Novara’s history is reflected in a wide variety of buildings and collections. A striking place to start is the 121-metre-high dome of the Basilica di San Gaudenzio: made entirely of masonry, it was built by Alessandro Antonelli between 1840 and 1888. The basilica itself was rebuilt within the city walls between 1557 and 1590. The patron saint’s remains are kept there in an urn made of silver and crystal.
Cathedral and Basilica: Building History Through the Ages
The Complesso del Duomo comprises the cathedral, baptistery, bishop’s palace and Canonica cloister. The Battistero del Duomo is considered the city’s oldest Christian monument; its earliest structure dates to the 5th century. A fresco cycle from the Ottonian period depicts scenes from the Apocalypse. The cathedral also brings together several building phases: it was built in the Neoclassical style to a design by Antonelli, incorporating parts of the earlier Romanesque building. The central portal is 19 metres high.
Four historic palaces with distinct architectural styles come together at the Complesso Monumentale del Broletto. The Galleria d'arte moderna Paolo e Adele Giannoni, located there, houses a collection of almost 1,000 works of art. At the Castello Visconteo Sforzesco, another part of the city’s history takes you further back: Roman remains can be seen on the west side of the castle courtyard. The Fondazione Castello di Novara manages cultural activities held in the monumental complex; specific programme details may change.
Casa Bossi offers another way to explore Novara’s architectural history. Its renovation began in 1859 under the direction of architect Alessandro Antonelli, starting from an existing Baroque building. Casa Bossi is accessible only as part of a tour booked in advance, so be sure to reserve your visit.
Museums of Art, Nature and Remembrance
The Musei della Canonica del Duomo take you through 13 rooms of artefacts and documents dating from the 6th century BC to the 19th century AD. You can visit the museums without a reservation at weekends; advance booking is required during the week. It is worth checking the current access conditions shortly before your visit.
At the Museo di Storia Naturale Faraggiana Ferrandi, you can encounter native and exotic animal species. The collections include items brought back from Africa and other parts of the world by Alessandro Faraggiana. A multisensory route features tactile maps, scent boxes and a video station that is also accessible in LIS (Italian Sign Language). Visitor services may change, so check accessibility in advance.
Other museums focus on different subjects: The Museo Storico Novarese Aldo Rossini preserves military, naval and air force memorabilia in remembrance of those who fell in all wars. Its armoury includes edged weapons and firearms dating from the Battle of Novara to the Second World War. The Museo del Giocattolo features, among other things, lace, embroidery and 19th-century clothing, ceramics, tools used in crafts and trades, household tools, and a significant collection of historic toys. The Museo Lapidario traces its origins to Carlo Francesco Frasconi, who began collecting inscriptions from Novara and the surrounding area in 1813.
Green Spaces, Regional Cuisine and Music
Allea and Parco dei Bambini cover 42,200 square metres behind and to the left of the Castello Visconteo Sforzesco. Parco dei Bambini also includes 20,000 square metres of enclosed play areas, connected by tree-lined paths. The two figures describe different aspects of the green space: the total area of Allea and the park, and the designated play areas.
At the Mercato Coperto di Novara, fruit and vegetable stalls offer seasonal produce, local specialities, regional products with short transport routes, and organic goods. The dairy and cheese section offers fresh, soft, hard and semi-hard cheeses, as well as mozzarella made from Piedmontese cow’s and goat’s milk. The Novara area is described as the home of DOP-protected Gorgonzola. Another local speciality is Biscottini di Novara, which Camporelli has produced using traditional methods since 1852.
Novara lies between the Sesia and Ticino rivers, surrounded by plains and rice fields. The Via del Mare reaches the city through the hilly and lowland municipalities of Medio Novarese. This gives the landscape a regional context distinct from the city’s urban spaces and attractions.
Music is also part of the city’s cultural offering. NovaraJazz presents a season of jazz concerts and performances exploring the region. The Teatro Coccia Foundation coordinates, develops, promotes and manages artistic and cultural activities, particularly in music and theatre. For specific event dates, it is best to check the relevant programme.
Discover More Destinations
Miasino, Orta San Giulio, Armeno, Pettenasco, San Maurizio D'opaglio, Arona, Castelletto Sopra Ticino, Dormelletto, Lesa, Meina, Silvera, Bogogno, Agrate Conturbia, Varallo Pombia, Oleggio, Novara, Invorio Inferiore, Gozzano, Ameno, Massino Visconti, Oleggio Castello, Cameriano, Alzo, Vacciago, Sillavengo, Nebbiuno, Pombia, Colazza, Pella, Borgomanero, Cureggio, Recetto, Gattico, Caltignaga, Lumellogno, Trecate, Suno, Paruzzaro, Casalino, Cavaglio D'agogna, Vaprio D'agogna, Tornaco, Auzate, Soriso, Bellinzago Novarese, Vicolungo, Ghemme, Fara Novarese, Sizzano, Mezzomerico, Borgolavezzaro, Cameri, Galliate, Veruno, Bolzano Novarese, Grignasco, Case Sparse, Borgo Ticino, Gargallo, Lagna, Fontaneto D'agogna, Maggiora, Baraggia, Comignago, Cavallirio, Casaleggio Novara, Marano Ticino, Divignano, Barengo
For the main travel overview: Piedmont.
