Sacro Monte – Ph. Anna Lo Iacono/flickr
Surrounding Varese rise numerous points of interest to explore during an out-of-town trip. The area is dotted with places that combine high naturalistic appeal with ancient historical relics and spectacular evidence of the art and ingenuity of human beings. What are the hidden treasures of the province of Varese? Here are some of the most beautiful and interesting ones to organize nature excursions and cultural visits.
Ph. silvio francesco zincolini/flickr
Lake Varese: views and recreational activities
The province of Varese, also known as “The Land of Lakes,” is a true natural jewel that holds seven enchanting lakes, each with its own characteristics and charm. Among them, Lake Varese stands out for its opportunities for recreation and relaxation, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. But it is not the only one: the bicycle paths that wind through the area offer a network of picturesque routes in addition to the one that runs along the lake. Two-wheelers can also explore the trails surrounding Lake Monate and Lake Comabbio, enriching the cycling experience with spectacular views and color variations that dance between the blue and green of the lakes.
Ph. Federico Volpi/flickr
The clear waters are also ideal for boating, fishing or other water activities such as modern SUP. The wealth of flora and fauna is a highlight of Lake Varese, around which stand some of the most spectacular views in all of Lombardy, including the Monte Rosa Massif and the peaks of the Campo dei Fiori.
Giardini Estensi: an example of natural and historical beauty
Conveniently located in the center of Varese, the Estensi Gardens are majestic green areas that grace the palace built at the behest of the Duke of Modena Francesco III d’Asti. After receiving an existing property as a gift, the duke chose to draw inspiration from the most impressive palaces throughout Europe, including Schönbrunn, to create a villa with a garden.
Giardini Estensi – Ph. Martina Sgorlon/flickr
The unmistakable feature of the green area, which represents a perfect blend of natural elements and human ingenuity, is the parterre. Here flower beds with buds of all colors alternate with low-stemmed plants, leaving the starring role to the imposing central fountain. The space is now a spectacular public park, welcoming those who want to discover all its beauty. While the original intent of the Duke was to hold outdoor parties in a setting worthy of a royal audience, today the park reflects a more inclusive philosophy, allowing citizens and tourists to lose themselves among open radiating paths and pools in the park with oaks, elms and chestnut trees.
Ph. stefano/flickr
World Heritage Sites in the Province of Varese
Straddling Swiss territory and the province of Varese lies the UNESCO World Heritage site of Monte San Giorgio. The importance of this area is due to its richness from a geological point of view. It is in this fossiliferous basin that artifacts dating from the Mesozoic period have been found, which can be admired up close by going to the Besano Fossil Museum.
The link between nature, history and sacredness is apparent at the second UNESCO site in the province known as Sacro Monte. Located in Santa Maria del Monte, the complex consists of fourteen chapels that form an ideal spiritual pathway culminating in the Sanctuary, a pilgrimage destination since medieval times.
Sacro Monte di Varese dal Campo dei Fiori – Ph. Roberto Giancristoforo/flickr
A real gem, moreover, lurks just a few kilometers from the west shore of Lake Varese. This is Isolino Virginia, a small strip of land on which is enshrined a site of great historical and architectural value dating back to the Neolithic period. The artifacts found here can be admired by visiting the Prehistoric Museum, on an itinerary that traces the customs of the people who lived in the pile dwellings. The museum, located in the center of the island, can be reached by boat from Biandronno.
Biandronno – Ph. Emanuela Montalbetti/flickr
Moving the hands of time forward again, on an ideal journey to discover the customs of all the civilizations that have succeeded one another in this territory, we reach the last of the province’s four UNESCO sites: the Monastery of Torba. Here explorers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a medieval atmosphere perfectly enhanced by the quietness of the Varesotto’s wooded environment. The Monastery of Torba is a monumental complex from the Lombard era, originally built in the fifth century: here the Romans built a military base, whose intent was to counter the barbarians. It was the people who came from northern Europe who transformed this structure from a stronghold for defensive purposes into what would remain the spiritual home of the Benedictine nuns for many centuries.
Monastero di Torba – Ph. Daniele Rossi/flickr
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