Novara di Sicilia, Italian comune
Novara di Sicilia is a small village built largely from stone and set between the Peloritani and Nebrodi mountains in northeastern Sicily. The settlement features narrow paved streets, tightly built houses with historical details, old stone churches including Maria SS. Annunziata and San Francesco, and the Castle of Novara overlooking the community.
The village has been shaped by diverse cultures including Byzantine, Arab, Norman, and Cistercian monks, each leaving marks on its architecture and street layout. The name Novara originates from early settlers whose primary occupation was farming the surrounding land.
The town is known for its traditional Maiorchino cheese, made using methods passed down through generations and central to local identity. The community gathers during harvest celebrations when the streets fill with music and traditional customs, creating moments where you can see how locals value their heritage.
The town is open year-round, with summer months bringing food festivals and local events like the Maiorchino Tournament where you can taste traditional dishes. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the narrow stone streets require steady footing and allow for slow, unhurried exploration of the old quarter.
Local legend speaks of a hidden cave holding treasure within the Salvatesta hill, while Rocca Leone fortress above the town keeps stories passed down through generations. The community speaks a local dialect called Gallo-Italico, a linguistic thread connecting residents to other regions and revealing rare cultural roots.
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