- Novara is one of the world's primary centers for the production of gorgonzola cheese, a blue-veined variety protected by European law.
- The city's landmark dome, designed by Alessandro Antonelli, reaches a height of 121 meters and remains one of the tallest brick structures of its kind.
- During the 19th century, Novara was a major battlefield in the First Italian War of Independence, with the 1849 Battle of Novara significantly altering the course of the Risorgimento.
- The city is a major junction for high-speed rail lines connecting Milan with Turin, making it a critical transit node in the Po Valley.
- Novara hosts a significant concentration of rice fields in its surrounding plains, placing it at the heart of Italy's most productive rice-growing area.
About Novara
Located in the Piedmont region between the Sesia and Ticino rivers, Novara serves as a key logistical hub in Northern Italy. The city is defined by the imposing dome of the Cathedral of Novara, a landmark that dominates the local skyline. Visitors can explore the artistic heritage at the Galleria d'Arte Moderna Paolo e Adele Giannoni or attend performances at the historic Coccia Theatre. Public life centers around green spaces like the Allea Park of San Luca, which provides a connection to the city's urban layout. Novara blends historical religious architecture with an active role in the regional industrial landscape.
Highlights of Novara
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
Visit the neoclassical structure to see one of the tallest brick domes in the world.
Venues
Attend a classical opera or contemporary performance in this prestigious 19th-century venue.
Museums
Explore the extensive collection of 19th and 20th-century paintings donated by the Giannoni family.
Parks
Walk through this central green space that once served as part of the city's ancient defensive fortifications.
Museums
View ecclesiastical art and artifacts housed within the historic complex adjacent to the main cathedral.
Top things to do in Novara
The 58 highest-rated places in Novara, ranked by travellers.
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Parks
Ondaland is the largest water park in the Piedmont region of Italy, covering over 140,000 square meters. The facility fe...
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Parks
Piscina Tre Re is a sprawling outdoor aquatic facility located in Fara Novarese, Piedmont. The complex features multiple...
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Venues
Teatro Coccia is a historic neoclassical opera house located in the heart of Novara, Italy. Inaugurated in 1887, it rema...
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Temples
The Cathedral of Novara, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, is a neoclassical structure designed by Alessandro Antonelli,...
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Parks
Allea Park of San Luca, also known as Parco delle Allee, is a central urban green space in Novara, Italy, serving as a p...
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Novara on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Novara
May to June or September to October, when mild temperatures are ideal for walking the city center.
1-2 days, sufficient to cover the historic core and major religious landmarks.
The historic center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, while a local bus network connects the city to the suburban railway station.
Stay in the vicinity of the central historic district to be within walking distance of the main cultural sites and the cathedral.
Mid-range; the city is generally more affordable than nearby Milan but follows typical Northern Italian pricing for dining and lodging.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 58 curated attractions in and around Novara, ranked by traveller ratings.
Ondaland is the highest-rated place to visit in Novara right now.
The largest category is temples, with 24 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Rome, Milan, Galatina.
Explore more of Italy
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
