Varese
Located at the heart of a region rich in natural beauty, Varese earned the appellative of “Garden City”, thanks to the numerous green spaces which scatter and encircle its urban fabric.
POPULATION
DENSITY
AREA
ELEVATION
PATRON SAINT
Until year 1927, the city territory was divided into a historic village (“borgo”), namely the centre of the local religious and civil functions, and the “castellanze”, seven small and fortified districts which rise on the hills that surround the centre (Giubiano, Bosto, Casbeno, Biumo Inferiore, Cartabbia and Bizzozero) and which nowadays still host several great sites of interest.
Our itinerary begins from the Town Hall, i.e. “Palazzo Estense”. The Palace was in fact formerly built to be the summer residence of Duke Francesco III d’Este, during the second half of the Eighteenth century. Designed by architect Giuseppe Antonio Bianchi, its style is visibly inspired to the Lombard Late Baroque, not lacking Neoclassical influences as well. While walking inside, we will be surprised to see a beautiful landscape opening: a typical Italian park inspired by the gardens of the Schönbrunn Residence. Here we will find Villa Mirabello: located on the homonymous hill from which to enjoy a breathtaking view of the lake and of the Alps, it hosts today the Civic Museum collections. In case we wished to visit religious monuments, on the other hand, we may start from the Collegiate Basilica of San Vittore. Built in the Seventeenth century on the foundations of a Thirteenth century structure, it overlooks Corso Matteotti with the height of its bell tower. Beside the Church we admire the Baptistery of San Giovanni Battista and, within a short distance from here and from the central square Piazza Monte Grappa, the Church of San Giuseppe, containing Sixteenth century frescoes attributed to Giovanni Battista del Sole, Melchiorre Gherardini and Giovanni Battista Ronchelli. After our visit, we may take a walk in the surroundings of the Square, which represents the converging point of the streets of the historic centre, from Corso Aldo Moro with its porticoes, to Via Volta and Corso Matteotti.
Monte Grappa square is characterized by a rationalistic architecture: in order to build it, it was decided to raze the late-medieval nucleus of the town to the ground. From the central square, a pedestrian area departs leading us to Piazza Carducci: along the way we encounter the picturesque Piazzetta del Podestà, with its famous Monumento del Garibaldino. A few footsteps away, we find the Cloister of S.Antonino, originally part of a Benedictine monastery founded in 1578, consisting in a portico supported by double columns, which still show visible traces of coeval frescoes. Moving towards the “Castellanze”, we will come across wonderful villas and noble residences. Among these, in Castellanza Casbeno, Villa Recalcati deserves a particular mention. It was edified during the Eighteenth century, and nowadays it hosts the Province of Varese and the Prefecture offices. Another prestigious building is certainly Villa Toeplitz, in locality Sant’Ambrogio, at the foot of the renowned Sacro Monte: a destination for several tourists because of its quaint Italian style gardens, which not uncommonly host woodpeckers and squirrels. Another architectural complex of great importance is Masnago Castle. Edified between the Middle Ages and the Eighteenth century, today it has the appearance of an elegant noble residence, though it was originally designed to be a fortified defensive structure.
The Hall of Leisure and the Hall of Vices and Virtues are enriched with precious frescoes attributable to the international Gothic art movement. The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is housed in the complex as well. It is also recommended to visit Ville Ponti, in Biumo Superiore: dating back to the second half of the Nineteenth century and designed by architect Giuseppe Balzaretto, today it hosts another Estense Palace, which is a congress centre. Beside it we admire Villa Menafoglio Litta Panza, whose over three hectares park hosts an Italian-style garden and some English-style areas. Its rooms and stables exhibit a collection of contemporary art formerly belonging to the Panza family, consisting also of some site-specific installations. From year 1996 on, its environment is safeguarded from organization FAI and it hosts art exhibitions of international interest. It is also worth mentioning Villa Augusta (in Giubiano) and Villa Baragiola, with its rich English-style gardens.
