• Art & Culture
    • Active & Green

Borromean Fortress of Angera

Explore the enchanting Museum of Dolls and Toys and serene Medieval Gardens at the Angera Fortress, also known as Rocca of Angera

Where
Rocca Borromea di Angera
Via Rocca Castello, 2, Angera, VA, Angera (VA)
Contacts
+39 0323 933478
Official site

The Angera Fortress, located on the southern shore of Lake Maggiore, is one of the main attractions in the province of Varese, Italy.

This historic medieval structure offers visitors a unique insight into the history and architecture of the area, along with breathtaking views of the lake. If you find yourself near Milan or Varese, visiting the Rocca of Angera is a great choice for a day trip, thanks to its proximity and easy accessibility.

WHAT TO DO AT THE ROCCA DI ANGERA

If you're wondering what to see inside the Fortress, the answer is simple: every corner tells a story, making the visit an enriching experience. Inside, the Rocca of Angera houses the Museum of Dolls and Toys, one of the most interesting and unique museums in Europe, boasting a collection of over 1,000 pieces, including dolls, toys, and memorabilia from the 18th century to the present day. This museum was created to preserve and celebrate the history of play and childhood, making it an ideal place for families and history enthusiasts. The Fortress also features frescoed halls, armories, and a spectacular Medieval Garden, a tranquil corner that transports visitors back in time. This garden was designed to reflect historical medieval gardens, featuring a variety of aromatic plants, flowers, and medicinal herbs. The arrangement of plants follows medieval design principles, creating a blend of aesthetics and functionality.

TIME NEEDED FOR THE VISIT

If you're wondering how much time it takes to visit the Rocca of Angera, it is advisable to dedicate at least 2-3 hours. The actual time depends on your interest in the exhibits and your desire to enjoy the surrounding views and the town of Angera. The structure is quite large and offers several observation points to admire Lake Maggiore and the mountains. During your visit, you can also take a moment in the gardens and appreciate the natural beauty of the area.

OTHER ACTIVITIES AT THE LOCATION

The Caffetteria Belvedere at the Rocca of Angera offers a charming view of the lake, creating the perfect environment for a relaxing break while admiring Lake Maggiore. A culinary experience not to be missed in a unique panoramic setting!

The Rocca of Angera is not only a tourist destination but also an exclusive venue for events and ceremonies. Thanks to its historic atmosphere and enchanting scenery, the Fortress offers versatile spaces that can be adapted for weddings, receptions, conferences, and corporate events. Organizers can take advantage of both indoor and outdoor areas, including the picturesque Medieval Garden and frescoed halls, to create a unique and unforgettable atmosphere. For detailed information on bookings and available options, it is advisable to contact the official website of the Rocca of Angera directly.


Opening hours

SEASONAL OPENING - FROM MARCH 16 TO NOVEMBER 3

From March 16 to October 26, 2024 - Every day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry), castle closing at 6:00 PM.

From October 27 to November 3, 2024:

  • Monday:              10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (last entry)
  • Tuesday:              10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (last entry)
  • Wednesday:      10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (last entry)
  • Thursday:            10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (last entry)
  • Friday:                   10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (last entry)
  • Saturday:            10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (last entry)
  • Sunday:                10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (last entry)

Castle closing at 5:00 PM.
Opening and closing times may vary for special events.

TICKET PRICES

How much does it cost to enter the Rocca di Angera?

  • Full ticket:                                                              €15.00 (€14.50 online)
  • Reduced ticket (children 6 - 15 years): €10.00 (€9.50 online)
  • Group ticket:                                                        €13.00 (€12 online)

Combined tickets for visiting the Borromean Islands are also available, allowing you to discover more points of interest with a single ticket.

DOWNLOAD the complete price list in PDF format.


hOW TO GET TO THE ROCCA DI ANGERA

BY TRAIN

With Trenord, it is advisable to get off at the Sesto Calende station, from where you can reach Angera by bus or taxi. If you are arriving in Angera from the Piedmontese shore, it is recommended to disembark at the Arona station and take the boat from the Navigazione Lago Maggiore dock. The Rocca can be reached on foot via a scenic uphill path that takes about 15 minutes. A public service of non-scheduled motorboats is also available.

BY BUS

By bus, you can take line n. 17/20 Varese/Angera/Sesto Calende Travedona/Osmate/Ispra/Angera.

BY CAR

Take the Lakes Motorway towards Gravellona Toce, exit at Sesto Calende, and continue on State Road 629 towards Angera, where access to the Rocca is facilitated by tourist signage. There is free parking available in front of the entrance to the Rocca.

