By car: from the A26 motorway exit at Arona. Go left towards Borgomanero and follow the signs to San Martino.
By train: the nearest railway station is Borgomanero.
Church of San Martino
Gattico
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The Church of San Martino to the north of Gattico is one of the prime examples of Romanesque architecture in the area.
Set in the middle of verdant parkland, the church has no roof or floor but retains the stark beauty of a 12th century Romanesque building. Neglected for many years, the church has recently undergone restoration work which has highlighted its atmospheric character.
The plan shows three naves with semi-circular apses which have narrow splayed lancet windows; at the top of the sides you can see some chiselled Lombard bands. The huge hollowed out block of stone in front of the entrance was probably an ancient font.
In spite of its ruinous condition, the Church of San Martino in its solitary natural setting remains one of the most evocative sacred sites in the Novara hills.