Novi Ligure and its hillsides

The realm of chocolate bars

We are in the south of Piedmont, among the wooded hills and vineyards that slope towards the plain and face the Apennines: on the other side lies Genoa, a crossroads between Europe and the Mediterranean.

But for now let’s remain on this side of the mountains and lose ourselves in the flatlands and among the hills that make up the realm of the chocolate bar. Every year more than 80 million of them are produced in the Novi plant located here.

Novi Ligure and the surrounding area maintain a deeply rooted tradition of confectionery and chocolate arts. The head offices of another prestigious brand name are also located here, Pernigotti, along with numerous other smaller firms that “export” sweetness to other areas of Italy and the world.

The realm of the chocolate bar also boasts of industrial traditions in other sectors, especially in wines, which flourish in the zone of Gavi, thanks to the wine of the same name that can be found on tables round the world.

Novi Ligure was also famous as a trading centre and during the 17th century became home to the Trade Fair which attracted merchants from all over Europe. This event contributed substantially to the wealth of Novi, as witnessed by the elegant historical buildings located downtown in Via Gramsci, Via Roma, and in Piazza Dellepiane.

Leaving Novi and heading towards Gavi, you can see the majestic figure of the Forte with its bastions, erected by the Genovese at the end of the 16th century and the last rampart of the French resistance following the fall of Napoleon.

This is also a land of champion athletes. Amidst these hills the legends of two cycling heroes still live on: Costante Girardengo and Fausto Coppi, to whom Novi Ligure has dedicated the Championship Museum, which was inaugurated in 2003.

Continue on your trip to discover Novi Ligure and its hillsides

Photo: Chiesa della Collegiata (the Minster Church) in Novi Ligure