Novara Cathedral: Antonelli’s 121-meter-high dome and Romanesque crypt

As soon as you arrive in Piazza della Repubblica, the Novara Cathedral strikes you with its grandeur. The neoclassical facade, with its six Corinthian column portico, invites you to discover a place where history and spirituality merge. Upon entering, your gaze rises toward the majestic dome by Alessandro Antonelli, standing 121 meters high, which dominates the city skyline. It’s not just a church, but a symbol of Novara, a landmark visible from afar that tells centuries of faith and art. The light filtering through the windows creates evocative plays, enhancing the solemnity of the spaces. Here you breathe a unique atmosphere, made of silence and beauty, that makes you feel part of something greater. It’s the religious heart of the city, but also an architectural masterpiece worth admiring slowly, letting yourself be carried away by its magnificence.

The history of the Duomo begins in the 4th century with an early Christian basilica, but the current building dates back to the 19th-century reconstruction commissioned by Bishop Morozzo. Work began in 1863 based on a design by Alessandro Antonelli and was only completed in 1869 due to the complexity of the dome. Antonelli, the same architect behind Turin’s Mole Antonelliana, left an indelible mark here with his structural audacity. The crypt, on the other hand, preserves traces of the previous Romanesque church, with carved capitals that tell ancient stories. Over time, the Duomo has undergone restorations and additions, such as the interior frescoes that enrich the naves. Today, it is not only a place of worship but a national monument, bearing witness to Novara’s urban transformations.

• 4th century: first early Christian basilica
• 11th century: construction of the Romanesque cathedral
• 1863-1869: neoclassical reconstruction by Antonelli
• 20th century: restorations and structural reinforcements

Climbing the Cathedral’s dome is an experience that delivers powerful emotions. Standing at 121 meters tall, it’s one of the highest in Italy and offers a 360-degree view over Novara and its hills. The structure, designed by Alessandro Antonelli, is an engineering masterpiece: light yet solid, with a double shell that allows you to admire the construction details during the ascent. The 247 steps of the spiral staircase gradually lead you upward, between brick walls and windows framing ever-wider vistas. Once at the top, the spectacle is breathtaking: you can see the Broletto, the Basilica of San Gaudenzio, and on clear days, the Alps in the background. It’s a privileged spot for photography and understanding the city’s geometry. I recommend taking the climb slowly to savor every moment and not miss the architectural details along the way.

Descending into the Cathedral crypt is like taking a journey back in time. This underground space, dating back to the 11th century, preserves the atmosphere of the original Romanesque church, with cross vaults and massive columns. The capitals are carved with vegetal motifs and symbolic figures, including prominent eagles and human faces that tell stories of medieval devotion. Here you’ll also find the remains of Saint Gaudentius, Novara’s patron saint, which add spiritual value to the place. The soft lighting and silence make the visit particularly evocative, ideal for a moment of reflection. It’s a stark contrast to the neoclassical grandeur of the upper church, showing how the Cathedral is layered with history. Bring a flashlight to better appreciate the details of the sculptures, especially in the less illuminated corners.

Visiting Novara Cathedral is worthwhile for at least three concrete reasons. First, the Antonelli Dome is a unique work of its kind, with a panoramic view that few places in Piedmont offer. Second, the Romanesque crypt allows you to touch the thousand-year history of the site firsthand, an immersive experience that enriches your understanding of the territory. Third, admission is free, making it accessible to everyone, with the possibility of climbing the dome for a symbolic fee. Additionally, its central location in Piazza della Repubblica makes it easy to include in a city itinerary, perhaps combined with a stroll through the nearby porticoes. It’s a place that combines art, history, and spirituality without requiring too much time, ideal for a refreshing stop.

The best time to visit the Cathedral is at sunset, when the low-angled light illuminates the facade and the interiors fill with warm tones, creating a magical atmosphere. In summer, long days allow you to enjoy the spectacle until late, while in autumn the sky’s colors reflect in the stained-glass windows. Avoid the morning rush hours when tourist groups can crowd the spaces. If you prefer tranquility, try visiting on weekdays, away from the busy weekends. The dome, in particular, is spectacular as the sun sets, casting long shadows and offering golden panoramas over the city.

After visiting the Cathedral, don’t miss the Broletto of Novara, just a few steps away in Piazza della Repubblica: it’s a medieval complex with porticoed courtyards and the civic museum, perfect for delving into local history. Another thematic experience is the Basilica of San Gaudenzio, also in Novara, with its iconic Antonelli spire, which completes the journey through the master’s architecture. Both sites are easily accessible on foot and offer continuity with the artistic and religious theme of the Cathedral.