Podcast episodes, Where to stay

Episode #298: Palazzo Novello – Off the Beaten Path in Italy’s Lombardy Region

Posted on by Untold Italy

This article may contain compensated links. See our full disclosure here

untold italy app

Listen to “298. Palazzo Novello: Off the Beaten Path in Lombardy” on Spreaker.

LISTEN ON APPLE LISTEN ON SPOTIFY DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT

follow us

Palazzo Novello is a warm and welcoming boutique hotel set in a beautifully restored historic palazzo in the charming Lombardy town of Montichiari. With its grand staircase, frescoed walls, and elegant four-poster beds, it’s a peaceful haven that captures the spirit of an authentic and untouched corner of northern Italy.

Summary

In this episode, Untold Italy founder Katy Clarke takes us on a heartfelt return to a place that inspired the very creation of this podcast: the enchanting Palazzo Novello, a charming, all-female-run historic hotel nestled in the lesser-known town of Montichiari, Lombardy.

Palazzo Novello's Kenda and Rajmonda share the unique story behind the hotel, the authentic and warm hospitality that defines it, as well as the sweeping staircases, four-poster beds and ancient frescoes. Discover tales of local food traditions, community festivals, fascinating local history, and secret spots that most travelers never find.

STAY: At Palazzo Novello as part of Untold Italy's Northern Italy Tour.

What you'll learn in this episode

  • Discover the inspiring story behind Palazzo Novello’s restoration, from a family’s decision to rescue a neglected historic palazzo to transforming it into a boutique hotel filled with character and warmth. Learn how Kenda and her family navigated Italy’s strict heritage protections and bureaucracy to bring new life to this centuries-old building, and how she now runs it with an all-female team dedicated to heartfelt hospitality
  • Explore the unique charm and atmosphere of Palazzo Novello, where 20 individually designed rooms showcase original frescoes, elegant details, and the authenticity of Lombard architecture. Each space tells its own story, preserving the spirit of the past while offering modern comfort and a deep sense of place
  • Experience the genuine hospitality that makes guests feel at home – from homemade breakfasts served in a sunlit gazebo to personal travel recommendations and thoughtful touches throughout each stay. The hotel’s philosophy blends simplicity, warmth, and refined beauty, creating an environment that feels both special and welcoming
  • Get to know Montichiari, an undiscovered Lombardy town untouched by mass tourism. You’ll learn about its Roman origins, striking fortress, lively markets, and the magical equinox light that fills its cathedral. This authentic destination offers a glimpse into real Italian life, full of history, charm, and everyday rhythms
  • Delve into the culinary and cultural treasures of the region, from local cheeses and fresh pastas to wines like Franciacorta and Lugana. Hear how local pride, family-run wineries, and time-honored traditions define Lombardy’s food culture, and discover nearby gems such as Brescia, Lake Garda, and the romantic village of Castellaro Lagusello for unforgettable day trips

Timeline Overview

  • 09:58 Palazzo Novello offers room experiences that captivate. Discover the charm of individually styled rooms with frescoes and four-poster beds that make every stay feel special
  • 13:35 Montichiari: This small Lombardy town is a true hidden gem, rich in history, tradition, and untouched Italian character
  • 20:04 Italian wines and local specialties: Taste the region’s culinary delights, from fine wines to local dishes that celebrate true Italian flavor
  • 27:37 Santa Giulia: Step inside one of Lombardy’s most fascinating historical and spiritual sites – a monastery for the rich girls of the past
  • 42:48 Palazzo Novello is home to heartfelt Italian hospitality: Feel the warmth, care, and authenticity that make this boutique hotel a true home away from home

About our guests – Kenda and Rajmonda from Palazzo Novello

Nestled in the heart of Montichiari near Lake Garda, Palazzo Novello is a beautifully restored historic mansion that blends Italian elegance with the warmth of a true home. Once known as Palazzo Pilati, this 17th-century residence began as a modest rural home before being transformed by the Guerrini and later the Pilati families into one of the area’s most prestigious aristocratic dwellings. Its noble past is still reflected in the Pilati family crest – a gold lily on a blue field between two silver rakes – and in the building’s graceful, understated façade.

Today, thanks to the vision of Kendra Novello and her family, Palazzo Novello has become a female-run boutique hotel that celebrates both history and hospitality. Each of its 20 unique rooms tells its own story, with frescoed ceilings, exposed beams, terracotta floors, and elegant four-poster beds creating an atmosphere of timeless charm.

Kendra and Rajmonda warmly welcome guests as friends, sharing their deep knowledge of Montichiari and the surrounding Lombardy region – from its rich history to the best local spots for authentic food and wine. Palazzo Novello is more than a place to stay; it’s a reflection of Italian heritage, heartfelt hospitality, and the enduring beauty of everyday life in northern Italy.

