Visiting Novara: the dome of San Gaudenzio, the cathedral, the castle
Antonelli's dome of San Gaudenzio, about 121 metres high, can be climbed on guided visits at weekends in the warmer months, booked online. In the centre, the cathedral, the Visconti-Sforza Castle with the local tourist agency and small civic museums such as the Exporisorgimento and the Toy Museum.
Sections: Attractions · Museums · Nature · Itineraries · Excursions · Accessible visits
Climbing the dome
The dome of San Gaudenzio, built by Alessandro Antonelli after he received the commission when funds became available in 1840, is visited on guided climbs along walkways normally closed to the public, wearing a helmet and harness. The route leads to the colonnades and, for the spire, up to 100 metres, with a view from the Alpine arc to the skyscrapers of Milan. In 2025 the climbs ran on Saturdays and Sundays from March to November; they are booked online, and dates and prices change every year.
- Basilica of San Gaudenzio: since 1552 the Fabbrica Lapidea has looked after the basilica complex.
- Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, linked to an unfinished project by Alessandro Antonelli.
- Visconti-Sforza Castle: its activities are coordinated by a dedicated foundation; it houses the local tourist agency.
- Exporisorgimento: an exhibition on the Risorgimento in Novara (1734-1870).
- Roman wall, Barriera Albertina (former guard and customs post) and the Toy Museum at via Canobio 12.
- Galleria Giannoni and the Archaeological Museum, with their own websites linked from the Comune's portal.
Information
The local tourist agency (ATL Terre dell'Alto Piemonte) is based at the Visconti-Sforza Castle and publishes the events calendar, including the seasons of the Coccia and Faraggiana theatres. The national tourism portal describes the historic centre as small and quiet.
Sources
Updated: 2026-10-14
Updated: 2026-10-14
Updated: 2026-10-14
Updated: 2026-10-14
Updated: 2026-10-14
Updated: 2026-10-14
Reviewed: 10/23/2026 · by piero.avolio · rev. 1 · Period: → 2027-10-13
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