It is a municipality in the province of Novara, situated on hills covered with chestnut trees, whose territory is crossed by the Agogna, a stream that springs from the foothills of the Mottarone and flows through woods and meadows, creating picturesque spots and is ideal for excursions in kayak. The town is located in the southern part of Lake Orta, on the famous Via Francigena. Its location permits its visitors to admire the Lake, the Tower of Buccione, Monte Rosa, Monte Massone, Monte Barro and Mount Mesma.
Due to its proximity to the island of San Giulio, Bolzano Novarese shared the same historical fate and events during the Middle Ages. It was submitted to the dominion of the Bishops of Novara and in this era, the ideal conditions were created to give a certain civil order and structure to the town and its inhabitants. The town was often the subject of disputes and allied to nearby town of Ingravo, its inhabitants often found shelter here for more than two centuries. For a long period its economy was based on its agricultural vocation, until it submitted a strong depopulation, favored by the research of the local inhabitants of more profitable and less harsh activities. The situation changed after World War II with the return to the old crafts and the advent of industrialization.
Not to miss:
- the Parish Church of the XVI century, preceded by a staircase and a porch surmounted by a tympanum. The building is flanked by a stone Bell Tower, with mullioned windows, a clock and surmounted by a spire. It features a two nave plan and preserves inside some fine wood carvings, which embellish the choir and the pulpit of the XVII century and a series of frescoes dating from the XVII - XIX centuries. The organ dates back to the early XVIII century;
- the Church of San Martino in Engravo, in Romanesque style, dating from the XII century, features a simple bell shaped façade and a single nave plan enriched with frescoes dating back to XV-XVI centuries. On the outside a statue of San Martino on horseback depicted by the artist Francesco Gagnola;
- the XVI century Oratory of San Carlo which features a superb fresco, depicted behind the main altar, which recently came to light and represents San Carlo and San Rocco at the feet of the Virgin;
- the Chapel of Our Lady of the Poor;
- the Chapel Gesiol;
- the Villa Borsini Maietti;
- the XV-XVI century square Tower, which today is privately owned.