Novara Cathedral

Novara Cathedral, known locally as Duomo di Novara, stands as a magnificent testament to the rich history and architectural evolution of the city of Novara in Italy. This grand cathedral, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, has undergone numerous transformations since its inception, reflecting various architectural styles and historical epochs. Nestled in the heart of Novara at Piazza della Repubblica, Novara Cathedral is not just a place of worship but a beacon of cultural and historical significance.

The Historical Journey of Novara Cathedral

The story of Novara Cathedral begins with a legend that attributes its original construction to the first bishop of Novara, Gaudentius, between 350 and 400 AD. This early church was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, setting a spiritual precedent that continues to this day. In the 11th and 12th centuries, the early medieval cathedral was demolished and replaced by a Romanesque structure. This new cathedral was consecrated by Pope Innocent II on April 17, 1132. The Romanesque cathedral featured a Latin cross layout with three naves and galleries, and its entrance was marked by a quadrangular portico flanked by two towers.

The 15th century ushered in another phase of transformation for the cathedral. Chapels were added along the side aisles during the 15th and 16th centuries. In 1580, under the direction of Bishop Francesco Bossi, the old apse was replaced with a new rectangular choir. The 18th century saw the cathedral being baroque-ized according to the designs of Benedetto Alfieri, although the original structure was preserved. The work was halted in 1792 but resumed in 1831 under engineer Melchioni, who created the new choir. The altar, designed by the young architect Alessandro Antonelli, was consecrated in 1836 and later completed.

The Architectural Marvel

Alessandro Antonelli played a pivotal role in the cathedral's transformation during the 19th century. Between 1854 and 1855, he designed plans for a comprehensive reconstruction of the cathedral. In 1857, the quadrangular colonnade was demolished and later rebuilt in a neoclassical style. However, the monumental project remained incomplete, with the transept and choir not executed as Antonelli had envisioned. The reconstructed cathedral was inaugurated in 1869, although the interior was only finished in the 1880s. The monumental portico was completed in 1890 by Antonelli's son, Costanzo.

In recent times, the cathedral has undergone extensive restoration both inside and out. The exterior restoration, completed in 2009, included the Romanesque bell tower. Interior renovations began in 2011, focusing on the chancel vault, continuing through the aisles and side chapels in 2014, and concluding in the nave in 2018.

The Exterior Grandeur

The exterior of Novara Cathedral is marked by a colonnade of smooth columns with Corinthian capitals along its side facing Piazza della Repubblica. This colonnade leads to the cloister, enclosed by a gate and surrounded by an additional row of columns inside. The entrance to the cathedral is under a pronaos, supported by four fluted columns with Corinthian capitals, bearing a triangular pediment. The outer columns are hollow and function as downspouts.

The Interior Splendor

Stepping inside the cathedral, visitors are greeted by a space that is approximately 35 meters high, 45 meters long, and 14 meters wide. The interior is divided into three naves by stucco columns made of artificial marble. The central nave is covered by a barrel vault, while the side naves feature flat ceilings.

The presbytery preserves part of the ancient mosaic floor from the early Christian cathedral dating back to 1132. This mosaic, made of black and white stones in opus tessellatum, depicts Adam and Eve in the center, surrounded by the four rivers of paradise. The choir houses two organs, with the oldest situated to the right of the altar.

The Enchanting Side Chapels

The side chapels of Novara Cathedral offer a journey through art and devotion:

Chapel of San Giuseppe: This chapel houses a painting by Carlo Francesco Nuvolone depicting the Adoration of the Magi, commissioned to replace a Titian altarpiece lost in a 17th-century fire.

Chapel of San Gaetano: This chapel features a 16th-century panel painting by Sperindio Cagnoli illustrating the Last Supper, and a reliquary bust of Bernard of Menthon.

Chapel of the Madonna delle Grazie: Located at the upper end of the northern aisle, this chapel is dedicated to Our Lady of Grace, referencing the icon venerated in Cambrai.

Chapel of Sant’Agabio: This chapel contains the purported remains of Saint Novara, commemorated by a statue by the Collino brothers.

Chapel of San Lorenzo Martire: Situated at the head of the southern aisle, this chapel is dedicated to the martyr Lawrence.

Chapel of San Benedetto: Dedicated to Benedict of Nursia, this chapel features an altarpiece by Bernardino Lanino from 1575.

Chapel of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria: This chapel is dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria and contains a panel painting by Gaudenzio Ferrari depicting the mystical marriage of Catherine.

Chapel of the Madonna del Riscatto: The final chapel is dedicated to the Madonna of Redemption, featuring a sculpture group by Giuseppe Rusnati from 1728.

The Magnificent Organs

Novara Cathedral boasts three organs:

Organ on the Epistle Side: Built by Alessandro Mentasti in 1902, this organ has three manuals and a pedal, comprising 40 registers. The action is mechanical-pneumatic with Barker levers, and the wind pressure is 65 mm WS, rising to 95 mm WS for the high-pressure registers.

Organ on the Gospel Side: This smaller organ, attributed to the Biroldi family of Varese, features one manual and an attached pedal. Although not currently playable due to windwork issues, it shows a mechanical action with divided registers and has undergone significant alterations over time.

Positive Organ: Built by the Mascioni family in 1986, this small instrument was donated to the cathedral by a benefactor who previously used it in his private residence. It has one manual and a pedal attached to the bass octave of the keyboard, with mechanical action.

In conclusion, Novara Cathedral is not merely a religious edifice but a living chronicle of the city's spiritual and architectural heritage. Its walls echo tales of devotion, transformation, and artistic achievement, making it an unmissable destination for anyone visiting Novara.