| Novalesa | ||
 | ||
| State | Italy | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Piedmont | |
| Altitude | 828 m a.s.l. | |
| Surface | 28.24 km² | |
| Inhabitants | 553 (2012 census) | |
| Name inhabitants | novalicensi | |
| Prefix tel | 39 0122 | |
| POSTAL CODE | 10050 | |
| Time zone | UTC 1 | |
Position
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| Institutional website | ||
Novalesa is located in the Val di Susa, in the province of Turin, Piedmont.
To know
The municipality of Novalesa hosts the Novalesa Abbey, it is the oldest monastic complex in the Susa Valley.
Geographical notes
Located in the panoramic Cenischia Valley, at the foot of the Mont Cenis Hill, the Abbey is located in a suggestive environment, surrounded by the waterfalls that descend from the Graian Alps, in the meadows located south-west of the town.
When to go
The Abbey can be visited all year round. Recommended for views in the middle of winter, late spring, summer or early autumn.
Background
The Abbey was founded in 726 AD. by Abbone, probably an exponent of the Frankish nobility. Among the oldest monasteries of Piedmont, became an important monastic center at the time of Charlemagne, who probably stayed there before invading Lombard Italy with the Battle of the Locks of the Val di Susa.Subsequently damaged by the invasions of the Saracens, it saw the return of the monks around the 11th century, with a subsequent period of splendor between the 11th and 12th centuries.In the 19th century it was expropriated and as a result of the Siccardi Laws sold to private individuals, who transformed it first into a spa and then into a point of hospitality. it was purchased by the Province of Turin and the Benedictine monks returned to the abbey complex after one hundred and twenty years.
How to orient yourself
Novalesa: full screen map.
How to get
By plane
Turin Caselle Airport, then the SFMA Turin-Airport-Ceres train, then the GTT bus to the Porta Nuova railway station and finally the SFM3 train to Susa, then the Sapav / Sadem bus.
By car
The Cenischia Valley can be reached by motorway via the A32 Torino-Bardonecchia, exit Susa, then SS25 and just outside Susa take the SP 210 to Novalesa. Two state roads cross the Susa Valley (SS24 and SS25). From Susa take the SP210 up to Novalesa.
On the train
From Turin, you can take the train of the SFM3 Turin-Susa / Bardonecchia line, direction Susa and then the Sapav / Sadem buses.
By bus
From Susa, Novalesa is connected with a regular Sadem bus service. For more details see the institutional site of the Sadem.
How to get around
What see
- 1 Abbey. The Novalesa abbey church, located next to the monastic complex, was almost entirely rebuilt in the 18th century. Part of the works it contained have merged into the collections of Palazzo Madama in Turin, while the monks' choir is now preserved in the Church of S. Ippolito di Bardonecchia, in the Upper Susa Valley. Today the abbey church houses works by the local painter Lia Laterza.
- 2 S. Eldrado Chapel.
The chapel can be visited at certain times during the Abbey's opening to the public. The Chapel of S. Eldrado is a fine example of medieval Alpine architecture. Dedicated to an important Abbot of Novalesa, it has 11th-12th century frescoes, reported in art history encyclopedias for the completeness of the pictorial cycle and references to the Byzantine tradition. The chapel consists of a small, completely frescoed room. - 3 Abbey Archaeological Museum. The Abbey Archaeological Museum was commissioned by the Province of Turin, owner of the complex, to enhance the finds found in it in various excavation campaigns from the 1970s to today. Among the various finds, there is a fragment of a marble slab which, according to recent studies, could be the oldest Christian epigraphic find in the Susa Valley (about 6th century).
- Book Restoration Museum. The Museum of Book Restoration is a reality connected to the activity carried out today in Novalesa by Benedictine monks, experts in the restoration of ancient texts. The Museum allows you to have a quick and easy understanding of how you can cure a book from the ravages of time.
- 4 Historic village. The historic village of Novalesa, which has preserved intact the charm of an ancient post station along the Via Francigena or Romea, is the companion to the Abbey. The central street, paved in stone, allows you to admire the ancient houses and the fine parish church, which preserves paintings from the Roman school. In the village you can admire very characteristic views. The Municipality of Novalesa has restored an ancient inn located along the street, called the Casa degli Affreschi.
The chapel can be visited at certain times during the Abbey's opening to the public. The Chapel of S. Eldrado is a fine example of medieval Alpine architecture. Dedicated to an important Abbot of Novalesa, it has 11th-12th century frescoes, reported in art history encyclopedias for the completeness of the pictorial cycle and references to the Byzantine tradition. The chapel consists of a small, completely frescoed room.Events and parties
What to do
Shopping
How to have fun
Where to eat
Average prices
- 1 Hotel - Restaurant of the Post Office, Via Maestra 115, ☎ 39 0122 653245. 09:00-20:30.
Where stay
Safety
How to keep in touch
Around
- Waterfalls - At least half a dozen waterfalls descend in Novalesa, with variable flow throughout the year. You can take walks to admire them more closely.
