Abbazia di San Nazzaro della Costa, Romanesque abbey in Novara, Italy
Abbazia di San Nazzaro della Costa is a Romanesque abbey in Novara standing on a slight elevation known as Victory Hill, near the municipal cemetery. The complex includes the church building and an attached convent, which has housed the Aldo Rossini Historical Museum of Novara since 1965.
The earliest recorded references to the church date from 1124, when Bishop Litifredo documented its existence outside Novara's city walls. Over the following centuries, the site developed into a significant religious institution within the region.
The interior displays Late Gothic frescoes depicting scenes from Christ's life, created by local artist Cristoforo Moretti in the 1470s. These artworks reflect how the community chose to represent its religious faith through the visual style of that era.
The site is easily walkable and located near the cemetery, which places it somewhat apart from the city center. It is best visited during daylight hours to properly view the frescoes inside the building.
The northern pillars display figures of saints crafted by local artists Giovanni Antonio Merli and Tommaso Cagnola. These works show how Novara's own artists left their personal mark on this important religious space.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
