However, the Sforza of Milan retained its possession until the defeat of Ludovico il Moro, when it passed to the French until Andrea Doria conquered the city for Genoa in 1529.

In 1818 it became provincial capital and received the suffix of "Ligure" to mark the historical vicinity to Genoa in contrast to the annexion of the province to that of Alessandria.

In the 17th and 18th centuries Novi Ligure was a renowned resort for the rich Genoese families, as showed by the presence of numerous noble palaces in the historical center of the city, often decorated with frescoes facades.

The Oratory of St. Madeleine houses a massive cavalry composed of 21 wooden statues and two natural-size horses, as well as an 8-statuettes terracotta Complaint of Christ; both are from Renaissance.

The Museo dei Campionissimi is a museum devoted to the two famous cyclists Costante Girardengo and Fausto Coppi and the bicycle history in general.