Next to Turin, Novara is the largest city of Piedmont, famous for the battle that took place here in 1849 and was an important step in the history of the movement for the unification of Italy.
Due to its location, Novara has been exposed to invasions and wars throughout its history. The history of the city dates back to Roman times and fragments of the city walls have been preserved here. In later centuries, the city was destroyed many times, but it revived mainly due to its location on an important trade route.
Novara played an important role in history in the 19th century. The Battle of Novara took place in its vicinity in 1849. As a result, the Austrian army defeated the army of the Kingdom of Sardinia, which led to the fall of these areas under the rule of the Habsburgs. This battle led to the birth of the Italian independence movement, which intensified efforts to unify Italy.
The most important monuments and attractions of Novara are concentrated within the former city walls. The most significant building is the monumental Basilica of San Gaudenzio, built in the second half of the 19th century. Its dome, over 120 meters high, is a characteristic element of the city's panorama. The neoclassical cathedral built on the site of the Roman temple of Jupiter comes from the same period.
An important monument of Novara is the monumental complex Borletto. The former palace of the city authorities standing in the center of the Old Town was turned into a cultural center. there are, among others Paolo and Adele Giannoni Gallery, concert halls and many cultural institutions.