image credits - riccardo lupo
Focus
Estense Gardens, Villa Mirabello and Civic Archaeological Museum
- Ville e giardini
![Estense Gardens, Villa Mirabello and Civic Archaeological Museum Estense Gardens, Villa Mirabello and Civic Archaeological Museum](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_full_w/public/luogo/images/97002/7187/1280px-villa_mirabello.jpg?itok=L9f3irfq)
Palazzo Estense
- Art & Culture
![Palazzo Estense Palazzo Estense](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_h/public/luogo/images/96932/6092/id198_palazzo-estense_varese_01_fotolia.jpg?itok=c23g0aMM)
Sacro Monte Varese
- Religious Tourism
![@inlombardia - sacro monte varese @inlombardia - sacro monte varese](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_h/public/luogo/images/97008/6221/20_varese_sacro_monte.jpg?itok=rHuyLxCc)
Basilica di San Vittore
- Religious Tourism
![Basilica di San Vittore Basilica di San Vittore, Churches of Varese](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_h/public/luogo/images/97007/6220/25613.jpg?itok=ejzkjwq6)
Casa Museo Lodovico Pogliaghi
- Art & Culture
![Casa Museo Pogliaghi Casa Museo Pogliaghi](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_h/public/luogo/images/96964/6142/edt-pogliaghi.jpg?itok=TVPKX85L)
Waterfalls | Varese Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Active & Green
![Waterfalls | Varese Convention & Visitors Bureau Cascate Varese](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_full_h/public/luogo/images/96267/5934/14632547_10209504995174767_1052828981_o.jpg?itok=fsRKyG0c)
Cloister of S. Antonino
- Art & Culture
![Chiostro di Sant'Antonino Chiostro di Sant'Antonino - Varese](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_h/public/luogo/images/97009/6223/senza-titolo-1.gif?itok=v7yB04V9)
From Varese to Campo dei Fiori
- Cycle Tourism
![The Basilica of San Vittore in Varese The Basilica of San Vittore in Varese](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_h/public/luogo/images/96943/6111/1_varese_la_basilica_di_san_vittore.jpg?itok=A2GX_22l)
Path of the sun and path of the moon
- Active & Green
![Path of the sun and path of the moon Path of the sun and path of the moon](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_full_w/public/luogo/images/96940/6106/img_3710.jpg?itok=h49H3vZU)
Sacri Monti in Piedmont and Lombardy
- Unesco Sites
![Sacro Monte di Varese Sacro Monte di Varese](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_h/public/luogo/images/96981/6150/20_varese_sacro_monte.jpg?itok=nnUeEhWg)
Belvedere Path
- Mountains
![Belvedere Path Belvedere Path](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_h/public/luogo/images/96939/6105/panorama_tre.jpg?itok=yk10X9I_)
Varese: the old town
- Lifestyle
![Varese: the old town Varese: the old town](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_full_h/public/luogo/images/96952/6137/varese-centro-roberto-genuardi_8.jpg?itok=IcXALLk2)
Villa e Parco Toeplitz
- Art & Culture
![Villa e Parco Toeplitz Villa e Parco Toeplitz](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_h/public/luogo/images/97004/6214/22_varese_villa_toeplitz.jpg?itok=9vbpThVp)
Villa Torelli Mylius
- Ville e giardini
![Villa Torelli Mylius Villa Torelli Mylius](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_h/public/luogo/images/96954/7209/villa-mylius-1-1-1240x930.jpg?itok=dQmNsqsT)
Lake Lugano
- Rivers
![Lake Lugano Lake Lugano](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_full_h/public/luogo/images/96949/7194/ponte-tresa.jpg?itok=qZTxaANn)
Museo Civico Archeologico
- Art & Culture
![Museo Civico Archeologico Museo Civico Archeologico](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_h/public/luogo/images/97012/6229/sesto.jpg?itok=oFGvu2nu)
Ancient mills and rural structures
- Art & Culture
![Ancient mills and rural structures Ancient mills and rural structures](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_h/public/luogo/images/96958/7155/i-mulini-di-pieroval-veddasca-261a005a-01f9-4100-8ca8-3564f52ca8f2.jpg?itok=e2hg5hLd)
Events at Villa Panza
Villa Panza
Piazza Litta, 1 Varese
- Art & Culture
![Events at Villa Panza Events at Villa Panza](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_full_h/public/evento/images/96698/5992/villapanza.jpg?itok=nrdQLpkV)
Villa Baragiola
- Ville e giardini
![Villa Baragiola Villa Baragiola](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_h/public/luogo/images/97116/7208/varese_-_villa_baragiola_0772.jpg?itok=Ssq294pF)
Villa Recalcati
