Weekend in Novara

The historic central square with a daily food market under a covered loggia. Come for local cheese, bread, and cured meats at market prices.

Tip: Buy a paper cone of olives and a slice of focaccia from the stall near the fountain for under €3.

Central square with the neoclassical cathedral (free entry) and the Broletto palace complex. The square itself is a calm spot to sit.

Tip: Pop into the Broletto courtyard – it's usually quiet and has a lovely Romanesque cloister.

An unfinished neoclassical palace from the 1830s, now a free cultural space hosting exhibitions and events. The courtyard is open to the public.

Tip: Check the schedule on the municipality website before visiting; events often include free guided tours of the interior.

Lively open-air market held on Piazza delle Erbe and nearby streets every Tuesday and Saturday morning. Clothes, produce, local cheese.

Tip: Come hungry – grab a cone of fried olives or slices of salami from the food stalls. Best around 10am to avoid the crowds.

A domed basilica with a striking 121-metre cupola designed by Alessandro Antonelli. Climb the dome for a small fee, but the interior is free.

Tip: Skip the climb if queues are long; the view from Piazza della Repubblica is just as good.

Decent-sized park with a playground, benches, and shaded paths. Good for a picnic or a break from sightseeing.

Tip: Grab a panino from a local bakery and eat at the tables near the fountain. Quietest on weekday mornings.

A compact natural history museum with stuffed animals, minerals, and fossils. Free entry on certain days—check the monthly schedule.

Tip: Free admission is usually on the first Sunday of the month. Arrive early to avoid the school groups.

A large public park surrounding the medieval Sforza Castle. Lawns, shaded paths, and a moat with ducks. Free entry to the park; castle visit has a fee.

Tip: Go on a Sunday morning for a quieter walk and a picnic at the far end near the ramparts.

The city's iconic 19th-century basilica with a towering 121-metre dome. Climb the dome for panoramic views; entry to the church is free.

Tip: Climbing the dome costs a few euros and is worth it for the view. Go late afternoon for soft light.

Small natural history museum with local geology, fossils, and taxidermy. Entry is free on the first Sunday of the month; otherwise a low fee.

Tip: Check their website for free-entry days. The fossil collection is better than expected for a provincial museum.