Novara NO

Novara, like most Italian cities, owes the layout of its main streets to the Romans and even though this is Piedmont's second city, it has more of a Lombard theme perhaps due to its proximity to Milan. The name Novara derives from Nov, meaning "new" and "Aria", the name used by the Cisalpine Gauls for the surrounding region. The 121m dome of San Gaudenzio, designed by Alessandro Antonelli, dominates the city, but there is also the neo-classical Duomo, again built by Antonelli and the Broletto, the ancient heart of the city with the old town hall and two Museums. Nearby are Corso Cavour and Corso Italia, with their galleried walkways, fashionable shops and many restaurants. Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit this interesting small city that deserves not to be passed by.