BY PLANE

Distances from the main airports:

  • Turin Caselle: 135 km
  • Milan Malpensa: 25 km
  • Milan Linate: 85 km
  • Bergamo Orio Al Serio: 110 km.
ph. © andrea monfrini
Take me here: Borromean Fortress of Angera

Places

Angera

  • Art & Culture
Angera
0 mt

Angera municipial archaeological museum

  • Art & Culture
Civico Museo Archeologico di Angera
361 mt

Angera

An ancient town in the province of Varese on the Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore.
  • Villages
Lakeside promenade of Angera, with a small beach. By the lake, there is an empty sun lounger, and you can see the Rocca in the distance.
458 mt

Rocca Borromeo

What strike visitors of Rocca Borromeo, located on the southern shore of Lake Maggiore,is the architectural harmony of its five buildings
  • Art & Culture
Rocca Borromeo
763 mt

Relive your childhood at the Toys Museum

  • Art & Culture
Toys Museum, Museums Varese
778 mt

Rocca di Angera

  • Art & Culture
Rocca di Angera
781 mt

Sass da Preja Buia

The erratic boulder at Sesto Calende
  • Art & Culture
Sass da Preja Buia
4.94 km

Ispra

  • Lakes
Ispra
5.08 km

The Abbey of San Donato

In Sesto Calende the beautiful and ancient Romanesque church is worth a visit
  • Religious Tourism
Visit the Abbey of San Donato in Sesto Calende
6.27 km

Lake Monate

  • Lakes
Lake Monate
6.81 km

Golf dei Laghi

The undulating of the Golf dei Laghi, hilly course offers breathtaking views of Monte Rosa and Lake Maggiore, making the game enjoyable.
  • Golf
Golf dei Laghi, Travedona Monate (VA)
7.59 km

Lake Comabbio

Discover the Hidden Gem of Varese
  • Lakes
Passerella in legno sul lago di Comabbio, con alberi sullo sfondo in una giornata di sole.
8.71 km

Big Bench #333

  • Active & Green
Ph: Prolco Varano Borghi
9.51 km

Prehistoric Alpine Stilt Houses

  • Unesco Sites
Siti palafitticoli preistorici dell'arco Alpino
11.27 km

Prehistoric Alpine Stilt Houses

  • Unesco Sites
Palafitte Arco Alpino
11.42 km

The hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso

  • Religious Tourism
@inlombardia - Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso
11.42 km

Leggiuno

  • Villages
Leggiuno
11.65 km

Necropoli di Caravate

Complesso di quattordici sepolture a inumazione fra l’VIII e il IX secolo
  • Art & Culture
Necropoli di Caravate
12.93 km

Varese Lake

The hidden gem in Lombardy to explore
  • Lakes
Vista dal drone del Lido della Schiranna di Varese all'alba.
13.04 km

Lago di Varese

Liberty villas, gardens on the lake, itineraries in the woods. And an islet with stilts from the Neolithic. Discover the Lake of Varese
  • Lakes
Lago di Varese
13.17 km

Activities

Italian cooking class

  • Food & Wine
Italian cooking class
5.5 km

Bike Tour around the Lakes of Comabbio and Varese

  • Cycle Tourism
Bike Tour around the Lakes of Comabbio and Varese
7.41 km

Where to sleep

CASA DI BUZ LAGO MAGGIORE

Angera
CASA DI BUZ LAGO MAGGIORE
0 mt

Villa AMARENA

ANGERA
Villa AMARENA
78 mt

Lake Maggiore privat ground floor 2 rooms & garden

Angera
Lake Maggiore privat ground floor 2 rooms & garden
79 mt

IRIS Apartment Lago Maggiore

ANGERA
IRIS Apartment Lago Maggiore
158 mt

CAV Sciarini Angera

ANGERA
CAV Sciarini Angera
172 mt

EX CONVENTO SANTA CATERINA

Angera
EX CONVENTO SANTA CATERINA
206 mt

Cottage House

ANGERA
Cottage House
233 mt

SILVER LAKE APARTMENT

Angera
SILVER LAKE APARTMENT
236 mt

LT Angera Via Madonnina

ANGERA
LT Angera Via Madonnina
247 mt

Casa Dolce Casa

Angera
Casa Dolce Casa
323 mt

APPARTAMENTO BIANCA

ANGERA
APPARTAMENTO BIANCA
326 mt

APPARTAMENTO BLU

ANGERA
APPARTAMENTO BLU
326 mt

Locaz. Tur. Angera Riva

ANGERA
Locaz. Tur. Angera Riva
327 mt

CAV Bosco via Magenta

ANGERA
CAV Bosco via Magenta
330 mt

Casa Bosco Via Magenta sub. 8

ANGERA
Casa Bosco Via Magenta sub. 8
332 mt

Casa Vacanze Bosco Riccardo Angera

ANGERA
Casa Vacanze Bosco Riccardo Angera
332 mt

GARIBALDI 1

Angera
GARIBALDI 1
343 mt

Locazione Turistica Angera Adamovic

ANGERA
Locazione Turistica Angera Adamovic
345 mt

Casa in Antica Corte Lombarda

Angera
Casa in Antica Corte Lombarda
350 mt

CAV Richard Angera

ANGERA
CAV Richard Angera
417 mt