Novara
Novara is the capital of the province of Novara in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, lying to the west of Milan on the plain between the Sesia and Ticino rivers. With a population of just over 100,000, it is the second-largest city in Piedmont after Turin. An ancient settlement with a long urban history, Novara is best known today for the towering dome of its basilica of San Gaudenzio.
At a glance
- Type
- Comune (municipality), provincial capital
- Period
- Ancient origins; long history as a regional centre
- Style
- Historic Piedmontese city on the Lombard-Piedmont plain
- Location
- Province of Novara, eastern Piedmont, between Milan and Turin, Italy
Overview
Novara is the capital city of the province of Novara in the region of Piedmont, in northern Italy, to the west of Milan. With a population of around 103,000, it is the second-largest city in Piedmont after Turin. It stands on the plain of north-western Italy, midway between the two regional poles of Milan and Turin.
History
Novara is a city of ancient origins that developed on the fertile plain of north-western Italy, a position that placed it on routes between Lombardy and Piedmont. Through the medieval and modern periods it grew as an important regional centre and the administrative seat of its surrounding territory. Its long history is reflected in a layered urban fabric of churches, civic buildings and squares.
What you see
The Novara skyline is dominated by the soaring dome of the basilica of San Gaudenzio, a landmark visible across the surrounding plain. The historic centre gathers churches, arcaded streets and public squares typical of a Piedmontese provincial capital. Around the old core the city extends across the flat agricultural landscape between the Sesia and Ticino rivers.
Cultural significance
As the second city of Piedmont and a long-standing provincial capital, Novara is an important cultural and economic centre of the region. Its monuments, above all the basilica of San Gaudenzio with its celebrated dome, make it a focus of architectural and religious heritage on the Piedmont plain.
Practical information
Novara is a sizeable city with full urban services, accommodation and transport. For opening hours of the basilica, churches and museums, check the official municipal and tourism websites before planning a visit.
Getting there
Novara lies on the main corridor between Milan and Turin and is well served by rail and motorway connections to both cities. Its position to the west of Milan makes it an easy stop on journeys across the north-western Italian plain.