At the end of the twelfth century, with the opening of the Sempione, an important trade route was born that connects Novara and Milan to Northern Europe. This route will be one of the growth factors of the city of Novara both for the development of the leather market and for the passage of pilgrims who will use the western Via Francisca to avoid the Gran San Bernardo. Along the way, the places of hospitality and the chapels dedicated to San Giacomo and San Rocco flourish as well as those dedicated to San Bernardo d'Aosta. It is in fact a fascinating way both for the historical memory and for the beauty of the landscapes. At the end of the route you will find the relics of Saint Bernard in the Cathedral of Novara and the pilgrim can decide whether to go to Mortara to go to Rome, or Vercelli to cross the Francigena in the direction of Santiago. There is a direct connection between the Simplon Pass where the canons of the Gran San Bernardo run the hospitality since 1825, with the city of Novara where Saint Bernard is buried who founded the same congregation.