Sagra di San Gaudenzio
The annual patronal feast honouring Saint Gaudentius, patron of Novara, in January. Stalls around the basilica offer sweets, regional specialities and the traditional San Gaudenzio chestnuts.
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Novara
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ℹ️Practical info — Novara
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Climb the dome of the Basilica of San Gaudenzio (Cupola dell'Antonelli) for a spectacular view of the Alps, but check the limited opening days and book ahead.
- During summer, the surrounding rice paddies mean mosquitoes can be prevalent. Be sure to pack insect repellent!
- Street parking around the center is paid (blue lines). Look for the large, free parking lot near the stadium if you don't mind a short walk.
- The Broletto courtyard in the historic center is a peaceful spot to rest, often hosting small art exhibitions or weekend markets.
🍽 Food
🍽
Paniscia Novarese
A hearty local risotto made with borlotti beans, cabbage, and salam della duja. Try it in a traditional osteria.
🍽
Biscottini di Novara
Light, rectangular biscuits well-suited for dipping in tea or wine. Pick up a bag from the bakeries near the main square.
🍽
Gorgonzola Cheese
Novara is a major production center for Gorgonzola. Buy a wedge of the sweet or spicy variety from a specialized local cheese shop.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Corso Cavour and Corso Italia
The main pedestrian streets in the heart of the city, excellent for window shopping under the elegant porticoes.
🛍
Local Rice (Carnaroli/Arborio)
Surrounded by paddy fields, Novara is the first-rate place to buy high-quality rice directly from local farms or specialized food shops.
🧘
Parco dell'Allea
A historic, tree-lined park adjacent to the old castle, providing a quiet escape with plenty of benches and shade.
🧘
Alleys around the Duomo
The small cobbled streets surrounding the Cathedral are generally much calmer than the main shopping avenues, offering a peaceful walk.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
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Novara, located in the eastern part of the Piedmont region, serves as a significant economic center and a vital transit point between Milan and Turin. Founded in ancient times as the Roman municipium of Novaria, the city still retains parts of its original grid-like urban plan. Its most iconic landmark is the Basilica of San Gaudenzio, featuring a massive 121-meter-high dome designed by Alessandro Antonelli in the 19th century. Historically, the city is famous for the Battle of Novara in 1849, a decisive conflict during the First Italian War of Independence that led to the abdication of King Charles Albert. The surrounding province is one of Italy's premier rice-producing areas, significantly shaping the local landscape and economy. Novara is also home to the University of Eastern Piedmont and remains a hub for the chemical and food processing industries.
- Location: Italy
- Top sights: Galleria d'Arte Moderna Paolo ed Adele Giannoni · Civico Teatro Faraggiana · Museo Storia Naturale Ferrandi Faraggiana
- Nearby: Busto Arsizio (25 km)
- Population: ~101.916
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 2 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 22 | 24 | 23 | 19 | 14 | 8 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 44 | 59 | 63 | 88 | 110 | 81 | 68 | 87 | 79 | 93 | 142 | 68 |
Live webcam – Novara
See what it looks like near Novara right now.
Novara › North: San Gaudenzio · 0 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Facts
- The dome of the Basilica of San Gaudenzio is one of the tallest brick structures in the world.
- The Battle of Novara on March 23, 1849, forced King Charles Albert to abdicate the throne.
- Novara is the corporate headquarters of the major international company De Agostini.
- The historic center is encircled by a ring of wide boulevards known as the 'Baluardi'.
- Novara Cathedral was redesigned in the neoclassical style by Alessandro Antonelli in the 1860s.
- The region surrounding Novara produces roughly 50% of all Italian rice.
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A day in the city
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09:00→19:591.7 km walk7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 15–21 €Entries 18€ · Transport 0€
Start your day at Piazza delle Erbe, the city's vibrant marketplace. Explore the medieval Broletto complex and the imposing Cathedral. For lunch, savor the famous local Paniscia. In the afternoon, visit the Visconti-Sforza Castle and relax in the city park. The highlight is the Basilica of San Gaudenzio, featuring a spectacular 121-meter high dome that dominates the skyline.
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09:00→18:534.8 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 25–33 €Entries 17€ · Transport 12€
Explore Novara on two wheels. Start at Teatro Coccia and circle the castle along the green paths. A short ride takes you to the Abbazia di San Nazzaro, offering a lovely view. Back in the center, enjoy a lunch featuring local cheeses and finish by admiring the famous San Gaudenzio dome.
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09:00→20:013.9 km drive7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 18–24 €Entries 20€ · Transport 1€
This tour combines the historical center with the outskirts. Park first in the center to explore the Cathedral and the spectacular Basilica of San Gaudenzio on foot. After a typical lunch, drive to the castle and stroll through the park. Finally, visit the beautiful Abbey of San Nazzaro della Costa on the edge of the city.
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Sights in the town Novara (12)
Frequently asked questions
What is the landmark of Novara?
The Basilica of San Gaudenzio with its extremely high and slender dome.
How far is it to Milan?
About 50 kilometers, the train takes about 45 minutes to reach central Milan.
Which food product is widely grown here?
Rice; the surrounding plain is one of Europe's most important rice-growing regions.
What is 'Biscotto di Novara'?
A light, crispy egg biscuit that is typical of the city.
Is there a castle in Novara?
Yes, the Castello Visconteo-Sforzesco now hosts cultural events and museums.
Novara: where is it located?
Novara is located in Italy.
Novara: what is there to see?
Highlights include Galleria d'Arte Moderna Paolo ed Adele Giannoni, Civico Teatro Faraggiana, Museo Storia Naturale Ferrandi Faraggiana.
Novara: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
Novara: why is it worth visiting?
Novara, located in the eastern part of the Piedmont region, serves as a significant economic center and a vital transit point between Milan and Turin.
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