The basilica is dedicated to the patron saint of Novara, Gaudenzio of Novara, considered to be the first Christian bishop of the city. Tradition states that he was born to a pagan family, and then converted to Christianity after meeting Eusebius of Vercelli.
The story of its construction, starting with a project by Pellegrino Tibaldi in 1577 and finally finished in 1690 following the destruction of the old Basilica, ordered by Emperor Charles V. The monumental cupola was designed by Alessandro Antonelli, who also designed the Mole Antonelliana in Torino, the architectural symbol of Torino.
On Sunday, June 8, 2014 at 9:00 pm the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach Choir, under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Talberg is going to perform at this magnificent basilica.
