A Centuries-Lost Romanesque Church Emerges Before the Residents of Novara

Rewritten Article:

Step aside, folks, Novarese might not be aware, but there's a secret church hidden behind the apse of San Pietro al Rosario, right in Piazza Gramsci. If you haven't heard about it, you're not alone. The facade of this clandestine church has been out of sight below the nave, camouflaged within the apse. And here's the kicker—beginning tomorrow, at 3 pm, it'll come to light as the Italian Environment Fund (FAI) unveils it during its guided tour, "Unveiling the Hidden Church of Santa Maria di Ingalardo."

This part of the city hides a rich, fascinating history. Back in the day, a Romanesque church dedicated to the martyrs Quirico and Giulitta graced this area, bestowed with the title Santa Maria di Ingalardo by Bishop Litifredo in 1124, perhaps as a homage to the prominent Novarese family of the Galardi. The Dominican order built its convent right where the ancient church once stood, and in the 17th century, construction began on the new church. The facade of the original church was eventually incorporated, with the nave becoming the present-day sacristy and a storage area. The Dominicans resided here until the Napoleonic era, with their convent later hosting the Inquisition and then the Monte di Pietà.

There isn't much left of this ancient structure, even in the city's memory or historical reconstruction. A report from the late 1920s by architect Giovanni Lazanio serves as a crucial source, detailing his restoration of what he called the "only surviving part of the basilica." The architect expressed hope that his work helped highlight "those moments" that Novara sometimes neglected, hidden beneath plaster that one might have thought the city was competing to destroy.

So, tomorrow, brace yourself for an extraordinary adventure. The FAI volunteers will take you on a breathtaking journey to unearth this well-kept secret. The meeting time is 3 pm, with entry slots every half hour—booking is highly recommended (Email: [email protected]). And here's the cherry on top: all proceeds will go directly to the Italian Environment Fund.

Matteo Caporusso, the president of the FAI's local chapter, shares, "Novara is brimming with hidden treasures that for some unfathomable reason remain shrouded in mystery. It's high time we shed some light on these dazzling gems gathering dust."

Curious travelers seeking hidden gems in Novara should visit local churches, consult Novara's Tourist Office for updates, and be on the lookout for religious events that might open rarely seen parts of these awe-inspiring churches. Novara indeed has a plethora of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.

The hidden church behind San Pietro al Rosario, known as Santa Maria di Ingalardo, is set to be unveiled by the Italian Environment Fund (FAI) tomorrow, which was once the basilica's only surviving part.
A breathtaking guided tour will allow visitors to explore the clandestine church, hidden behind the apse, and uncover the traces of its rich history, which includes the Dominican order's residence.
Despite the city's development, the ancient structure of Santa Maria di Ingalardo has been largely forgotten, even beneath layers of plaster that some may think Novara was determined to erase.
Home-and-garden enthusiasts might find solace in this hidden gem, as the secret church of Novara showcases a unique piece of history, blending the lifestyle of the past with the modern world.