Novara between the Cathedral, Broletto and rice fields
Accommodation in Novara
Novara lies between the Sesia and Ticino rivers and is surrounded by plains and rice fields. The medieval townscape is characterized by squares with old arcades and cobbled streets. The Via del Mare also reaches Novara through the hilly and flat municipalities of the Medio Novarese area.
File:Monumento ai Caduti, Broletto, Novara 02.jpg
Photo: Dario Crespi via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Culture and history
The Basilica di San Gaudenzio was rebuilt between 1557 and 1590 within the city walls of Novara. The basilica houses the mortal remains of the patron saint in an urn made of silver and crystal. The Battistero del Duomo di Novara is the oldest Christian monument in the city; its original structure dates back to the 5th century. Its features include a fresco cycle from the Ottonian period depicting the Apocalypse.
The Complesso del Duomo di Novara comprises the cathedral, baptistery, bishop's palace and the Canonica cloister. The Musei della Canonica del Duomo di Novara present artefacts and documents dating from the 6th century BC to the 19th century AD on a tour through 13 rooms. The museums can be visited free of charge at weekends and during the week by prior reservation. The Broletto houses the Galleria d'arte moderna Paolo e Adele Giannoni, with a collection of almost 1,000 works of art. The Complesso Monumentale del Broletto comprises four historic palaces in different architectural styles.
The Museo Storico Novarese Aldo Rossini displays memorabilia from the army, navy and air force 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 houses lace, embroidery and clothing from the 19th century, ceramics, professional and craft equipment, household tools and a significant collection of historic toys. The Museo Lapidario began in 1813, when the canon Carlo Francesco Frasconi started collecting inscriptions from Novara and its surrounding area.
The Museo di Storia Naturale Faraggiana Ferrandi displays native and exotic animal species, including collections brought back by Alessandro Faraggiana from Africa and other parts of the world. The museum features a multisensory tour with tactile maps, scent boxes and a video station also accessible in LIS. From 1859 onwards, Casa Bossi was converted from an existing Baroque building under the direction of architect Alessandro Antonelli. Casa Bossi can only be visited as part of tours booked in advance.
Around the Castello
Roman remains are visible on the western side of the courtyard of Castello Visconteo Sforzesco. The Fondazione Castello di Novara manages cultural activities held in the monumental Castello Visconteo Sforzesco complex. Behind and to the left of Castello Visconteo Sforzesco, the Allea and Parco dei Bambini cover 42,200 square metres. Parco dei Bambini includes 20,000 square metres of enclosed play areas connected by tree-lined paths.
Market and local specialities
The fruit and vegetable stalls at Mercato Coperto di Novara offer seasonal produce, local specialities, regional products with short transport routes and organic goods. The dairy and cheese section includes, among other things, fresh, soft, hard and semi-hard cheeses, as well as mozzarella made from Piedmontese cow's and goat's milk. In Novara, Camporelli has been producing Biscottini di Novara by traditional methods since 1852.
Music and theatre
NovaraJazz organises a season of jazz concerts and performances in Novara to explore the region. The Teatro Coccia foundation coordinates, develops, promotes and manages artistic and cultural activities, particularly in the fields of music and theatre.
Further destinations: Miasino, Orta San Giulio, Armeno, Pettenasco, Lesa, Massino Visconti, Pella.
To the main travel overview: Piedmont.
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