Basilica of San Gaudenzio, Religious museum in Novara, Italy
The Basilica of San Gaudenzio is a religious museum in Novara featuring a 121-meter-high dome and bell tower constructed from Baveno granite blocks and brick that dominate the city landscape. The building combines religious architecture with museum functions, allowing visitors to access multiple spaces through the tower.
Construction began in 1577 under architect Pellegrino Tibaldi, shaping the city's Renaissance architecture. The bell tower was added later between 1753 and 1786 by Benedetto Alfieri, marking a significant expansion in Baroque style.
The interior holds important artworks, including a 16th-century polyptych by Gaudenzio Ferrari and frescoes by Morazzone in the Cappella della Buona Morte. These works reflect the artistic importance of the place for the city's religious community.
Access to the museum is provided through an elevator in the bell tower that leads to the dome and the Fabbrica Lapidea collection. It is advisable to wear appropriate footwear and use the available elevator, as the stairs are steep.
The bell tower contains two separate internal staircases with 300 steps each that never intersect while ascending to the belfry level. This construction design allowed two separate traffic flows for people exploring different areas of the structure.
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