Quiet Little Town: Novara

Novara, located in the Piedmont region, is a small town that you can explore in just half a day. As you stroll through the streets, you’ll hardly see any tourists or Asian faces. 🌍 The must-visit attraction is the Basilica di San Gaudenzio and its stunning dome, Cupola di San Gaudenzio. This iconic building is a symbol of Novara and can be seen clearly from every direction in the city. You can enter the basilica for free! ⛪️✨ The dome took forty years to complete, designed by Alessandro Antonelli, who also created the famous Mole Antonelliana in Turin. The Cupola di San Gaudenzio stands at 121 meters tall, and you can climb to the top! Unfortunately, it was closed on the day I visited, but I can only imagine the breathtaking views of the entire city from up there! 🏞️ The Castello di Novara has a somewhat dilapidated appearance, but it regularly hosts various exhibitions. If you have a museum pass, you can visit for free! When I was there, the exhibition “Boldini, De Nittis et les Italiens de Paris” was on display, showcasing works by some of the most successful Italian painters active in Paris at the end of the 19th century and the early 20th century, including Giovanni Boldini from Ferrara and Giuseppe de Nittis from Barletta. 🎨 Novara is a quiet little town, conveniently close to Milan with direct trains making it a perfect weekend getaway to unwind and explore! 🚆🌿 #Novara #Milan #MilanDayTrips #OffTheBeatenPath #Italy #RelaxInEurope