Maggiora: Church History, Trails and Motorsport

Maggiora can be explored from three different perspectives: through the Baroque parish church of Santo Spirito and other historic buildings, along a Nordic walking route through the town centre and countryside, and at the Maggiora Offroad Arena. If you would like to compare culture, exercise and motorsport for your trip to Italy, you will find specific points of reference here for choosing your priorities.

Churches, Buildings and Local History

The parish church of Santo Spirito is a Baroque building erected over an older structure already mentioned in 1512. It contains a high altar made of polychrome marble, which was transferred there in 1811 from the Chiesa del Carmine di Novara. The church also contains a Neoclassical scurolo for Sant'Agapito. It was designed and begun by Zanoia in 1817 and completed by Antonelli.

Casa Antonelli is a four-storey building facing south onto a well-planted garden with centuries-old trees. The main entrance is on Via Spirito Antonelli. From there, a path leads to a courtyard onto which the monumental façade looks. The building, garden, entrance and courtyard therefore form a clearly defined spatial sequence within Maggiora.

The old chapel of Santa Maria in Muzano is also part of the town's older history: in 1436, it became the parish church. Clay extraction provides an economic-historical perspective. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the extraction of high-quality clay and the production of bricks in kilns were part of Maggiora's local economy. The view of the town thus extends from individual buildings to former craft and economic activities.

On Foot Through the Centre and Countryside

The “Maggiora 1” Nordic walking route begins at Piazza Antonelli and leads through the narrow streets of Maggiora's historic centre. For visitors who want to combine exercise with local history, this is the starting point for a route that initially takes in the small-scale structure of the centre.

The route then continues through the wooded Sizzone Valley towards Motto Cicogno on the slopes of Monte Fenera. The described path also leads through Maggiora to Casot del Bus and then into the Parco Naturale del Monte Fenera. Along the route, narrow streets, a wooded valley and the area around Monte Fenera follow one another – a sequence for walks with an interest in the landscape.

Motorsport at the Maggiora Offroad Arena

The Maggiora Offroad Arena represents a different focus. It is a permanent sports facility for autocross and off-road driving in Località Pragiarolo within the municipality of Maggiora. The Arena's permanent rallycross track is homologated by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). Maggiora is therefore also characterised by a clearly defined motorsport facility.

On certain “Trackday” days, the rallycross course is open for public test drives with cars, Kart Cross vehicles and approved or approvable buggies. This opportunity is aimed at a specific interest in motorsport and is tied to certain days. If you choose accommodation in Maggiora, you can therefore plan your trip around your preferred focus: churches and local history, the route through the valley and nature park, or the motorsport facility.

Further places for planning your trip: Lesa, Gozzano, Baraggia, Cavaglio D'agogna, Agrate Conturbia, Pombia, Gattico, Casalino

For the broader travel overview: Novara.