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Novara

geography Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Novara is a large and busy city in Northern Italy.

Novara panoramica08
Novara panoramica08

It sits in a region called Piedmont, just west of Milan. The city is located between two small streams named the Agogna and the Terdoppio.

Novara vista cropped
Novara vista cropped

It is also very close to the river Ticino, which marks the border with the Lombardy region. Novara is a very important place for trade and travel. It sits at a crossroads for people moving between Milan and Turin. It also helps goods travel from Genoa to Switzerland.

Many different groups have lived in and ruled Novara over many centuries. The Romans founded the city around 89 BC. Its name comes from the word "Nov," which means "new."

Novara MuraRomane
Novara MuraRomane

Long ago, the city was destroyed and rebuilt several times. It was attacked by leaders like Magnus Maximus and Attila. Later, the city became a duchy under the Lombards. In the 1500s, Swiss soldiers helped defend the city during a big battle. In 1849, another large battle took place here between the Sardinian and Austrian armies.

Today, Novara is known for its beautiful and historic buildings. Most of the famous sights are in the historic centre. This area used to be inside old city walls.

Novara panoramica08
Novara panoramica08

One of the most famous sights is a huge dome. It is 121 metres high and belongs to the Basilica of San Gaudenzio. This dome was designed by Alessandro Antonelli and was built in 1888. It is a symbol of the city that people can see from many roads. The city also has the Novara Cathedral and many old churches.

Life in Novara is full of interesting facts and numbers. In 1861, the city had 25,144 people living there. By 1981, the population grew to 102,088 people because of new industries.

Novara risaie
Novara risaie

The area around the city is also famous for its many rice fields. Novara is a place for learning, too. It has a medicine school at the University of Eastern Piedmont. It is also home to the Geographical Institute De Agostini. Many different people from around the world live in the city today.

There are many fun things to do and see in Novara. Every year on January 22, the city celebrates the Feast of San Gaudenzio. People can visit a saint's tomb and eat roasted chestnuts.

Novara risaie
Novara risaie

The city also loves music. It hosts the Novara Gospel Festival, which is one of the most important in Italy. There is also a festival called "Giovani Espressioni" for young musicians. In March, people even hold a re-enactment of an old battle. Novara is a place where history and modern life meet.

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🖼️ Images & Media (4)
File:Novara MuraRomane.jpg
Novara MuraRomane.jpg
File:Novara panoramica08.jpg
Novara panoramica08.jpg
File:Novara risaie.jpg
Novara risaie.jpg
File:Novara vista cropped.jpg
Novara vista cropped.jpg
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