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Relais Villa Pomela
Via Serravalle, 69
15067 Novi Ligure (AL)
The ancient noble residence that houses the Relais Villa Pomela, with its park, is an architectural and historical jewel of the Gavi Hills in the Piedmont landscape.
It is easily accessible from the major northern cities of Italy like Milan, Turin and Genoa due to its strategic location near major highways.
Just a 5-minute drive from the McArthur Designer Outlet in Serravalle, the restaurant is ideal for a break during a day of luxury shopping.
The origins of Gavi Castle are uncertain, but it is assumed that the natural rock on which it stands was already fortified in pre-Roman times. The first documented mention dates back to 973, and in 1191 Emperor Henry VI donated the castle and the village of Gavi to the Republic of Genoa. Despite various changes of ownership, including the Visconti and Sforza families, the castle remained under Genoese rule until 1815. Transformed into a fortress in the 17th century, it was later used as a prison and, since 1946, has been the subject of restoration work by the Soprintendenza per i Beni Culturali.
Dedicated to legendary cyclists Fausto Coppi and Costante Girardengo, it is located in Novi Ligure in a former industrial warehouse from the early 20th century. The impressive layout, designed by Mauro Porta, features a central track recounting the evolution of cycling, flanked by rooms with exhibits on the Milano-Sanremo and historical bicycles. The ‘Sala dei Campionissimi’ displays memorabilia and testimonies of the lives and careers of the two champions, while multimedia spaces allow visitors to learn more about the history of cycling. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and visitor areas such as a shop and library.
The tower of Novi Ligure Castle, erected in 1233 at the behest of Frederick Barbarossa, is the only remaining part of a larger fortification that was destroyed during the War of the Austrian Succession. Thirty meters high, the square tower was later reinforced by the Viscontis and came under Genoese and Austrian control before returning to Genoa. Remnants of the 15th-century walls can still be seen around it. The castle is also known for the legend of the Headless Horseman and is part of the Lower Piedmont Open Castles circuit.
