The fifth stage of the Novara Hills Trail accompanies walkers from Barengo to Casaleggio Novara along an itinerary of approximately 20 kilometers that crosses some of the most representative landscapes of the Novara plain. Vineyards, castles, irrigation canals and vast rice fields alternate along a route rich in history, agricultural traditions and panoramic views.

This is a stage that tells the most authentic identity of the territory, where human presence and nature have coexisted for centuries, giving life to a unique landscape.

From Barengo to the Giant Bench

The trail begins from the historic center of Barengo and climbs toward the parish church, from which the hills overlooking the town are reached.

A short detour leads to the famous Giant Bench, a privileged panoramic point from which to observe the village and the mosaic of countryside that characterizes this stretch of the Novara area.

From here the route continues through orderly vineyards and the evocative castle park, immersing itself in a tranquil and charming hillside environment.

Among the vineyards of Briona and the "giant pencils" vineyard

Leaving the hills of Barengo, the route heads west through woods and secondary roads until reaching the countryside of Briona.

In this area the landscape is dominated by viticulture. Among the rows one encounters one of the most curious places of the entire Trail: the experimental vineyard of the Bonfantini Agricultural Institute of Novara.

Here the traditional support poles for the vines have been replaced by colorful "giant pencils," an original installation that combines agriculture, education and creativity, becoming over the years one of the most recognizable images of the territory.

Proh and Briona, between castles and historic canals

The stage continues downhill toward the small village of Proh, characterized by the presence of an elegant castle that testifies to the historical importance of these lands.

After crossing the village, the Canale Mora is reached, one of the most important hydraulic works of the Novara plain. Following the watercourse, one arrives at Briona, dominated by the imposing castle that rises above the town center.

These places tell centuries of history linked to agriculture, water management and the ancient noble families that have shaped the territory.

In the heart of the Novara rice fields

Leaving Briona, the landscape changes once again. The route enters the realm of rice fields, one of the most characteristic elements of the province of Novara.

The wide open spaces, irrigation canals and water reflections accompany the walker in a unique environment, particularly evocative in the spring and summer months.

Castellazzo is thus reached, where the majestic Rocca dei Caccia stands out, testimony to the strategic importance that this territory has had over the centuries.

Arrival at Casaleggio Novara

The final part of the stage crosses Cascina San Giobbe and follows a tree-lined canal bordered by poplars, offering a pleasant and shaded route.

Before reaching Casaleggio Novara, a short detour allows one to visit one of the most photographed places of the entire trail: the small church of Sant'Antonio, immersed among the rice fields and surrounded by a landscape of great evocative power.

Shortly after, the town center is reached, where this fifth day of walking ends.

A stage that tells the agricultural soul of the Novara area

From Barengo to Casaleggio Novara, the Novara Hills Trail crosses profoundly different landscapes united by a common thread: the relationship between man, land and water.

Among vineyards, castles, historic canals and rice fields, this stage offers a perfect synthesis of the agricultural traditions and history that have shaped the Novara territory over the centuries.

An ideal itinerary for those who wish to discover an authentic landscape, made of silences, nature and historical testimonies that emerge along every kilometer of the route.