• Art & Culture

The Ghost of Manigunda

In Varese the legend of the ghost of Manigunda to the monastery

Once upon a time, there was a Lombard princess named Manigunda. She was very ill and close to death when an old lady told her: "My dear, perhaps I can help you. I come from Cairate, near Bergoro, you can find there a spring of healing waters. Come visit mie, I am sure that you will feel better if you drink some of it". 

Manigunda went there, drank its waters and felt better soon after. Driven by joy, she made a vow: "To her who lives in Heaven. Grant me life, oh Mistress, and I promise that I will consacrate my existance to you and will found a monastery in your name". Thus she kept drinking and recovered completely.

The princess kept her promise and commissioned the construction of a benedictine monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary, plus she took her vows.

Between the years 1545 and 1563, during restoration efforts, several human bones and skulls were found beside a perfectly preserved coffin containing the skeleton of an elegantly dressed woman: Manigunda herself. These findings are displayed for visitors who book a guided tour.

The monastery indoors have been unhallowed ever since, and the presence of an entity that manifests itself with unexplainable noises and apparitions during nightime has been detected.

Most stay away from this monastery, due to the belief that it might be haunted by the Princess' ghost.

Some may not believe this to be true, though...come visit and find out for yourselves!


Other links

http://www.va.camcom.gov.it
Take me here: The Ghost of Manigunda

On the same topic

Between ancient memories and majestic landscapes

Cultural itinerary in lower Valtellina
  • Art & Culture
Between ancient memories and majestic landscapes

5 medieval monuments in Lodi

A journey of discovery through the Middle Ages, from Borghetto Lodigiano to Lodi.
  • Art & Culture
Palazzo Rho_Borghetto Lodigiano

Lorenzo Lotto Itinerary

In Bergamo on the trail of Lorenzo Lotto, one of the leading exponents of the Italian Renaissance
  • Art & Culture
Lorenzo Lotto Itinerary, following his trails

More than just cows

Everything you need to know about the Baronchelli dairy farm. A trip to Lodi to discover what's behind the milk we drink
  • Art & Culture
More than just cows

Varese UNESCO

4 siti UNESCO, indissolubilmente legati al paesaggio: Monte San Giorgio, Isolino Virginia, Monastero di Torba, Sacro Monte di Varese.
  • Art & Culture
Quinta cappella al Sacro Monte di Varese

Bergamo in a weekend

A perfect square, the masterpieces of the Carrara Academy, the Venetian Walls Unesco World Heritage Site. Discover Bergamo!
  • Art & Culture
Bergamo in a weekend

Lombardy in Paintings by Great Italian Artists

The paintings that most beautifully capture Lombardy's scenery, an immersion in the region's landscapes and cityscapes
  • Art & Culture
La Lombardia nei quadri dei grandi pittori italiani

The Ghost of Manigunda

In Varese the legend of the ghost of Manigunda to the monastery
  • Art & Culture
Legends of Varese: the Ghost of Manigunda at the Cairate Monastery

The Lombard seigniories: key figures, history and places

Gonzaga, Visconti, Sforza: a journey through cities steeped in history and culture
  • Art & Culture
Gonzaga - Palazzo Ducale Mantova - ph: analisidellopera.it

Nose up in the streets of Milan

We wander around the city observing plaques and inscriptions
  • Art & Culture
Nose up in the streets of Milan

Sondrio, the legend of Orlando

Castel Masegra is an imposing building which sits atop a 60m-tall rock, dominating the Sondrio skyline
  • Art & Culture
Sondrio Castello Masegra

Theaters in Lombardy

Milan a city rich in theaters that are also famous internationally. But not only that: do not exclude other provinces such as Pavia and Mantua
  • Art & Culture
Theaters in Lombardy, suggestions

Monument Sondrio

Historical, artistic, traditional Sondrio in its many monuments ... and a railway station from which a special train departs
  • Art & Culture
Monument Sondrio, what to see

Theaters Cremona

Cremona stands out not only for its monumental beauties, but also for its lively cultural activity in its theaters
  • Art & Culture
Theaters Cremona, culture in Lombardy

Arlecchino and Brighella

Famous masks of the Italian Carnival tradition
  • Art & Culture
Arlecchino_11403_HR©Ciminaghi-PiccoloTeatroMilano

Castles Lodi

The history of a glorious past between the castles and fortresses of the Lodi area
  • Art & Culture
Castles Lodi, a guide to Lombardy

6 Interactive museums for children

Explore Lombardy with your children! Experiential and interactive museums to stimulate curiosity and creativity.
  • Art & Culture
6 Interactive museums for children

Autumn Events 2025

  • Art & Culture
Autumn Events 2025

The Archaeological Museum

on Google Arts & Culture!
  • Art & Culture
The Archaeological  Museum

Visiting the Castle in the night

  • Art & Culture
Visiting the Castle in the night