Novara: Architecture, Museums and Local Cuisine

Novara lies between the Sesia and Ticino rivers. Plains and rice fields characterize the surrounding area; in the medieval old town, you’ll find squares lined with old arcades and cobbled streets. The Via del Mare also reaches Novara, passing through the hilly and flat communities of the Medio Novarese. In the city itself, historic buildings, museums and the covered market offer different glimpses into its history and everyday life.

Architectural history between basilica and baptistery

The Basilica di San Gaudenzio was rebuilt within the city walls between 1557 and 1590. Its 121-meter-high dome is made entirely of masonry and was built between 1840 and 1888 under the direction of Alessandro Antonelli. The basilica also houses the patron saint’s remains in an urn made of silver and crystal. Here, religious heritage meets a landmark architectural achievement of the 19th century, without reducing both to the same period.

The Complesso del Duomo comprises the cathedral, baptistery, bishop’s palace and the cloister of the Canonica. The Duomo was built to Antonelli’s neoclassical design, incorporating parts of the earlier Romanesque building. Its central portal is 19 meters high. The Battistero del Duomo is considered the city’s oldest Christian monument, with its first structural core dating to the 5th century. A fresco cycle from the Ottonian period depicts scenes from the Apocalypse. For those interested in architecture and art history, the complex brings together different periods and styles in a single named ensemble.

Museums with a range of focuses

The Musei della Canonica del Duomo guide visitors through 13 rooms of artifacts and documents dating from the 6th century BC to the 19th century AD. You can visit the museums for free on weekends; advance reservations are required during the week. Check the visiting arrangements before your trip. Casa Bossi also requires planning: the house, converted from an existing Baroque building from 1859 onward under Alessandro Antonelli, is accessible only through guided tours booked in advance.

The collections at the other museums take different approaches. The Museo Storico Novarese Aldo Rossini preserves memorabilia from the army, navy and air force in memory of those killed in all wars. Its weapons collection includes edged weapons and firearms dating from the Battle of Novara to the Second World War. In 1813, Canon Carlo Francesco Frasconi began collecting inscriptions from Novara and its surroundings at the Museo Lapidario. The Museo del Giocattolo brings together, among other things, lace, embroidery and 19th-century clothing, ceramics, tools and a significant collection of historic toys.

Anyone interested in natural history will find native and exotic animal species at the Museo di Storia Naturale Faraggiana Ferrandi; the collections also include specimens brought back by Alessandro Faraggiana from Africa and other parts of the world. The multisensory route includes tactile maps, scent boxes and a video station that is also accessible in LIS. As visiting options may change, check these details before your visit. Art lovers can explore the Galleria d’arte moderna Paolo e Adele Giannoni at the Broletto, with almost 1,000 works of art. The Complesso Monumentale del Broletto comprises four historic palaces with different architectural styles.

Green spaces, the market and events

Behind and to the left of the Castello Visconteo Sforzesco, Allea and Parco dei Bambini extend across 42,200 square meters. Roman remains are visible on the western side of the castle courtyard. Parco dei Bambini includes 20,000 square meters of enclosed play areas connected by tree-lined paths. These figures describe different scales: the larger green space by the castle and the designated play areas within it.

At the Mercato Coperto di Novara, fruit and vegetable stalls offer seasonal produce, local specialties, regional products with short transport routes and organic goods. The cheese section stocks fresh, soft, hard and semi-hard cheeses, as well as mozzarella made from Piedmontese cow’s and goat’s milk. For a culinary treat, Biscottini di Novara are also made in Novara: Camporelli has produced them using artisanal methods since 1852. The Novara area is also described as the home of Gorgonzola DOP.

For an evening of music, NovaraJazz is another cultural touchstone: the festival presents a season of jazz concerts and performances in Novara, inviting visitors to explore the region. The Fondazione Castello di Novara manages cultural activities at the monumental Castello Visconteo Sforzesco complex. At Teatro Coccia, the associated foundation coordinates, develops and promotes artistic and cultural activities, particularly in music and theater.

Whether your trip is focused on sacred architecture, historic collections, local food or events, Novara offers a range of themes to explore in depth. Its buildings tell stories from widely separated eras, while museums and the market offer other ways to discover the city. If your visit involves reservations or guided tours, it’s worth checking the latest information before planning your stay.

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