Follow Palazzo Novello here

Italian places, foods and concepts mentioned

Places

  • Montichiari – meaning ‘clear hill' is a charming small town in Lombardy, home to the fabulous hotel Palazzo Novello
  • Lake Garda – not far from Lake Garda, which is home to many wonders worth visiting
  • Sirmione – a pretty town on Lake Garda with a castle and Roman villa ruins
  • Verona – elegant city in Verona, famous for its incredible Arena and the story of Romeo and Juliet
  • Brescia – wonderful architectural history, including ancient Roman and Lombard sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list, Venetian Renaissance buildings, and the first skyscraper built in Italy. Along with Bergamo was elected City of Culture in 2023
  • Mantua – town surrounded by 3 lakes in Lombardy
  • Castle Bonoris – Castello Bonoris dominates the town of Montichiari
  • Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta – the cathedral sits on Piazza Santa Maria
  • Monte Netto – hilly area producing red wine in the northern part of the Bassa Bresciana
  • Botticino – town in Brescia, created in 1928, known for red wine
  • Capitolium of Brixia – was the main temple in the center of the Roman town of Brixia (Brescia)
  • Santa Giulia Museum – city museum in Brescia in a monastery complex
  • Borghetto sul Mincio – on of the I Borghi più belli d'Italia (most beautiful villages in Italy), this little hamlet sits on the banks of the Mincio river
  • Castellaro Lagusello – walled medieval village with a heart-shaped lake
  • Lonato del Garda – a town known for its scenic location and its Rocca – a fortress and the grand residence Casa del Podestà, now a museum
  • Bonoris theatre – the grand theatre of Montichiari

Food / Drink

  • Formagella di Tremosine – Lombardy soft cheese from the Tremosine plateau near Lake Garda, made from cow's milk with a characteristic cross mark
  • Bagòss – a hard, extra-hard Italian cheese from the Lombardy region, specifically the town of Bagolino
  • Bossolà – shaped a bit like a donut, it is a local sweet cake popular at Christmas
  • Sbrisolona – a crumbly almond cake
  • Casoncelli – a local filled pasta. Typically filled with a mixture of breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, ground beef, salami or sausage. The variant – Casoncelli alla Bresciana are stuffed with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, nutmeg and broth
  • Franciacorta – wine region near Lake Garda, which produces the sparkling Italian wine with very similar taste and method to Champagne
  • Lugana – white wine from a small district close to Lake Garda
  • Chiaretto del Garda – rosé wine from the Lake Garda area. Gropello is a grape variety native to that same region, often used to make Chiaretto
  • Nodo d'Amore – meaning the ‘knot of love', is a filled pasta with a secret recipe and a fascinating tale to go with it, celebrated during their own festival: Festa dell Nodo d'Amore

Words / Concepts

  • Soprintendenze – the authority under the Ministero della Cultura, which has to approve all changes to listed buildings
  • Count Gaetano Bonoris – he created Bonoris Castle in the 19th century to look like a Medieval fortress
  • Antonio Tagliaferri – Brescian architect who created Bonoris Castle in the neo-Gothic style
  • Maggio Monteclarense – annual event in Montichiari that runs from dates in April to June, celebrating the local culture and history
  • San Pancrazio – the patron saint of Montichiari, celebrated on 12th May

Related content on Untold Italy

Podcasts

Articles

Plan your Italian adventures with Untold Italy

If you're enjoying the podcast and are excited about going to Italy but are overwhelmed by all the options, why not hire our Italy travel experts to help you build your dream trip. Our Italy Trip Planning services will get you from dreaming to booking the trip that suits you and your travel companions best – whether it's a week in Tuscany, visiting the iconic Italian cities or an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Sicily > learn more

THE BEST!

If you want a curated Italian adventure, this is your solution. We hired Tyla and the Untold Italy crew to put together our itinerary through Tuscany. We had the vacation of a lifetime! – Jamey Ice (Google) –  read more reviews.

Untold Italy Tours

Founded in 2022, our small group tour company takes curious travelers on multi-day adventures to Italy's lesser-known regions and to secret spots in places that are better known. Departing in Spring and Fall/Autumn, each trip focuses on food and wine, local traditions and uncovering the Italy you've always dreamed of > learn more.

NEED SOME HELP planning your Italy trip?

Join our Untold Italy Substack, where Katy shares curated thoughts, mini guides, and special recommendations or read our best tips from the Italy Trip Planning Guide.

Got questions about where to go, how to get around, or what to do? Our members are here to help.

Subscribe for podcast and email updates and we’ll send you our Italy Trip Planning Toolkit as a thank you 👉 Click here to sign up

Disclosure: Untold Italy assists our readers with carefully chosen product and services recommendations that help make travel easier and more fun. If you click through and make a purchase on many of these items we may earn a commission. All opinions are our own – please visit our disclosure page for more information.

Please share if you found this article useful