Attractions and Places To See around Novi Ligure - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Novi Ligure include a blend of historical architecture, cultural sites, and natural beauty in the Piedmont region of Italy. The area features ancient landmarks, museums, and scenic natural areas. Visitors can explore the Tortona Hills, historical towers, and significant religious buildings. This region offers diverse opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Novi Ligure
- The most popular attractions is Monte San Vito Summit, a summit…
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Monte San Vito Summit
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Medieval Towers of Sant'Alosio
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Santa Croce Monumental Complex, Bosco Marengo
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Architects and artists of the papal court of the time participated in its construction, making it unique in the Piedmontese historical and artistic panorama.
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it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complesso_monumentale_di_Santa_Croce_e_Tutti_i_Santi
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Albarola Tower
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Dongione of Carbonara Scrivia
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This church, which is dedicated to the Holy Cross (Latin: "Santa Croce"), derives its patronage from the cross on which Jesus Christ died. The veneration of the Holy Cross goes back in large part to Saint Helena, who was the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great (who recognized Christianity as a religion after his victory at the "Milvian Bridge" in front of Rome and ended the long period of persecution with the "Edict of Toleration" of Milan in 312). In the early fourth century, she made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land (Israel / Palestine) and brought numerous relics back to Europe, including the "True Cross" on which Jesus Christ was crucified. Helena is therefore often depicted with a cross as an attribute. The church celebrates the feast of the discovery, public presentation and veneration of the Holy Cross - called the "Exaltation of the Cross" - on September 14th.
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The castle of Carbonara Scrivia dates back to the 14th century or early 15th century, according to some documents found. The typical construction called "dongione" was built by Pierino Cameri on a previous property owned by the Curolo family, lords of Carbonara, who declined starting from 1246.
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To the north of the town, on the borders between Lerma, Silvano and Castelletto d'Orba, remain the ruins of the Torre dell'Albarola. It was part of a defensive sighting system created against Saracen incursions around the year one thousand. His task was to record the signals coming from Mount Colma and, with bonfires lit on the summit, warn the nearby Gazzolo tower (S. Cristoforo), which would send the alarm to the plain. Whoever climbs the tower immediately realizes the reason for that location: from up there the view extends from the Piota valley to the entire Apennine range, and then further down towards the hills up to the Po Valley. Tradition has it that it later served as a bell tower for Santa Maria in Prelio, that is, for the parish church of Silvano d'Orba, as it is located on a hill to the east of it. Towards the end of the 17th century, the Abbey of San Filippo Neri was built near Albarola, from which the name of today's Abbazia farmhouse derives
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The monumental complex of Santa Croce and All Saints, wanted and founded by Saint Pius V, is located in Bosco Marengo near Alessandria.
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The Last Judgement by Giorgio Vasari, one of the most important works of the entire complex commissioned by Pope Pius V in the 16th century
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The 14th century fortress of Carbonara Scrivia boasts the so-called "Dongione", built by Pierino Cameri. In addition to the dungeon, the defensive system of Carbonara Scrivia consisted of a fortified enclosure or castle, a moat and two access gates.
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Anti-Saracenic sighting tower, it was part of the military defense set up by Berengario II, king of Italy, around 950. Exceptional panoramic point.
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The term dungeon, from the French donjon, in turn derived from the Gallic Latin dominium (to be pronounced in the French dominiòm), home of the dominus, designates a multi-storey structure with a strong vertical development similar in function and appearance to the so-called keep. There are few in Piedmont and, among these, the case of Carbonara Scrivia undoubtedly stands out for its state of conservation and architectural integrity. https://www.alexala.it/web/index.php?lang_iso=it&view=risorsa&id_categoria=011144617cd1213242343dc8760b2e84&id_risorsa=93ae8649e487683480695604b748cd9c&id_area=bade033bcb9429 2d545e220e8e7831de
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Novi Ligure?
The region around Novi Ligure is rich in history. You can visit the Medieval Towers of Sant'Alosio, which offer a 360-degree view of the valleys. Another significant historical landmark is the Albarola Tower, part of an ancient defensive sighting system. Don't miss the 14th-century Dongione of Carbonara Scrivia, a well-preserved fortress with a dungeon. The town center itself features historical gems like Piazza Delle Piane with its painted facades and the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Are there any natural attractions or viewpoints near Novi Ligure?