- Ville e giardini
![Villa Recalcati Villa Recalcati](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_h/public/luogo/images/97118/6360/varese-villa-recalcati-3.jpg?itok=f-OqZqcL)
Corso Matteotti
- Art & Culture
![Corso Matteotti Corso Matteotti](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_full_w/public/luogo/images/97123/6361/corso_matteotti.jpg?itok=RjGjpFzD)
Chiesa di San Giuseppe
- Religious Tourism
![Chiesa di San Giuseppe Chiesa di San Giuseppe](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_h/public/luogo/images/97125/7181/chiesa_s_giseppe_vaese.jpg?itok=RyTePsD_)
Piazza Monte Grappa
- Art & Culture
![Piazza Monte Grappa Piazza Monte Grappa](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_h/public/luogo/images/97128/6384/piazza_monte_grappa2_rikired1223.jpg?itok=OYqPKtoQ)
Experiences
Varese Cult City
- Art & Culture
![Varese Cult City Fra parchi, palazzi, castelli e siti Unesco](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_h/public/focus/images/96837/6065/35921.jpg?itok=FLJkO27H)
Varese pursuing new horizons
- Art & Culture
![Varese Villa Panza Varese Villa Panza](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_h/public/focus/images/96843/6071/18_varese_villa_panza.jpg?itok=q1hN6mlK)
Spring in Varese
- Art & Culture
![The XVIIth century manor of Casalzuigno, managed by the FAI, is the ideal springtime destination to enjoy the season's scents and to get lost among its frescoed rooms. Do not miss the dancing hall, the dining room and its two kitchens. Although the Villa's park is its main attraction: a green expanse that awakens on spring, drawing inspiration to baroque landscaping. There are numerous events proposed by the FAI during the entirety of spring. Plenty of culture and fresh air at the Villa Della Porta Bozzolo](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_h/public/focus/gallery/96849/6077/img-visitare-la-lombardiavacanze-natura-lombardiavarese-in-primavera_17.jpg?itok=6eSMH62P)
10 Good reasons to visit Varese
- Lifestyle
![Varese Palazzo Estense Varese Palazzo Estense](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_h/public/focus/images/96727/6020/08_varese_palazzo_estense.jpg?itok=2speQJUY)
Boroughs Varese
- Villages
![Boroughs Varese Boroughs Varese, hints for visiting](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_h/public/focus/images/96831/6054/26105.jpg?itok=O6PxJWFY)
Church Varese
- Religious Tourism
![Church Varese Church Varese, what to see](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_h/public/focus/images/96835/6063/31702.jpg?itok=tigEBFxf)
From Varese to Lake Maggiore
- Lifestyle
![Da Varese al Lago Maggiore Da Varese al Lago Maggiore](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_full_h/public/focus/images/96830/6049/lago_maggiore_varese_lombardia_-_1440x610.jpg?itok=RQ-9KPPJ)
Dove mangiare i piatti tipici varesotti
- Food & Wine
![Dove mangiare i piatti tipici varesotti Varese e dintorni: dove mangiare](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_h/public/focus/images/96838/6066/35919.jpg?itok=35CV1V0Y)
In bici a Varese
- Cycle Tourism
![In bici a Varese Itinerari e come esplorare il territorio di Varese in bici](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_h/public/focus/images/96851/6083/35916.jpg?itok=43FPkFb7)
Varese itinerary
- Lifestyle
![Varese itinerary Varese and Sacro Monte day trip](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_h/public/focus/images/96845/6073/39909.jpg?itok=VKqKLUWB)
Kitesurf in Lombardy
- Active & Green
![Windsurf, Como lake Windsurf, Como lake](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_h/public/focus/images/96728/6040/42_lecco_piona_lago_di_como_windsurf.jpg?itok=e9fLcLyL)
Eating in Varese
- Food & Wine
![Eating in Varese Where to go when eating in Varese](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_h/public/focus/images/96846/6074/30001.jpg?itok=7_wrtB_R)
Monument Varese
- Art & Culture
![Monument Varese Monument Varese, what to see](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_h/public/focus/images/96725/6016/1840.jpg?itok=Aq_ATeyP)
Museum Varese
- Art & Culture
![Museum Varese Museum Varese, what to see?](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_full_w/public/focus/images/96724/6015/1805.jpg?itok=nqsH9vld)
Parchi Naturali di Varese
- Active & Green
![Parchi Naturali di Varese Immersi nella natura, a piedi o in mountain bike](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_h/public/focus/images/96839/6067/35915.jpg?itok=wEB8LAZB)
Park Campo dei Fiori
