9 Best Things To Do In Novara, Italy

things to do in Novara
Mia (Margarita)
Mia (Margarita) 
Updated
| 3 min read

Being the second most populous city in Piedmont, Novara has some of the best architectural works and landscapes that could be found in Italy. Apart from that, cycling, hiking and plenty of other outdoor recreational activities may be explored in the area. But before all that, get to know the town through its history and culture by checking out these attractions:

1. Basilica di San Gaudenzio (Basilica of San Gaudenzio)

Novara Cupola SanGaudenzio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Alessandro Vecchi used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Basilica of San Gaudenzio is considered to be the highest point in the city of Novara. It was initially built by Pellegrino Tibaldi, an Italian artist between 1577 and 1690, while its very iconic cupola was later on designed by Alessandro Antonelli, the creator of the Mole Antonelliana in Turin. It is said to also be visible from surrounding cities.

Basilica di San Gaudenzio

Address: Via S. Gaudenzio, 22, 28100 Novara NO, Italy

Website: Basilica di San Gaudenzio (in Italian)

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2. Castello Visconteo Sforzesco (Novara Castle)

Novara Castello
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Alessandro Vecchi used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Castello Visconteo Sforzesco sits in the middle of one of the most stunning parks in Italy. It has only recently been opened to the public and isn’t only a venue for touring, but also hosts events such as concerts and other performances. It is continually being restored and renovated to preserve remnants of the previous centuries.

Castello Visconteo Sforzesco

Address: Piazza Martiri della Libertà, 215, 28100 Novara NO, Italy

Website: Castello Visconteo Sforzesco (in Italian)

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3. Battistero (The Baptistery of the Novara Cathedral)

Novara Battistero Giudizio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Laurom used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Another historical site you should definitely include in your itinerary is The Baptistery of the Novara Cathedral. The city’s oldest Christian building may be found in the Piazza della Repubblica. It contains primitive baptismal tubs, medieval frescoes and mosaics from the Paleochristian times.

Battistero

Address: Piazza della Repubblica, 8, 28100 Novara NO, Italy

Website: Battistero (in Italian)

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4. The Novara Pyramid

Novara Piramide
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Alessandro Vecchi used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Along the Via XXIII Marzo 1849 is a monument to all those who perished during the Battle of Novara from March 22 to 23, 1849. It is said to be the resting place for the ashes and remains of the brave men and women from both sides who fought for their respective empires. Their mass burial also serves as a sign of respect for the opposing forces.

Novara Pyramid

Address: Via XXIII Marzo 1849, 28100, Novara, Italy

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5. Teatro Coccia (Coccia Theater)

Teatro Coccia auditorium
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Photo: Andreas Pr... used under CC BY 3.0

Turning away from the misfortunes of the past and into the entertainment sector of current times, the Coccia Theater is the venue to be. The first ever theater of Novara has an elegant and bright interior that is able to give its audiences the traditional and highly formal atmosphere of the theater back in the late 1700s. The theater presents a lot of performances ranging from ballet, opera, instrumental and plays. Check out their sites for details regarding their upcoming events and shows.

Teatro Coccia

Address: Via Fratelli Rosselli 47, 28100, Novara, Italy

Website: Teatro Coccia (in Italian)

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6. Galleria d'Arte Moderna Giannoni (Gallery of Modern Art Giannoni)

Novara Broletto
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Alessandro Vecchi used under CC BY-SA 3.0

A fusion of the medieval and the renaissance in terms of design, the Gallery of Modern Art Giannoni exhibits the evolution of culture and art in Italy. The contrast between its name and architecture only shows the journey through which the city has grown and what it can grow into. It has received a lot of praise from its previous guests. Visit their website for more details regarding opening hours and tickets.

Galleria d'Arte Moderna Giannoni

Address: Via Fratelli Rosselli 20, 28100, Novara, Italy

Website: Galleria d'Arte Moderna Giannoni)

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7. Museo di Storia Naturale Faraggiana Ferrandi (The Faraggiana Ferrandi Museum of Natural History)

Novara MuseoFaraggiana
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Alessandro Vecchi used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Following the Turin Museum of Natural History, the Faraggiana Ferrandi Museum of Natural History is the second regional naturalistic museum in terms of its size and collection. Inside, there is a garden and an artificial pond filled with all kinds of plants and vegetation. Apart from the exhibit, the museum also promotes environmental awareness activities for students and teachers. Entrance to the museum is free.

Museo di Storia Naturale Faraggiana Ferrandi

Address: Via Gaudenzio Ferrari 13, 28100, Novara, Italy

Opening Hours: Tuesday - Friday: 9:00am - 12:30pm; Saturday: 9:00am - 12:30pm, 2:00pm - 7:00pm; Sunday: 2:00pm - 7:00pm

Website: Museo di Storia Naturale Faraggiana Ferrandi (in Italian)

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8. Museo diocesano della Canonica del Duomo di Novara (Diocesan Museum of the Canonica of the Duomo of Novara)

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The last museum on this list is the Diocesan Museum of the Canonica of the Duomo of Novara, which has a wide range of artworks and religious ornaments from the past. Works made on wood, stone, sculptures, clothing, vases and epigraphs may be seen in this museum. Tickets are only 5 EUR or 5.90 USD for adults and 1 EUR or 1.18 USD for students. This also includes access to the Episcopal Complex.

Museo diocesano della Canonica del Duomo di Novara

Address: Vicolo Canonica 9, 28100, Novara, Italy

Opening Hours: Saturday - Sunday: 3:00pm - 6:00pm

Website: Museo diocesano della Canonica del Duomo di Novara

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9. La Casa Dell'Olio (The House of Oil)

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

For your gift shop needs, make sure to drop by The House of Oil. Not only do they sell a variety of oils, but they also sell food items such as candies, chocolates, pasta and other delicacies. These would be the perfect souvenirs for your friends and family back home who unfortunately missed out on this amazing holiday.

La Casa Dell'Olio

Address: Via Gaudenzio Ferrari 5 / B , 28100, Novara, Italy

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You can't say "No" to Novara

Via centrale a Novara - Italy .
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Alfiere33 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

With its very rich history and culture, no wonder Novara is as popular as it is today. By dropping by these remarkable, entertaining and educational sites, you’ll surely leave even more curious than when you came in.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Mia Fortugaleza is a freelance theater actor and writer in the Philippines. She finds happiness and fulfillment in being able to explore the world to meet people of different cultures and...Read more

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