The province of Varese, renowned for its beautiful lakes and the charm of its historic villas, holds a lesser-known yet equally extraordinary treasure: the Painted Villages.

These are small towns where the facades of houses have been transformed into open-air canvases, narrating stories, traditions, and depictions of everyday life. Nestled in the lush greenery of the Pre-Alps, these villages offer visitors a unique experience, blending art, culture, and nature.

aRCUMEGGIA

The most famous Painted Village is undoubtedly Arcumeggia, located in the municipality of Casalzuigno.
In the 1950s, this small village was turned into an open-air art gallery thanks to the work of renowned national artists. Strolling through its narrow streets, you can admire murals and frescoes portraying themes of work, family, and spirituality. Among the notable artists featured are Aligi Sassu, Floriano Bodini, and Aldo Carpi. Arcumeggia is not just a village to visit but also a place to rediscover art through educational workshops for all ages.

bRUNELLO

Brunello is known for its ancient cobbled streets and stone houses adorned with murals depicting the village’s rural past. Walking through the streets, visitors can admire works illustrating scenes of rural life, traditional trades, and local landscapes. Each painting is a tribute to the region's roots, using warm colors inspired by the surrounding nature.

rUNO

Just a few kilometers from Lake Maggiore, Runo stands out for its tranquil atmosphere and murals with religious and traditional themes. Here, art becomes a means of expressing the spirituality and devotion of the inhabitants, featuring saints, biblical episodes, and moments tied to the village’s life. These works, created by both local and international artists, blend seamlessly with the village’s architecture, creating a dialogue between past and present.

oLONA

In the heart of the Olona Valley, this village surprises visitors with murals that narrate local history and celebrate its connection with nature. Walking through Olona’s streets, you’ll find paintings depicting river landscapes, local wildlife, and scenes of daily life from the past. Each piece invites reflection on the importance of preserving the environment and traditions.

pEVERANZA

In Peveranza, the murals offer a journey into the collective memory. This small village has turned its walls into an open book, recounting stories of emigration, sacrifice, and hope. The detailed and meaningful artworks pay homage to past generations and their resilience, keeping the bond with the territory alive.

bOAREZZO

Located in the municipality of Valganna, Boarezzo is another gem among Varese’s Painted Villages.
In the 1980s, a project of revitalization brought several artists to decorate the village houses with murals celebrating local work and traditions. The artworks depict scenes of farming life, vanished trades, and moments of celebration, providing a vivid picture of the region’s cultural history. A visit to Boarezzo is enhanced by the natural beauty of Valganna, with its forests and small lakes.

mARCHIROLO

Marchirolo, a village along the road to Lake Lugano, is famous for its murals that mix satire, politics, and historical memory. Here, the house facades recount episodes of local life, popular legends, and historical anecdotes. A distinctive feature of Marchirolo is the variety of artistic styles: from realistic to modern and abstract, each piece invites visitors to pause and reflect.

A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

Visiting the Painted Villages means immersing yourself in a unique artistic journey where every wall tells a story and every corner surprises with its beauty. For lovers of art, history, and nature, these villages are an unmissable destination, offering the chance to discover the cultural richness of the Varese province in an authentic and evocative setting.