Discover 5 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Novara (Italy). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: Teatro Coccia, Basilica di San Gaudenzio, and Novara Cathedral. Also, be sure to include Sant'Eufemia in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Novara (Piedmont).
Table of Contents
Teatro Coccia
Opera house in Novara, Italy. Teatro Coccia is the main opera house in Novara, and is also the most important "historical" theatres in Piedmont. It faces along via Fratelli Rosselli, and delimits piazza dei Martiri to the west and piazza Giacomo Puccini to the east.[1]
Address: Via Fratelli Rosselli, 47, 28100 Novara
Basilica di San Gaudenzio
Principal church in Novara, Italy. The Basilica of San Gaudenzio is a church in Novara, Piedmont, northern Italy. It is the highest point in the city. It is dedicated to Gaudentius of Novara, first Christian bishop of the city.
It was built between 1577 and 1690 following the destruction of the old Basilica, ordered by Emperor Charles V.
The Basilica itself was built by Pellegrino Tibaldi; however, the monumental cupola was designed by Alessandro Antonelli (who also designed the Mole Antonelliana in Torino). The cupola was completed in 1887; it is 121 metres high.[2]
Address: Via S. Gaudenzio, 22, 28100 Novara
Novara Cathedral
Also known as: Duomo di Novara
Historic cathedral with a baptistry. Novara Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, located at the Piazza della Repubblica in Novara, Piedmont, Italy. It is the seat of the Bishop of Novara.
Construction began in the 11th century of the original church on the site, which was consecrated in 1132. It was demolished in the mid-19th century to make way for the current structure, which incorporates from its predecessor the mosaic floor of the presbytery and a chapel dedicated to Saint Syrus. The present Neo-Classical cathedral was designed by the architect Alessandro Antonelli and was built between 1863 and 1869. It has recently undergone a 12-year-long restoration project which was completed in November 2009.
The baptistry, a separate structure although functionally part of the cathedral, is a Palaeo-Christian building dating from the 4th-5th centuries.
The composers Pietro Generali, in the years leading up to his death in 1832, and Antonio Cagnoni, from 1879 to 1888, served as the maestri di cappella here.[3]
Address: Vicolo Canonica, 9, 28100 Novara
Sant'Eufemia
The church of Sant’Eufemia in Novar - a Roman Catholic church in Novar dedicated to St. Euphemia from Chalcedon. It is the parish church of the parish of the same call.
Address: Via Cesare Magnani Ricotti, 15, 28100 Novara
Church of del Carmine
Also known as: Chiesa del Carmine
The church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was partially rebuilt in 1763 to the design of Turinese architect Luigi Barberis, after its destruction ordered in 1552 by Emperor Charles V. On June 29, 1806, the concession of the church passed to the Philippine Order. After the decree of the abolition of all religious corporations implemented on April 25, 1810, the building became a special property. The church was finally consecrated to St. Philip Neri by order of Bishop Morozzo in 1825.
The neoclassicism that appears in the facade is also partially reflected in the interior. At the junction with the transept the large nave creates a small but graceful dome with a hexagonal base. The vaults of the four side chapels (two on each side) are embellished with elegant rose windows with different floral motifs.
The columns and pilasters are decorated in faux marble in purple tones, with gilded Corinthian order capitals.
The Romanesque-style bell tower, dating back to 1100, contrasts with the modern facade.
The small church is often ignored because of its immediate proximity to the Basilica of San Gaudentius.
Address: Piazza del Carmine, 28100 Novara