Varese

<< Lombardy

Varese is a city located northwest of Milan, near Lake Varese between Lake Maggiore and Lake Como. The area was inhabited since ancient times, but Varese only emerged in the Late Middle Ages, remaining a small regional center for centuries. The city has always been closely linked with Milan, and experienced a huge development after the Italian unification, flourishing thanks to its industry. Varese is known for its many parks and villas.

✪ Sacro Monte di Varese

The Sacro Monte di Varese is a religious complex located on a mountain north of Varese. It is one of the Sacri Monti, a series of sanctuaries erected among the mountains of Lombardy and Piedmont. The complex was erected in the 17th century and it features 14 chapels, a sanctuary, and the small village of Santa Maria del Monte. All the chapels and the sanctuary are adorned with elaborate frescoes, statues, and decorations. The complex also includes Casa Museo Lodovico Pogliaghi, a museum housing a collection of ancient archaeological findings, Renaissance and Baroque paintings and sculptures, and many other artworks.

Basilica of San Vittore

The Basilica of San Vittore is a church located in the center of Varese, erected starting in the 15th century over a previous building. The basilica features a Neoclassical facade and its interiors host rich Baroque decorations and artworks. The church is flanked by a tall bell tower erected between the 17th and 18th century, considered a symbol of the city. The Romanesque Baptistery of San Giovanni, which was built in the Late Middle Ages and features some ancient frescoes, is also adjacent to the basilica.

Villa Menafoglio Litta Panza

Villa Menafoglio Litta Panza is a former noble residence built near Varese in the 18th century. The palace features various frescoed and decorated halls and a large park. The villa houses a rich collection of contemporary artworks, and sometimes it hosts temporary exhibitions.

Palazzo Estense

Palazzo Estense is a large Baroque palace erected in the 18th century near the center of Varese. Built as a residence for Francesco III d’Este, Duke of Modena and Austrian governor of Lombardy, now it serves various uses and it hosts the seat of the local municipality. The palace features various Baroque decorations and a large garden. The 18th-century Villa Mirabello is located in the park and it houses the Civic Archaeological Museum of Villa Mirabello (Museo Civico Archeologico di Villa Mirabello), a collection of ancient archaeological findings which includes many prehistoric and Roman artifacts.

Masnago Castle

The Masnago Castle is a medieval fortification which was later turned into a noble residence. The castle is located on a hill near Varese and it features a rich series of 15th-century frescoes. The palace hosts the Civic Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (Museo Civico d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea), a collection of artworks mostly from the 19th and 20th century.

Villa Toeplitz

Villa Toeplitz is a historic villa located on a hill at the outskirts of Varese. Built in eclectic style and inaugurated in the early 20th century, the villa features various decorations and it is surrounded by large beautiful gardens. A building in the park hosts the Castiglioni Museum (Museo Castiglioni), an ethnographic and archaeological collection featuring numerous finds and artworks from Africa.