Novara Historic Center: A One-Day Walking Itinerary with 8 Stops and Map

Starting the Novara on Foot in One Day itinerary from the Broletto means immediately immersing yourself in the city's essence. This architectural complex dominates Piazza della Repubblica with its medieval structures that narrate centuries of civic history. The Palazzo del Broletto, built between the 12th and 13th centuries, long served as the seat of municipal government, while the Arengo hosted public assemblies. Today you can admire the brick facade, Gothic porticoes, and characteristic bifora windows that define the building. Inside, the courtyards preserve the ancient atmosphere, with Renaissance frescoes and noble coats of arms bearing witness to Novara's glorious past. It's the ideal starting point to understand how the city developed around its political and administrative center before continuing to other treasures like the Basilica of San Gaudenzio.

Leaving the Broletto behind, you'll find yourself in front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, an imposing neoclassical structure that dominates Vicolo Canonica. Designed by Alessandro Antonelli, the same architect of Turin's Mole Antonelliana, this 19th-century cathedral replaced the ancient Romanesque basilica. The interior will surprise you with its grandeur: wide naves, Corinthian columns, and a dome that soars toward the sky. Take a closer look at the presbytery with its wooden choir and the main altar, where you can breathe in an atmosphere of sacredness. Don't miss the crypt, which preserves remains of the previous building and archaeological artifacts. It's a place where art and faith meet, perfect for a moment of reflection during your walking tour.

Not far from the Cathedral, you'll find the Teatro Coccia, a true temple of Novara's cultural life. Inaugurated in 1888, this theatre takes its name from composer Carlo Coccia and stands out for its elegant Liberty-style facade. Upon entering, you'll be struck by the horseshoe-shaped hall, with its gilded boxes and frescoed ceiling celebrating the arts. Here, orchestras, theatre companies, and dance troupes perform, keeping alive a tradition rooted in the 19th century. Take a close look at the foyer with its stuccoes and chandeliers, an environment that transports you to an era of great artistic fervour. It's the perfect place for those seeking a moment of cultural elevation during a stroll through the historic centre.

Leaving the theatrical atmospheres behind, you encounter the imposing Visconti-Sforza Castle, standing majestically in Largo Donatori di Sangue. Built in the 14th century by order of Galeazzo II Visconti, this fortress represents one of the symbols of seigniorial power in Piedmont. Observe its massive towers and crenellated walls, which tell centuries of battles and dominations, from the Visconti to the Sforza families. Today the castle hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events, while preserving the charm of its medieval origins intact. Stroll through the inner courtyard, where military architecture blends with residential elements, and imagine the court life that once unfolded here. A place that unites history and culture, perfect for those who want to discover Novara's most ancient roots.

After exploring the Visconti-Sforza Castle, your stroll through Novara's historic center leads you to the city's undisputed emblem: the Basilica of San Gaudenzio. Located on Via Carlo Bescapè, this Renaissance church welcomes you with its brick facade and three-nave interior, where works like Gaudenzio Ferrari's polyptych stand out. But it's when you climb the Antonelli Bell Tower that the visit becomes unforgettable: designed by the architect of the Mole, it offers a panoramic view over Novara and the Alps. The basilica, dedicated to the city's patron saint, houses the relics of San Gaudenzio and an atmosphere of devotion that you can feel beneath its vaults. A place where art and spirituality merge, perfect for ending your walking tour on a high note.

Leaving the imposing Basilica of San Gaudenzio behind, you'll find yourself in Omarini Garden, a peaceful corner in Largo Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour. This green space, less known to hurried tourists, is a true urban lung with well-kept flowerbeds, shaded benches, and pathways that invite a relaxing stop. The garden takes its name from the Omarini family, who contributed to local history, and today it's mainly frequented by Novara residents seeking a moment of peace. Here you can observe the city's daily life, with students studying outdoors and elderly people chatting under the trees. Its central location makes it ideal for a break between monuments, offering a different perspective on Novara, away from the hustle and bustle of the main squares.

After the refreshing break at Giardino Omarini, continuing along Via Amico Canobio, you'll come across Casa della Porta, a building that captures attention with its neoclassical façade. Built in the 18th century, this noble residence owes its name to its monumental entrance, characterized by a finely carved stone portal that symbolizes the prestige of Novara's families of that era. The architecture, with framed windows and wrought-iron balconies, reflects the local style, influenced by historical events such as Savoy rule. Today, although it's a private property, the exterior remains a well-preserved example of urban heritage, offering an authentic glimpse into past aristocratic life. Observing the decorative details, like the coats of arms above the entrance, allows you to immerse yourself in history without needing to go inside, making it an ideal stop for those who appreciate minor yet significant art.

Head to Largo Barriera Albertina to discover one of the most representative architectural symbols of the Savoy era in Novara. This imposing structure, built in 1837 based on a design by military engineer Giacomo Moraglia, served as a customs gate along the city walls, controlling access from Turin. Its neoclassical facade, characterized by Doric columns and a triangular pediment, reflects the style of the period, while the two side buildings housed the customs offices. Today, freed from traffic after restoration, the barrier stands majestically in the square, offering tangible evidence of 19th-century fortifications. Observing the stone details and the symmetry of the whole allows you to understand how Novara evolved from a fortified city to a modern center, making this stop essential for those who love urban history.