Novara
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 31 October 2023
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Situated in the east of Piedmont and close to the banks of the River Ticino that borders the Lombardy region, Novara is the second largest city in Piedmont, after Turin. It has with a population of just over 100,000 and is the capital of its regional district, the Province of Novara.
A short distance to the north of Novara are Lake Maggiore (around 40 km) and Lake Orta (around 50 km), while important provincial capitals such as Vercelli and Biella lie a short distance to the south and east. |
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The Basilica di San Gaudenzio
Visitors from Turin arriving in Novara may feel as though they haven't left home when glimpse city's most iconic sight, the Basilica di San Gaudenzio, which resembles the famous Mole Antonelliana in Turin.
In fact, the distinctive cupolas of both buildings were designed by the same architect, Alessandro Antonelli; although the people of Novara will be quick to point out that theirs was built first, in 1887.
On the other hand, the Torinesi (people from Turin) will make sure you know that their cupola, finished 2 years later, stands at a height of 167 metres, roughly 46 metres higher. Aside from the Basilica of San Gaudenzio, Novara also has a cathedral, simply named "Novara Cathedral" (Duomo di Novara), which is situated in the very centre of the city, just off Via Fratelli Rosselli, which leads up to Piazza della Repubblica.
In fact, the distinctive cupolas of both buildings were designed by the same architect, Alessandro Antonelli; although the people of Novara will be quick to point out that theirs was built first, in 1887.
On the other hand, the Torinesi (people from Turin) will make sure you know that their cupola, finished 2 years later, stands at a height of 167 metres, roughly 46 metres higher. Aside from the Basilica of San Gaudenzio, Novara also has a cathedral, simply named "Novara Cathedral" (Duomo di Novara), which is situated in the very centre of the city, just off Via Fratelli Rosselli, which leads up to Piazza della Repubblica.
Sightseeing Novara
Perhaps the best starting point for a walk around Novara is another of its most iconic sights, the Visconti-Sforza Castle which lies just at the edge of the city's centre. If arriving by car you could try and park close to the castle and then once you've finished your visit, cross Piazza Martiri della Libertà, and turn right up to Piazza Puccini where you'll find a statue of Carlo Emanuele III.
You'll shortly see the Cathedral on your right and once you've finished there you can continue along Via Fratelli Rosselli with its porticoes, a great area for shopping. Once you reach Piazza della Repubblica you'll see an archway which takes you into the courtyard of the Broletto Complex which houses a series of museums and art galleries. Novara's main sight, the Basilica di San Gaudenzio is a few minutes' walk from the Broletto; exit there from the other archway, turn left and then turn right on to the main street, Via San Gaudenzio which leads up to the Basilica.
Visitors arriving by train could follow the above itinerary but in reverse, the city's main train station is a 5 minute walk from the Basilica di San Gaudenzio which would in effect become your starting point. All of the cities main sights are within a short walk of each other so there's no need to take buses anywhere within the city itself.
You'll shortly see the Cathedral on your right and once you've finished there you can continue along Via Fratelli Rosselli with its porticoes, a great area for shopping. Once you reach Piazza della Repubblica you'll see an archway which takes you into the courtyard of the Broletto Complex which houses a series of museums and art galleries. Novara's main sight, the Basilica di San Gaudenzio is a few minutes' walk from the Broletto; exit there from the other archway, turn left and then turn right on to the main street, Via San Gaudenzio which leads up to the Basilica.
Visitors arriving by train could follow the above itinerary but in reverse, the city's main train station is a 5 minute walk from the Basilica di San Gaudenzio which would in effect become your starting point. All of the cities main sights are within a short walk of each other so there's no need to take buses anywhere within the city itself.
Comune di Novara
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Province: Novara
Region: Piedmont Population: 102,225 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2022) Size: 103 km² Elevation: 162 metres Top sights: Basilica di San Gaudenzio, Visconti-Sforza Castle Close by: Vercelli, Arona, Orta San Giulio, Omegna, Biella, Ivrea Recommended accommodation: Bella Italia Palace Hotel |
Novara Travel
Although Novara is in Piedmont, it's geographically closer to Milan, the capital of Lombardy, than it is to Turin, the capital of Piedmont. The closest airport to Novara is Milan Malpensa which is just 30 km away (35 minutes by car). Slightly further away is another Milanese airport, Linate which is about 75 km away from the centre of Novara and just over an hour by car.
Novara is well-connected by road, the main A4 motorway is just a very short distance away and from there you can travel east to Milan or south west to Turin, around 95 km away and a journey time of an hour and 15 minutes.
Novara is well-connected by road, the main A4 motorway is just a very short distance away and from there you can travel east to Milan or south west to Turin, around 95 km away and a journey time of an hour and 15 minutes.
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Fly to: Milan Malpensa Airport - 38 minutes by car (32 km)
Main train station: Stazione Novara (city centre) |
