House of Porta

This building is the most interesting representation of the Gothic art of Novara, according to the examination of the historical phases of the building, a first nucleus of Casa della Porta can be dated already around the year 1000, thanks to the use of fragmented Roman material. Around 1300 there is a first intervention consisting of an elevation. In 1400, however, a further arrangement of Casa della Porta was carried out, which also involved the construction of the three large windows visible today in the facade. The particular windows follow an ogival arched profile, with quadrangular frames of molded terracotta tiles, whose subjects are represented by twisted floral motifs. It is also possible to note on the street front of Casa della Porta two noble coats of arms, which indicate two of the owners who took turns The first consists of a cardinal's hat, coat of arms of Ardicino della Porta, tenant of the house at the beginning of the fifteenth century. The second, however, consists of a Visconti biscione, whose property is traced back to the house of a noble wife. The spirit of renewal that characterized the late 19th and early 20th centuries almost led to the demolition of Casa della Porta. Following a heated debate, the building passed from the Istituto Opere Pie di San Paolo to the hands of the architect Carlo Nigra. The latter worked in the years between 1918 and 1930 in a series of interventions that had the aim of recovery of the original style of the building, in line with the artistic current of the time.

Built between the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, Casa della Porta is the most important civil building in the Novara gothic style. Restored by Carlo Nigra in the 1920s, it has not changed its original appearance, which makes it one of the most beautiful corners of the city to admire.

The façade of the building is an interesting composition in brick materials with pointed windows, expression of flowery gothic. Beautiful in particular the two medallions, one with the Visconti insignia and the other in honor of Della Porta. Inside the premises host Enne3, incubator of technological companies in Novara and some incubated companies, among which the dynamic communication agency Noise +

Casa della Porta, built in 1400 and renovated at the beginning of the twentieth century by the architect Lazanio, became the headquarters of the San Paolo Bank and around 1980 it was restored and transformed into residential units or residential buildings.

Great beautiful building that compared to those of the immediate surroundings, makes a great impression even if it is left to itself, neglected and ignored as certain significant historical buildings of this city, for example house Bossi.