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Novara is compact enough to cover on foot in a day, but its attractions reward a slower pace: a 121-metre dome you can climb, a cathedral by one of Italy’s great 19th-century architects, and the rice-growing countryside on the doorstep. Here are the specific sights, with what they cost and when to go. For month-by-month temperatures and rainfall, see our Novara weather by month.
Things to Do in Novara: Historic Landmarks
Basilica of San Gaudenzio and the Dome
The symbol of Novara, the Basilica of San Gaudenzio was built between 1577 and 1690 to a design by Pellegrino Tibaldi, then crowned by Alessandro Antonelli’s 121-metre dome, completed in 1878. The basilica interior is free to enter. Climbing the dome costs 5 euro (3 euro reduced for under-18s, over-65s and students) and involves a series of internal staircases that Antonelli stacked one inside the next, a structure that later inspired his Mole Antonelliana in Turin. The climb is not for anyone with vertigo or mobility issues. Check the current opening days on the official site before you go, as the dome closes on some weekdays. Our best time to visit Novara covers the best months to visit in detail.
Novara Cathedral and the Baptistery
The Duomo, on Piazza della Repubblica, is a neoclassical rebuild by Antonelli completed in 1869, standing where a Roman temple of Jupiter once was. Entry is free. Directly across the square is the Battistero, the oldest building in Novara, an early Christian baptistery from the 5th century with fragments of original mosaics. The two are 90 seconds apart on foot, so they are done together in under an hour. For the annual calendar of festivals, see our Novara events and festivals.
The Broletto Courtyard
The Broletto, a minute from the Duomo, was the meeting place of the free city’s council. Its courtyard is framed by the Palazzo del Podestà and the Palazzetto dei Paratici, both medieval. You can walk into the courtyard for free at any time; it often hosts markets and, during Novara Jazz, open-air concerts. Cafes line the outer edge if you want to sit with a coffee. Our where to stay in Novara covers hotel picks by area in detail.
Castello Visconteo-Sforzesco
This 14th-century castle, built by the Visconti and enlarged by the Sforza, sits on the edge of the historic centre near Piazza Martiri. Only part of the original complex survives, but the remaining wing now houses temporary art exhibitions. Entry is usually free when an exhibition is not on; check the posted times at the gate.
Things to Do in Novara: Museums and Culture
Museo di Storia Naturale Faraggiana Ferrandi
The natural history museum on Via Gaudenzio Ferrari holds a large collection of mounted animals, fossils and minerals assembled by the Faraggiana family in the 1800s. It is a good indoor option on a rainy afternoon, with adult entry in the 5 euro range and reduced rates for children. It is closed on Mondays.
Teatro Coccia
Novara’s opera house, the Teatro Coccia, opened in 1888 and is one of the major historic theatres in Piedmont. The season runs roughly October to May with opera, classical concerts and ballet; tickets vary widely, from about 15 euro for upper-gallery seats to over 80 euro for stalls on opening nights. Book ahead on the theatre’s website, especially for December and January performances.
Things to Do in Novara: Outdoors and Day Trips
Rice Fields and the Parco del Ticino
Novara is the centre of one of Europe’s largest rice-growing districts, and in April and May the paddies around the city are flooded and reflective at dawn. The Parco del Ticino, a protected river valley 10 km east, has flat walking and cycling trails along the Ticino river. Both are free; bring a bike or rent one in town.
Day Trip to Lake Orta
Lake Orta is 30 km north, about a 45-minute drive or a train to Orta-Miasino station. The lake town of Orta San Giulio and the island of San Giulio with its 12th-century basilica are the draw. The island ferry costs a few euro and runs frequently in summer. It is a much smaller, quieter lake than Maggiore, and it makes a full-day trip from Novara.
For advice on where to base yourself, see our Novara neighborhoods guide, and for getting there and around, our Novara travel tips page.
