The past few weeks have seen a series of destructive and deadly weather events in Italy – raging fires, wild storms and record flooding. People here talk a lot about the weather, and they’ll tell you weather patterns are changing.

One thing’s certain, though; here in the country’s north autumn is in full swing. The weather’s turned cool and the leaves are turning yellow. Back in Brisbane there are really only two seasons (summer and ‘you call that winter?’), so we’re enjoying being in this land of four distinctive seasons. And for us, autumn is one of the best.

 

Beautiful autumn has well and truly arrived
Beautiful autumn has well and truly arrived
As if we needed reminding
As if we needed reminding
Spectacular silver and gold
Spectacular silver and gold
Last week we spent a couple of days in Piedmont with our friends, Benedetta and Anna
Last week we spent a couple of days in Piedmont with our friends, Benedetta and Anna
It's a lovely region to visit at this (or any time) of year
It's a lovely region to visit at this (or any time) of year
Of course autumn can also mean a bit more rain
Of course autumn can also mean a bit more rain
But on the upside it's great weather for treats like these (they're chocolate-dipped gooseberries on the left!)
But on the upside it's great weather for treats like these (they're chocolate-dipped gooseberries on the left!)
And if it becomes too wet outside ...
And if it becomes too wet outside ...
.... there's usually a great exhibition to be found somewhere
.... there's usually a great exhibition to be found somewhere
This one in Novara included masterpieces by the most important Italian artists of the 19th century
This one in Novara included masterpieces by the most important Italian artists of the 19th century
Like Gerolamo Induno (1825-1890)
Like Gerolamo Induno (1825-1890)
and Emilio Longoni (1859-1932)
and Emilio Longoni (1859-1932)
Longoni's wonderful 'La Piscinina' (1889-1890)
Longoni's wonderful 'La Piscinina' (1889-1890)
And if you tire of exhibitions ...
And if you tire of exhibitions ...
... there's always a handy church to offer refuge from the rain
... there's always a handy church to offer refuge from the rain
Novara Cathedral, designed by Italian architect Alessandro Antonelli, was completed in 1869
Novara Cathedral, designed by Italian architect Alessandro Antonelli, was completed in 1869
A long time after the first church had been built on this site (around 400AD)
A long time after the first church had been built on this site (around 400AD)
The cupola of the nearby Basilica of San Gaudenzio was also designed by Antonelli
The cupola of the nearby Basilica of San Gaudenzio was also designed by Antonelli
Gaudenzio Ferrari's famous Altarpiece (1516) in the Basilica's Chapel of the Nativity
Gaudenzio Ferrari's famous Altarpiece (1516) in the Basilica's Chapel of the Nativity
About half an hour away, in the town of Vercelli, the significantly less elaborate St Andrew's Basilica
About half an hour away, in the town of Vercelli, the significantly less elaborate St Andrew's Basilica
This Gothic-style cathedral was completed in 1227
This Gothic-style cathedral was completed in 1227
It was remodelled in the 16th century and overhauled again in the 19th
It was remodelled in the 16th century and overhauled again in the 19th
Novara and Vercelli are two of many great little towns in Piedmont
Novara and Vercelli are two of many great little towns in Piedmont
They're not necessarily show-stopper destinations
They're not necessarily show-stopper destinations
But each one is interesting in its own way
But each one is interesting in its own way
And if you take time to stop and explore, you won't be disappointed
And if you take time to stop and explore, you won't be disappointed
Especially if it happens to be autumn
Especially if it happens to be autumn