Novellara welcomes you amidst its Renaissance arcades, the Rocca Gonzaghesca and the floodplains of the Po River, for a journey through art, culture and the distinctive flavours of IGP watermelon and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar.
Novellara is located about 20 km from Reggio Emilia, at the heart of the Bassa Reggiana, in a fertile plain.
It is a town rich in history and culture, famous for its Rocca Gonzaghesca, Renaissance arcades and the charm of the streets in the historic centre. It is the perfect destination for those wishing to discover a region that combines art, culinary tradition and nature.
Every season has its own charm: spring and summer invite you to enjoy walks in the open air, explore the valleys and attend festivals such as NomadIncontro and Miss Anguria. Autumn is ideal for discovering local flavours during Novellara Balsamica, and winter allows for more leisurely visits to museums and historic sites.
What to see
Rocca Gonzaghesca an imposing medieval building converted into a stately home, now home to the Gonzaga Museum, a library and the municipal theatre.
Gonzaga Museum features ornately decorated rooms, coffered ceilings and the Jesuits’ valuable collection of pharmaceutical jars.
Santo Stefano Collegiate Church an architectural masterpiece by Lelio Orsi.
Franco Tagliavini Municipal Theatre the cultural heart of the town.
Piazza Unità d’Italia the lively centre of the town, surrounded by Renaissance arcades.
Municipal Vinegar Cellar where the Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia is aged.
Nearby
The Novellara Valleys vast natural areas ideal for walks, observing biodiversity and spring blooms such as the rare Viola pumila.
Casini di Sopra and di Sotto elegant country residences of the Gonzaga family.
Main events
NomadIncontro - third weekend of February A meeting for fans of the Novellara-based band Nomadi, who usually performs two concerts.
San Cassiano Festival - first weekend in May Artistic crafts, antiques market, exhibitions, food stalls, funfair.
Miss Anguria (Watermelon) - last weekend of July Blues and roots music concerts, street artists and musicians, food stalls, watermelon garden, games, markets, traditional crafts, sugar content and taste competitions, heaviest watermelon contest, parade of giant watermelon floats.
Novellara Balsamica - first Sunday of October Market exhibition featuring local producers, fine food and antiques; grape pressing and must cooking.
At table
Sweet and refreshing Novellara watermelon, a PGI product.
Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia, aged in the town’s fortress.
Sport and outdoor activities
Hikes and walks through the Novellara Valleys and along the CAI 608 trail.
Cycling routes through the surrounding countryside and the Po floodplains.
Recreational activities in the city’s nature parks and outdoor spaces.
Local history
In 1100, a Lombard lord, Gherardaccio Malapresa, turned the village into a castle with a defensive tower. In the 14th century, the town came under the control of Feltrino Gonzaga, creating a small independent state governed by the Gonzaga family until 1728. The Gonzagas built the Rocca and designed the village with straight streets and characteristic porticoes, promoting land reclamation and the development of churches and country cottages. After the death of the last Gonzaga, Filippo Alfonso, the fiefdom was left to the Duke of Modena and then incorporated into the Kingdom of Italy.
Curiosities
The town’s name probably derives from Nubilaria or Nuvelaria, meaning ‘cloud’, in reference to the frequent presence of fog.
Famous people
Lelio Orsi: Renaissance painter and architect born in Novellara.
Augusto Daolio: leader of the Nomadi music band, commemorated in the Rocca (Fortress) with a permanent collection of paintings.
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Identity and traditions
Altitude 24 m Postcode 42017 Weekly market Thursday Patron saint Saint Cassian (May 4) Hamlets San Bernardino, Santa Maria Vezzola, San Giovanni della Fossa
