodeled based on a design by Alessandro Antonelli. Work on it began on April 12 or 13, 1837. Its architectural history is evident both in the succession of churches on this site and in the later remodeling.

The Chiesa Madonna di Loreto e Sant'Anna also brings together architectural and art history. A historical record notes that the church was rebuilt by the community in 1618 and names Rev. Gaudenzio Bovio as its founder. The altarpiece is an oil painting on canvas by Bartolomeo Vandoni. It depicts the Madonna di Loreto, Sant'Anna, Santa Domenica, and don Gaudenzio Bovio. The two churches offer different points of interest: at San Clemente, the succession of religious buildings and Antonelli’s remodeling take center stage; at Madonna di Loreto e Sant'Anna, the 1618 record and the figures in the altarpiece provide specific historical and artistic reference points.

Landscape and Trails

Badia di Dulzago was founded in the 12th century by canons following the Augustinian rule. The landscape around the abbey forms a transition from the so-called upper plain, through the spring-water zone of the risorgive, to the lower plain. The risorgive zone lies between the two landscape areas and is one of the distinctive stages of this transition.

The WWF Oasis “Baraggia di Bellinzago” has the status of a Site of Community Importance. Another way to experience the landscape is the Bellinzago–Parco del Ticino route: it leads from Bellinzago into the Parco Naturale della Valle del Ticino and includes woodland paths and walks along the river. The route thus connects Bellinzago with the nature park; its described features are woodland paths and riverside walks.

For planning purposes, the difference between the two types of walk is clear: in the historic center, you follow old streets and see preserved courtyards, while the route into the nature park includes woodland paths and walks along the river. This lets you weigh your interests without treating the different focuses as the same: local history and religious buildings on one hand, woodland and river landscapes on the other.

Plan Your Journey

An STN bus route runs from Novara to Bellinzago Novarese. If you plan to use this service for your journey, check the timetable before setting off. The route is a practical consideration for planning your stay; independently, you can decide which local themes you would like to focus on according to your interests.

Discover more destinations: Cureggio, Auzate, Sillavengo, Lumellogno, Pettenasco, Meina, Bolzano Novarese, Tornaco

For the overview of the wider area: Novara.