Small travel guide to discover Novara in one day. The Piedmontese town shares with the nearby Vercelli a commercial agricultural vocation; located a short distance from the border with the < Strong>Lombardy in a position that makes it an important communication hub, it is the second city in Piedmont for inhabitants and headquarters of universities and important research institutes. The ancient city center is still today the historical nucleus of the city, once surrounded and protected by city walls, whose traces survive in Barriera Albertina, a complex of neoclassical buildings that constituted the passage for merchants coming from Turin to Milan .

An imposing dome of neoclassical style that dates back to the period between the end of the 500 and the beginning of the 600, stands out in the panorama of Novara (second largest city ugrave; populous of Piedmont after Turin).

The most impressive monument is the Basilica of San Gaudenzio, characterized by the imposing pinnacle dome (121 meters high) designed by Alessandro Antonelli and added to the body of the church in 1888. The Basilica was designed at the highest point of the city and the dome 122 meters high, on clear days you can look at the horizon even more than 50 km away. You can climb to the top of the dome and admire all the views that this wonderful city offers.

Of particular interest are the bell tower of Benedetto Alfieri, uncle of the most famous Vittorio Alfieri, and inside the church, the beautiful Polyptych by Gaudenzio Ferrari, considered the greatest Piedmontese painter of the sixteenth century.

The Cathedral, also known as the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, of neoclassical style, was designed by Alessandro Antonelli (famous Italian architect) author, among other works, of the Mole Antoneliana of Turin), as well as the Basilica Of San Gaudenzio.

Of great importance is the Baptistery, located in front of the Duomo, known for being one of the oldest early Christian works in Piedmont.

The Broletto, located in the Middle Ages of the Palazzo del Comune, is arranged around a courtyard where the assemblies were held and justice was administered, it was therefore built in the center of the city, close to other important places in city life, such as the beautiful Piazza delle Erbe. The Palazzo del Podestà, the Palazzetto dei Paratici (now home to the Civic Museum and the Gallery of Modern Art), and the Palazzo del del Paratici overlook its courtyard City Council.

There are a number of interesting cultural and traditional events to be noted on the agenda: Patronal

Festival of San Gaudenzio in honor of the patron saint, Saint Gaudenzio: first bishop of the city. It has about 50 miscellaneous goods stalls and takes place on 22 and 23 January.

March Fair, takes place on the first weekend of March with 400 exhibitors of various goods, such as household and garden items, clothing and typical products.

Fiera di Novembre, takes place in many streets and squares of the historic center on Saturday and Sunday in November included in the week in which the festivit& amp; agrave; of San Martino and has over 400 exhibitors of various goods.

The Antiques Market takes place on the first Saturday of each month, except August, in Piazza Martiri.