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Broletto of Novara

Broletto of Novara

Highlight • Historical Site

Broletto of Novara

Name: Broletto of Novara
Rating: 2

Recommended by 4 hikers

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Location: Novara, Piedmont, Italy

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Best Hikes to Broletto of Novara

4.5

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1. Duomo of Novara – Palazzo Natta loop from Novara

6.60km

01:42

30m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

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2. Duomo of Novara – Baptistery loop from Novara

4.12km

01:04

30m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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3. Broletto of Novara – Duomo of Novara loop from Novara

9.77km

02:30

30m

40m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

Tips

Horst

April 20, 2025

The Broletto of Novara is a medieval architectural complex consisting of four historic buildings, built in different periods and with distinct and disparate artistic styles, arranged in a quadrangle around a central courtyard (or "arengo"). Located in the city center, a short distance from the Cathedral, it is accessible through an archway from Piazza della Repubblica (to the south) and a second archway from Corso Italia (to the north).

The Broletto was originally an enclosed courtyard in the heart of the city, where commerce and various public activities took place. The construction of the assembly and judicial buildings dates back to the period immediately after the Peace of Constance (1183), as was the case in several Lombard cities. The exact date of construction is unknown, but the first references to the complex in historical documents date back to 1208, in the expressions "in broreto comunis novarie" and "sub palacio comunis." Excavations during restoration work in the 20th century also confirmed that the complex was built on pre-existing buildings. This was confirmed by the discovery of sections of wall and mosaic floors from the Roman period.

From the mid-16th century onwards, neglect led to a progressive deterioration of the complex. It was not until the 19th century that the first tentative restoration measures were undertaken.

At the end of the 1920s, a restoration project was carried out in various areas in Novara to restore its original appearance. In this context, the architect Giovanni Lazanio oversaw the restoration of the Broletto, which had been subject to various degrading interventions in previous centuries, particularly in the 19th century by the engineers Luigi Orelli and Stefano Ignazio Melchioni [ 6 ] : the single-lancet windows of the Palazzo del Podestà, the triple-lancet windows of the Salone dell'Arengo, and the walled-up porticoes of the courtyard were reopened. The fountain and the external staircase leading to the Arengo, demolished in the 18th century, were rebuilt, and the courtyard was cleared of superfluous elements, including a large urinal and the newsstand.

The Broletto complex reopened to the public in March 2011, on the occasion of the celebrations for the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy, after a restoration project lasting over two years.

The complex now houses a Modern Art Gallery and hosts temporary exhibitions and presentations. In summer, there is also an open-air cinema.

it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broletto_(Novara)

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Elevation 160 m

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Thursday 23 October

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Location: Novara, Piedmont, Italy

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Broletto of Novara

1. Duomo of Novara – Palazzo Natta loop from Novara

2. Duomo of Novara – Baptistery loop from Novara

3. Broletto of Novara – Duomo of Novara loop from Novara

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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