The attached Baptistery is widely considered the oldest building in Novara, with origins dating to the 5th century.
The cathedral complex is built atop an ancient Roman forum site.
Alessandro Antonelli, the architect who designed the cathedral, is also famous for the Mole Antonelliana in Turin.
The Baptistery contains a cycle of frescoes from the 10th-11th centuries depicting the Apocalypse.
The cathedral's granite columns were sourced from the Baveno quarries near Lake Maggiore.
The Cathedral of Novara, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, is a neoclassical structure designed by Alessandro Antonelli, built between 1863 and 1869 over the foundations of a Romanesque predecessor. It features a grand portico with granite columns that faces the Piazza della Repubblica. Adjacent to the main cathedral sits the Paleochristian Baptistery, the oldest surviving building in Novara, dating back to the 5th century. The Baptistery contains remnants of medieval frescoes and a central octagonal basin. The cathedral interior follows a longitudinal plan with a nave and two aisles divided by large pillars. The architecture represents a significant transition from medieval foundations to 19th-century monumental planning. It remains the seat of the Bishop of Novara and serves as the city's primary religious hub.
The portico entrance looking toward the Piazza della Repubblica.
Visit the Baptistery first, as it houses the most significant historical art fragments separate from the main neoclassical hall.
Look for the remains of the original Romanesque mosaic floor visible through designated floor viewing areas.
Attempting to enter during ongoing mass, as the central nave is restricted for worshippers.
The Baptistery may have shorter or different operating hours compared to the main cathedral.
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is expected; silence is required during religious services.
