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Province of Novara

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Italy

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Province of Novara

Novara is a charming city with a rich history, stunning architecture, and mouth-watering cuisine. Nestled in the heart of Piedmont, Italy, the town often flies under the radar of most tourists. Travelling to Novara can be rewarding if you want to engage with locals and learn about their distinct lifestyles.

Travel Tips for Province of Novara

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Province of Novara

A guide to Province of Novara's local transportation

Buses
Trains
Taxis
Biking

Novara has a reliable bus network that covers the city and surrounding areas. It’s an affordable and convenient option for travelling longer distances in the town.

Practical Tips for Province of Novara

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What is the Weather Like in Novara?

The town experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasonal variations. Spring (March to May): The temperature ranges from 10℃ to 20℃ (50℉ to 68℉), making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Summer (June to August): This season can get quite warm, with temperatures up to 30℃ or 86℉. Mid-July is often the warmest month. Autumn (September to November): this one provides cooler temperatures, ranging from 8℃ to 25℃ (48℉ to 77℉). October and November tend to be the wettest months. Winter (December to February): winter in Novara can be pretty cold, ranging from 0℃ to 6℃ (32℉ to 43℉). Moreover, the fog during this season can be pretty dense.

What Are the Best Attractions in Novara?

Basilica of San Gaudenzio This stunning basilica is perhaps Novara’s most iconic landmark. The church is striking, with numerous exquisitely painted chapels, a massive iron chandelier, and the statue of Christ the Savior. The exterior highlights the majestic design that offers breathing views. Broletto Complex The Broletto is a historical complex that includes a series of medieval buildings surrounding a charming courtyard. Located in the heart of Novara, it’s home to the Civic Museum and Art Gallery, which offers an impressive collection of local art and artefacts. Museo Di Storia Naturale “Faraggiana Ferrandi” Want to learn more about animals? The Faraggiana Ferandi Natural History Museum will catch your interest. This museum exhibits over 450 collections of taxidermy specimens, skulls, hides, and artefacts. The old-fashioned style creates an exciting atmosphere. Cattredale di Santa Maria Assunta This neoclassical cathedral is a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts. The interior is just as impressive as the exterior, featuring intricate mosaics and stained glass windows.

What Are the Must-Try Foods in Novara?

Paniscia Paniscia is a traditional risotto dish from Novara. It's made with rice, beans, cabbage, and various vegetables. It’s often flavoured with pork sausage or salami, making it a hearty and flavorful meal. Gorgonzola Cheese Did you know Gorgonzola cheese was named after the nearby town? This creamy, blue-veined cheese is a Novara culinary classic. Taste it over pizza, pasta, or just spread on warm bread. Biscotti di Novara These local specialities are light and crispy biscuits that are good as a snack or dipped in coffee. They’re often made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, cornstarch, and eggs, but their delicate flavour is unforgettable. Tapulone Tapulone is made with donkey flesh cooked in Boca DOC red wine with lard, butter, garlic, rosemary, and bay leaf. This dish reflects traditional meals rich in flavour and character and heavily utilises regional ingredients. Variations of Tapulone exist, such as tapu lone with carp, potatoes, and milk. Local Wines Novara is located in the Piedmont region, one of Italy’s premier wine-producing areas. Be sure to sample local wines, such as Ghemme or Nebbiolo, which pair perfectly with the local cuisine.

Where to Stay in Novara

Novara offers a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. It’s up to you to pick where to stay, like budget or luxury hotels. However, consider staying at the central Novara. Hence, you can easily stroll to Novara's best sights and restaurants.

What You Should Know Before Visiting Novara?

Take advantage of the Saturday morning market in Piazza delle Erbe for an authentic Novara atmosphere. This lively market is a local favourite, with diverse seasonal cheeses, cured meats, and handmade items. Additionally, Novara accepts Euros (€) as local currency, and ATMs are available anywhere in the city centre and at major attractions. While most shops, restaurants, and hotels accept debit and credit cards, local markets may only accept cash. Therefore, having some money on hand for such situations is better.

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