Absolutely. The most prominent natural attraction is the Monte San Vito Summit, the highest peak of the Tortona Hills, offering magnificent views from its rocky crags. The Medieval Towers of Sant'Alosio and Albarola Tower also provide exceptional panoramic points. The broader Monferrato Hills region offers scenic beauty and opportunities for outdoor exploration.
What cultural experiences can I find in Novi Ligure?
Novi Ligure boasts several cultural highlights. The Museo dei Campionissimi (Museum of the Cycling Legends) celebrates Italian cycling history and its legendary figures. You can also explore the Museo Civico di Storia Naturale (Civic Museum of Natural History) in Villa Gardella. The historic center's narrow alleys and the Galleria Perelli, with its allegorical fresco, offer insights into the city's past and its ties to Genoa.
What outdoor activities can I do around Novi Ligure?
The area around Novi Ligure is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous routes for cycling, gravel biking, and hiking. For cycling, explore routes like the 'Villa la Bollina – San Cristoforo Castle loop' or the 'Coppi Climb Mural – Fausto Coppi House Museum loop'. Hikers can enjoy trails such as the 'Negrone Palace – Little Chapel loop' or the 'Chiesa di Montei loop'. You can find more details and routes on the Cycling around Novi Ligure, Gravel biking around Novi Ligure, and Hiking around Novi Ligure guide pages.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Novi Ligure area?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Dongione of Carbonara Scrivia, a 14th-century fortress with a dungeon, can be an engaging historical visit for all ages. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Snow, nestled in the woods, offers a peaceful and accessible outing. Exploring the historic center of Novi Ligure with its painted facades and narrow alleys can also be an interesting experience for families.
What local specialties or shopping opportunities are available?
Novi Ligure is renowned for its sweet products, particularly chocolate from brands like Novi and Pernigotti. You can also taste local Novi focaccia. For shopping, the Serravalle Designer Outlet Mall is a popular destination nearby. Wine and chocolate tasting tours are also available in the surrounding area, offering a taste of the region's culinary delights.
What is the best time to visit Novi Ligure for outdoor activities?
The region's climate generally makes spring and autumn ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. The weather is typically milder, and the landscapes are vibrant. Summer can be pleasant, especially in the early mornings or late afternoons, but it can also be quite warm. Winter offers a different charm, though some higher elevation paths might be less accessible.
Can I find any religious sites of interest?
Certainly. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Snow, also known as Ca 'del Bello, is a beautiful religious building immersed in the woods, founded in 1672. In Novi Ligure itself, the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, overlooking Piazza Delle Piane, is a Baroque masterpiece housing valuable artworks. The Pieve Santa Maria, dating back to the 12th century, is the oldest church in Novi Ligure.
Are there any castles or fortresses to visit in the vicinity?
Yes, the area is dotted with historical defensive structures. Beyond the Dongione of Carbonara Scrivia, you can find the impressive Fortezza di Gavi (Forte di Gavi) nearby. Other notable castles include Castello Pozzolo Formigaro, which preserves 15th-century frescoes, and Castello di Tagliolo, one of the best-preserved fortresses in Alto Monferrato, which now houses a winery.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Novi Ligure?
Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning panoramic views from spots like the Monte San Vito Summit and the Medieval Towers of Sant'Alosio. The blend of historical sites, from ancient towers to well-preserved fortresses, combined with the natural beauty of the Tortona Hills and surrounding landscapes, makes for a diverse and engaging experience. Many also enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of places like the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Snow.
Are there opportunities for cycling or mountain biking?
Definitely. The region around Novi Ligure, including the Tortona Hills and Monferrato Hills, offers a network of trails popular for both cycling and mountain biking. The Monte San Vito Summit area, in particular, has a maze of tracks suitable for mountain biking. You can explore various routes for different skill levels on the Cycling around Novi Ligure and Gravel biking around Novi Ligure guide pages.
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Most popular attractions around Novi Ligure
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