Novara

Novara is a major city in Northern Italy. It serves as the capital of the province of Novara. The city is located within the Piedmont region. It sits just west of the large city of Milan.

Novara is a vital commercial crossroads. It connects major routes between Milan and Turin. It also links Genoa to Switzerland. The city lies between two streams named the Agogna and the Terdoppio. The river Ticino is also nearby. This river marks the border with the Lombardy region.

The history of Novara began with the Romans. They founded the city around 89 BC. This happened when local Gauls received Roman citizenship. The name comes from "Nov," meaning "new," and "Aria," the name of the local region.

Ancient Novaria was a municipium. It sat on the road between Vercellae and Milan. The Roman street network is still visible today. The city uses a cardo and a decumanus maximus. These are main streets that cross at the "Angolo delle Ore." These streets are now known as Corso Cavour and Corso Italia.

Novara has faced many periods of destruction and rebuilding. In 386, Magnus Maximus destroyed the city. Theodosius I later rebuilt it. The city was also sacked by Radagaisus in 405 and Attila in 452. During the time of the Lombards, Novara became a duchy. Later, it was a countship under Charles the Fat. In 1110, Henry V conquered and destroyed the city. In 1513, Swiss mercenaries defended the city for the Sforzas. They defeated French troops during the War of the League of Cambrai. In 1849, a massive battle occurred here. The Austrian army defeated the Sardinian army. This event helped start the Italian unification movement.

The city's architecture is a mix of old and new. Most famous sights are in the historic centre. This area was once protected by city walls. Today, only the Barriera Albertina remains from those walls. These are two neo-classical buildings. They once served as the gate for travelers from Turin.

The most famous landmark is the Basilica of San Gaudenzio. It features a majestic dome designed by Alessandro Antonelli. The dome is 121 metres high. It was built in 1888. It is a symbol of the city's panorama. The Novara Cathedral is also significant. It was designed by Antonelli and sits where a Roman temple once stood.

Many important buildings surround the city's central squares. The Piazza della Repubblica is near the Duomo. The Piazza delle Erbe is the exact centre of the city. The Castello Visconteo-Sforzesco is a major site. It was built by the Visconti and Sforza dukes. It is surrounded by the Allea, a large public garden. The city also has the Teatro Coccia. Other notable sites include the Palazzo Natta-Isola. This building houses the province's seat. It is known for its clock tower. The Conservatorio Guido Cantelli is also a key cultural site.

Novara has seen significant population changes over time. In 1861, the population was 25,144. Industrialisation changed the city in the 20th century. By 1981, the population reached 102,088. The population has remained fairly steady since then.

The economy is supported by its role as a logistics centre. It hosts the Centro Intermodale Merci. The surrounding landscape is famous for rice fields. The city is also a center for research. It hosts the TERA Foundation for oncologic adrontherapy. It is also home to the Eni Research Center. The University of Eastern Piedmont has a medicine school here.

Cultural life in Novara is very active. Every January 22, the city celebrates the Feast of San Gaudenzio. People eat roasted chestnuts called marroni di Cuneo. In March, people hold a re-enactment of the 1849 battle. Music is also a major part of the city. The Novara Gospel Festival is one of the largest in Italy. The "Giovani Espressioni" festival supports young musicians. Even the film industry has a connection to the city. The 1971 film "The Working Class Goes to Heaven" was set here. The film's soundtrack was by Ennio Morricone.