Torba Monastery – Ph. Fabio Brambilla/ Flickr
The province of Varese, nestled among the rolling hills and seven lakes that dot the landscape of Lombardy, is an area rich in history, culture and traditions. Among its wonders are historic villages that tell the stories of a sumptuous past. The most characteristic places to explore take us on a unique journey through art and architectural heritage: Castiglione Olona, the Sacro Monte di Varese, Mustonate, Tornavento and Gornate Olona. Each village has its own story to tell, facts intertwined with legends and architecture that speak of a time when beauty found expression in every corner.
Castiglione Olona: A Jewel of Renaissance
Castiglione Olona is one of the most famous villages in the province of Varese and represents a true jewel of the Italian Renaissance. Its history is linked to the figure of Cardinal Branda Castiglioni, who in the 15th century transformed the small town into a major cultural and artistic center. The structure of the village, which is completely walkable, is enriched by an extraordinary concentration of historical monuments. The Palazzo Branda Castiglioni is one of the local jewels, where the works of Masolino da Panicale shine in the frescoed rooms of the Palazzo dei Castiglioni di Monteruzzo, now home to the Museum of Plastic Art. Recently refurbished, the Museum of Plastic Art offers a collection of extraordinary works, including priceless Florentine paintings and sculptures. The Collegiate Complex, located on Castiglione’s highest point, also boasts the Baptist cycle, one of Masolino’s last works.
Collegiata – Ph. Depositphotos
But Castiglione Olona is not just about art: the village also offers lively and festive cultural events, such as the Cardinal’s Fair and the Palio dei castelli, which enliven and color its streets, making a visit an even more memorable experience. Just an hour’s drive from Milan, this village, with its artistic beauty and historic atmosphere, is a must-see destination for those wishing to discover the wonders of our past. A pleasant stroll through its alleys will allow you to admire the beauty of its buildings and enjoy panoramic overlooks that make Castiglione Olona a magical place, full of treasures to explore.
Sacro Monte di Varese: An enviable spiritual place
The Sacro Monte di Varese, located in the evocative setting of the Parco Regionale Campo dei Fiori, is a place of worship and spirituality, as well as an extraordinary example of Baroque architecture and art. With its fascinating seventeenth-century route and the quaint village of Santa Maria del Monte, it is one of the most significant prides of the province of Varese and of Lombardy as a whole; in fact, it was included in the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in 2003. Rising on a hill overlooking the city of Varese, its construction has developed with the creation of fourteen chapels, all dedicated to the mysteries of the Rosary, which create a link between the shrine and the village of Santa Maria del Monte.
Santa Maria del Monte – Ph. Depositphotos
Each chapel differs in its architecture with attention to the smallest details. Sculptures and paintings are preserved inside, and the chapels, frescoed by important artists of the time, wind along a scenic route that offers enchanting views of the valley. The pure air and silence that pervades the place invite meditation and contemplation. The majestic Basilica of Santa Maria del Monte, located at the end of the route, is the spiritual centerpiece of Sacro Monte, with its imposing facade and sumptuously decorated interior.
Sacro Monte di Varese – Ph. Depositphotos
Mustonate: The rural and equestrian hamlet
The hamlet of Mustonate, located in the heart of the Lombardy Pre-Alps in the center of the 7 Lakes district, is nestled in a 60-hectare landscape of meadows, woods and orchards, and is a corner of paradise dedicated to sustainability and land development. A short distance from the center of Varese, Mustonate is dedicated to tourist and residential hospitality and to training horses in a large riding school that enlivens the hamlet.
Those visiting Mustonate can enjoy lunches at nearby restaurants and kiosks and immerse themselves in the local culture.
Mustonate- Ph. Emanuela Montalbetti/flickr
Tornavento: the birthplace of the Naviglio Grande
Tornavento, a small hidden village in the province of Varese, is a hamlet of Lonate Pozzolo where daily life unfolds in a setting reminiscent of a time gone by. This small place, whose name in the local dialect is Turnavént, is a microcosm in which every element is at hand: the kindergarten resounds with the laughter of children, the square invites social moments, and the 17th-century church of St. Eugene the Bishop, with its simplicity, gives a sense of serenity and reflection. Separating Tornavento from the rest of the world is not only its small size, but also the beauty of the views that can be admired from its belvedere. Especially, the amphitheater-like space offers an extraordinary view of the valley of the Ticino River.
Belvedere – Ph. Seagull_/flickr
Here, the eye is lost in the vast horizons that stretch to the Alps, from the majestic Monte Rosa to the peaks of Monviso, a natural setting that enchants and inspires anyone who stops to contemplate it. The main square, dedicated to the historic Parravicino family, which left an indelible imprint on the area, was the focus of major hydraulic engineering works in the 19th century. It is precisely from here that pedestrian paths wind their way through the greenery surrounding the village, leading toward the Ticino valley, a naturalistic area of enchanting beauty. The river, renamed “Fiume Azzurro” for its clear waters, is harmoniously integrated with man-made works, such as the Naviglio Grande, which originates right in Tornavento. This centuries-old canal, which winds for about 40 kilometers until it reaches Milan’s Darsena, is a fundamental part of the area’s history and culture.
Ph. alberto martinello/flickr
Gornate Olona and the monastery of Torba
Finally, Gornate Olona, a small but charming village, represents a plunge into Lombard history. Characterized by old stone houses and a peaceful atmosphere, Gornate Olona is ideal for those who like to explore lesser-known but equally fascinating places. The monastery of Torba, recognized World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2011, is one of the village’s highlights. Local traditions are very much alive in Gornate Olona, where events celebrating local crafts and culture take place. The surrounding landscape, thanks to the presence of parks and trails, offers opportunities for hiking and nature walks, allowing visitors to appreciate the historical heritage in an unparalleled natural setting.
Torba Monastery – Ph. Fabrizio Buoso/flickr
The province of Varese is an area that fascinates for its cultural richness, the beauty of its landscapes and the authenticity of its traditions. Exploring its historic villages is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in a journey through time, where every stone, every church and every street tell stories of a rich and fascinating past. Whether it is art, culinary traditions, or simply a stroll through the paths and alleys, the villages of Varese offer unforgettable experiences to those who choose to visit.
