Comune Novi Ligure

via P. Giacometti, 22 - 15067 Novi Ligure (AL)
Tel. +39 (0143) 772.1
E-mail: segreteriadelsindaco@comune.noviligure.al.it
http://www.comune.noviligure.al.it

The name recalls the ancient belonging to the Republic of Genoa; the influence of Liguria is still visible in the use of painting the facades of nobles and rich merchants with fake architectural elements and historical and mythological figures, deserving the name "painted city" and making strolls in the historic centre a continuous discovery of new views and details. The most interesting example of this decoration is piazza Dellepiane, overlooked by Palazzo Durazzo, Palazzo Cambiaso Negrotto, Palazzo Negrone and the Church of the Collegiata, of medieval origin rebuilt in rich Baroque shapes.
The Oratory della Maddalena, a real treasure trove of sculptures, is worth a visit. The Lamentation over the Dead Christ (16th century) comprises eight statues in polychrome terracotta that was later joined by the wooden Christ of the 17th century. The monumental Mount Calvary takes up all the space of the apse. It was realised at the end of the 16th century with twenty-two life-size wooden statues brightly painted.
A must for bike lovers is the Museum of the Champions, a tribute to cycling history and to the great Fausto Coppi and Costante Girardengo both from Novi. Forty bicycles tell the technical development, from the first example made in wood based on the model drawn in the late 15th century by Leonardo da Vinci, to the recent prototypes in titanium, while vintage footage and testimonies of sports achievements retrace the victories of the two champions.
The cuisine of Novi straddles both Ligurian and Piedmontese traditions, with a vast choice of desserts and chocolate made with high quality regional hazelnuts, or focaccia and farinata, made with local chickpeas.