Colazza: Churches, Frescoes and Historical Traces

Colazza brings together sacred art, historical traces and two itineraries with different characteristics. In the Chiesa di San Bernardo and the Chiesa Parrocchiale della Beata Vergine Immacolata, you will encounter architectural history, frescoes and religious depictions from different historical contexts and periods in the town's history. These are complemented by the block of houses known as Castello, several chapels and routes with different characteristics. This allows you to discover the town both through its visible evidence and through specific routes and access points.

Sacred Art and Historical Traces

The Chiesa di San Bernardo dates back to the 14th century. In the lunette above the portico, a fresco depicts Saint Bernard on his journey through the Alps. The motif connects the church's architecture with a religious depiction that establishes a specific link to the Alps.

The Chiesa Parrocchiale della Beata Vergine Immacolata was built in the 17th century and extensively renovated in the 19th century. The choir contains a fresco attributed to the school of Gaudenzio Ferrari. The church square offers a wide view of Lake Maggiore and the plain.

In the area of the block of houses still known as “Castello” on Via Umberto I, traces of ancient fortifications can be found on several buildings. The area can be reached by car or on foot via a public road. This makes it possible to perceive the historical structure not only in a single building, but across several houses.

The smaller religious buildings also preserve specific traces in images and memory. The Affresco di Via per Tapigliano depicts the birth of Jesus and dates from the late 18th century. The chapel containing the fresco is clearly visible from the road and can be reached on foot or by car.

The Cappella Madonna della Guardia bears an inscription referring to the apparition of the Madonna before Benedetto Pareto in 1490. The chapel was built in 1841 by Gregorio Mazzola out of devotion. It can be reached on foot or by car via Via Don Giulio Gemelli.

For planning your day, you can clearly distinguish the themes from one another: the churches and chapels focus on architectural history, religious imagery and devotion, while Castello displays traces of ancient fortifications. The itineraries add their own focus on routes in the open air.

Itineraries for Walking and Sport

Itinerary no. 1 (Croce di Colazza – Motto Cassinario) is a short and undemanding route. Access to this itinerary is free for people without disabilities on foot or with a conventional bicycle, e-bike or mountain bike. Its short and undemanding nature makes the route a manageable option for anyone who prefers a brief walking experience.

Running and mountain biking competitions are held annually on Itinerary no. 4 (Sass Preiatecia – Croce di Tapigliano). To the right of Sass Preiatecia, on Itinerary no. 4, about 20 metres away and accessible via a small path, there is a large erratic boulder bearing an inscription from the early 20th century. This means that the route combines its sporting use with a single historical detail along the way.

More Destinations

More destinations: Bolzano Novarese, Bogogno, Lesa, Sillavengo, Ameno, Soriso, Vaprio D'agogna, Dormelletto

To the overarching travel overview: Novara.