This tour is a journey back in time. Novara di Sicilia, located between the Nebrodi and Peloritani Mountains, is among Sicily's most picturesque villages. It safeguards ancient rural and culinary traditions. It was probably called Noa by the Greeks who came in contact with the indigenous community that inhabited this territory since the Bronze Age. Nowadays, it still preserves the remains of an Arab fortress, the so-called Castle, numerous 18th-century sites and a large number of churches, built between the 14th and early 20th centuries.
Time in Novara seems to have stood still. The moment you step into the historic centre, a feeling of yesteryears wraps around you. The inhabitants bring the village to life amid small family-owned shops and time-worn bar counters.
Our morning in Novara will start our private guided tour with a stroll through the historic centre and its narrow lanes. Here, you'll discover historical and artistic heritage of this hamlet nestled among the mountains of Messina. Following one of the narrow valleys that circle the village, we'll arrive to the ancient water mill. This mill, owned by the same family since 1669, still produces bread from locally sourced ancient grains: Russello, Tumminia, and Maiorca. During the visit you will participate in the preparation of homemade bread and then taste it freshly baked, straight from the oven!
Novara is also renowned for its numerous family-run dairy farms. A real highlight is Maiorchino cheese, a sheep's milk cheese that can age to 30 months. During Carnival season, this distinctive pecorino cheese becomes the protagonist of an extraordinary competition involving the entire Novarese community. Local families set the teams and compete by rolling whole wheels of Maiorchino cheese at great speed along the winding alleys of the town!
You'll have the chance to visit one of these farms and delve into the process of producing Maiorchino cheese. Finally, you'll savor authentic local products during a delightful countryside lunch.
