Novara Cathedral, Neoclassical cathedral in Novara, Italy
Novara Cathedral is a neoclassical building with a four-sided portico crowned by massive columns and a triangular pediment. The structure shapes the square with its clean, symmetrical design.
The building began construction in 1857 under architect Alessandro Antonelli, replacing an earlier Romanesque structure at the same location. This transformation marked the city's shift from the medieval to the modern era.
The interior holds niches with statues of saints connected to the Novara diocese, reflecting local religious devotion through the ages. These figures show the spiritual ties that shaped the community over time.
The building stands on Piazza della Repubblica, with its entrance facing an ancient baptistery from the fourth century. The central location makes it easy to reach and view from different parts of the city.
Two of the four entrance columns serve as water drainage systems, blending practical function with architectural design. This hidden engineering shows how the architect merged beauty with purpose.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.