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Discover the province of Varese

5 must-see places to visit in Varese

from Redazione Varese
PH. @zanve82

The province of Varese is a gem in northern Italy, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.

If you're looking for ideas for a weekend getaway or a day trip, here you'll find five places to visit that will make you fall in love with this fascinating area.

1. SACRO MONTE OF VARESE

The Sacro Monte of Varese is one of the most captivating pilgrimage sites in Lombardy, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located at about 880 meters above sea level, it is part of a complex of Sacred Mountains built between the 16th and 17th centuries in northern Italy, designed as devotional paths. The Sacro Monte of Varese consists of a series of fourteen chapels that stretch along a two-kilometer route, depicting the Mysteries of the Rosary with statues and frescoes of great artistic value. At the end of the path, you reach the Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Monte, a place of prayer and contemplation immersed in nature, offering a spectacular view of the plains below and Lake Varese. This place unites faith, art, and landscape in a harmony that attracts pilgrims and visitors from all over the world.

2. CASTIGLIONE OLONA

Another place of great interest is Castiglione Olona, an enchanting medieval village known for its artistic heritage. Here, you can visit the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta, which houses splendid frescoes by the famous artist Paolo Schiavo, and the Baptistery, decorated with painting cycles that depict the life of St. John the Baptist. Castiglione Olona is a picturesque medieval village in the province of Varese, renowned for its extraordinary artistic and cultural heritage. The town owes much of its fame to Cardinal Branda Castiglioni, who, in the 15th century, transformed it into a center of Renaissance patronage, inviting artists like Masolino da Panicale to work here. As you stroll through the village's cobbled streets, you'll discover charming corners and picturesque views, making Castiglione Olona an excellent stop for history and culture lovers. The narrow paved streets, historic buildings, and the Olona River flowing through the village give Castiglione a unique charm, earning it the title of "a Tuscan island in Lombardy" by art historian Giovanni Testori.

3. MUSEUM OF ART IN GALLARATE

The MAGA, Museum of Art in Gallarate, is one of Lombardy's main cultural institutions dedicated to contemporary art. Founded in 1966 as the Civic Gallery of Modern Art of Gallarate, it has expanded its collections and activities over time, becoming an important center for the promotion and study of modern and contemporary Italian art. It houses a vast permanent collection of over 5,000 works, ranging from painting to sculpture to experimental visual arts. The museum also organizes temporary exhibitions, cultural events, educational workshops, and artist talks, positioning itself as a reference point for art and creativity on both a local and national level.

4. SANTA CATERINA DEL SASSO

Santa Caterina del Sasso is a striking hermitage located on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, in the province of Varese, Lombardy. Perched on a cliff overlooking the lake, the monastic complex offers breathtaking panoramic views and a profound atmosphere of spirituality. Founded in the 13th century by the merchant Alberto Besozzi, who survived a shipwreck and decided to retire to this place to live in penance, the hermitage consists of a convent, a church, and a chapel. Its frescoed walls and terraces suspended over the lake make Santa Caterina del Sasso a pilgrimage destination and a site of great tourist interest for those seeking silence and contemplation amidst nature.

5. VILLA DELLA PORTA BOZZOLO

We conclude our tour at Villa Della Porta Bozzolo, a splendid historic villa located in Casalzuigno, not far from Varese. This villa, owned by the FAI (Italian Environmental Fund), is a magnificent example of 18th-century architecture, surrounded by a park rich in gardens and fountains. Inside, you can admire period furnishings and discover the history of the family who lived there. The gardens offer a charming atmosphere, perfect for a romantic walk.

Staircase leading to the bell tower of Sacro Monte di Varese, with blue sky and surrounding greenery.
Bell tower of a church in the village of Castiglione Olona, surrounded by trees and old buildings.
Modern facade of the MAGA in Gallarate, with a circular square in the foreground and a clear sky in the background.
Stone structures built into the rock form a passage with arches. The path is bordered by a low wall and overlooks Lake Maggiore.
A country residence in the 16th century, a lavish summer estate in the 18th century, telling the story of a wealthy Lombard family, with rococo-style frescoed halls and a scenic, monumental Italian garden.

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