The Broletto of Novara: a café in the heart of history

Walking through the historic center of Novara means taking a journey back in time. Among elegant arcades and cobbled streets, the Broletto complex opens up, an authentic medieval treasure chest that holds centuries of art and civic life. This quadrilateral, once called brolum, brings together four historic palaces around an evocative courtyard: to the north the Palazzo dell’Arengo (13th–14th century), to the east the Palazzo dei Paratici with its 18th-century loggia, to the south the Palazzo del Podestà, and to the west the Palazzo dei Referendari, built between the late 14th and 15th centuries.

The façades tell ancient stories: the Palazzo del Podestà preserves frescoes with coats of arms of the families who ruled the city, including the 16th-century emblem of the Arcimboldi. The frescoes of the Arengo, dedicated to secular themes, are considered rare examples of non-religious medieval painting. Just a few steps away is the Giannoni Gallery, which houses a precious collection of 19th- and 20th-century paintings and sculptures, making this place a small paradise for art lovers.

In the heart of this timeless setting stands Il Broletto – Food & Drink, a modern venue that harmoniously dialogues with the history surrounding it. Under the stone portico or in the elegant indoor rooms, the atmosphere is that of a contemporary café set within a centuries-old courtyard. Here you can start the day with an Italian breakfast of fragrant croissants and coffee, enjoy a light lunch break, or indulge in a plentiful and tasty aperitivo, perfect for those who want to savor the city between a museum visit and a stroll.

The gastronomic offering is curated and versatile: simple dishes made with selected ingredients, designed to accompany every moment of the day with flavor. The aperitivo is the highlight, rich in appetizers and flavors that invite conviviality. Among the specialties not to be missed is the platter of Piedmontese cured meats and cheeses, served with artisanal jams and fragrant homemade bread. Pair it with a glass of Nebbiolo from the Colline Novaresi, and the experience becomes a perfect balance between wine tradition and historic setting.

Whether for a morning coffee, a quick lunch, or an evocative after-dinner, Il Broletto offers the unique feeling of sitting “inside history,” surrounded by walls that have witnessed centuries of civic life. A place where the present meets the past, turning every stop into an unforgettable memory.

📍 Address: Via Fratelli Rosselli, 20, 28100 Novara NO
📞 Phone: 334 367 8701
📱 Instagram: ilbroletto_foodanddrink
🖥️ Menu: dtr-service.com