- Parks
![Park Campo dei Fiori Campo dei Fiori Regional Park](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_h/public/focus/images/96844/6072/parco-campo-dei-fiori-lombardi1506358822__.jpg?itok=yTlCTkIO)
Bike trail of Lake Varese
- Cycle Tourism
![Bike trail of Lake Varese Varese Lake: bike trail and Isolino Virginia](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_h/public/focus/images/96847/6075/33701.jpg?itok=ylgftzXq)
Lake Maggiore
- Rivers
![Vivere il Lago Maggiore Vivere il Lago Maggiore](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_h/public/focus/images/96733/6046/vivere_il_lago_maggiore.jpg?itok=hkYU4ySG)
Places
Basilica di San Vittore
- Religious Tourism
![Basilica di San Vittore Basilica di San Vittore, Churches of Varese](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_h/public/luogo/images/97007/6220/25613.jpg?itok=ejzkjwq6)
Casa Museo Lodovico Pogliaghi
- Art & Culture
![Casa Museo Pogliaghi Casa Museo Pogliaghi](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_h/public/luogo/images/96964/6142/edt-pogliaghi.jpg?itok=TVPKX85L)
Waterfalls | Varese Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Active & Green
![Waterfalls | Varese Convention & Visitors Bureau Cascate Varese](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_full_h/public/luogo/images/96267/5934/14632547_10209504995174767_1052828981_o.jpg?itok=fsRKyG0c)
Cloister of S. Antonino
- Art & Culture
![Chiostro di Sant'Antonino Chiostro di Sant'Antonino - Varese](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_h/public/luogo/images/97009/6223/senza-titolo-1.gif?itok=v7yB04V9)
From Varese to Campo dei Fiori
- Cycle Tourism
![The Basilica of San Vittore in Varese The Basilica of San Vittore in Varese](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_h/public/luogo/images/96943/6111/1_varese_la_basilica_di_san_vittore.jpg?itok=A2GX_22l)
Path of the sun and path of the moon
- Active & Green
![Path of the sun and path of the moon Path of the sun and path of the moon](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_full_w/public/luogo/images/96940/6106/img_3710.jpg?itok=h49H3vZU)
Estense Gardens, Villa Mirabello and Civic Archaeological Museum
- Ville e giardini
![Estense Gardens, Villa Mirabello and Civic Archaeological Museum Estense Gardens, Villa Mirabello and Civic Archaeological Museum](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_h/public/luogo/images/97002/7187/1280px-villa_mirabello.jpg?itok=tx86soDN)
Palazzo Estense
- Art & Culture
![Palazzo Estense Palazzo Estense](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_h/public/luogo/images/96932/6092/id198_palazzo-estense_varese_01_fotolia.jpg?itok=c23g0aMM)
Sacri Monti in Piedmont and Lombardy
- Unesco Sites
![Sacro Monte di Varese Sacro Monte di Varese](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_full_h/public/luogo/images/96981/6150/20_varese_sacro_monte.jpg?itok=iW1bBYi1)
Sacro Monte Varese
- Religious Tourism
![@inlombardia - sacro monte varese @inlombardia - sacro monte varese](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_h/public/luogo/images/97008/6221/20_varese_sacro_monte.jpg?itok=rHuyLxCc)
Belvedere Path
- Mountains
![Belvedere Path Belvedere Path](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_h/public/luogo/images/96939/6105/panorama_tre.jpg?itok=yk10X9I_)
Varese: the old town
- Lifestyle
![Varese: the old town Varese: the old town](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_full_h/public/luogo/images/96952/6137/varese-centro-roberto-genuardi_8.jpg?itok=IcXALLk2)
Villa e Parco Toeplitz
- Art & Culture
![Villa e Parco Toeplitz Villa e Parco Toeplitz](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_h/public/luogo/images/97004/6214/22_varese_villa_toeplitz.jpg?itok=9vbpThVp)
Villa Torelli Mylius
- Ville e giardini
![Villa Torelli Mylius Villa Torelli Mylius](https://www.varesedoyoulake.it/sites/default/files/styles/card_bg_h/public/luogo/images/96954/7209/villa-mylius-1-1-1240x930.jpg?itok=dQmNsqsT)
How to arrive
IN AEREO
Milano Malpensa 35 km, Linate 70 km, Orio al Serio 110 km
IN TRENO
trenord.it
tilo.ch
IN AUTOMOBILE
Autostrada A8
Information
INFOPOINT VARESE
Piazza Monte Grappa, 5
T. +39 0332 281913
WIFI
Varese Wifi
SCOPRI DI PIÙ
comune.varese.it
Useful numbers
EMERGENZE
112
OSPEDALE
Ospedale Filippo del Ponte
Via Filippo Del Ponte, 19
T. +39 0332 299111
Ospedale Macchi–Va
Viale Luigi Borri, 57
T. +39 0332 278111
CARABINIERI
Comando Provinciale Carabinieri Varese
Via Aurelio Saffi, 55
T. +39 0332 4501