Culture of Varese. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Varese is famous for its gorgeous architectural landmarks. The city is incredibly rich in museums and theaters. Sacro Monte of Varese is, without a doubt, an important landmark that tourists should attend. This is where the solemn religious processions start from. Palazzo Estense is a true architectural masterpiece. The gorgeous building is a fine example of the Baroque style. During its long history, the palace changed its purpose several times. Nowadays, it is the location of the city’s administration.

Basilica di San Vittore remains one of the main religious landmarks of Varese. This beautiful church was built in the 12th century. There is an elegant bell tower nearby, which was built five centuries later. Despite such a significant difference in age, both the buildings look harmonious and attractive together. Fans of exploring historical places should definitely visit the ancient Castle of Masnago that is located in the historic part of Varese. The gorgeous fortress witnessed many important historical events. There is a beautiful botanic garden near the castle. As it is free to enter, the garden is a great place to relax after an excursion in the castle.

In Varese, there are several beautiful villas and mansions that deserve the attention of curious travelers. Villa Mirabello has been transformed into a museum that exhibits a priceless collection of archaeological artifacts. Some halls of the museum are dedicated to a collection of art, so visitors can see many precious works of famous medieval artists. Continue your acquaintance with works of local painters in the museum that is open in Villa Menafoglio Litta Panza. The exhibition of this museum is dedicated to works of outstanding minimal artists. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Built at the beginning of the 18th century, Villa Recalcati is now the location of the Varese Province prefecture. This building is also distinguished by an inimitable architectural style and never ceases to amaze visitors with its elegance and beauty. Fans of theatre art will find it very interesting to explore Piccolo Teatro Grassi. By the way, the theatre has new plays several times a year. The suburban area of Varese is no less interesting and also has some notable landmarks. Fans of eco-tourism will admire walking along the shore of Lake Maggiore that is a regular location of various sports competitions and regattas. If landmarks of the city are not enough, it is high time to explore the surrounding villages and towns that are also rich in historic landmarks.

As a region with a rich history, Varese has many fabulous castles that are incredibly interesting to explore. Some of them are located in the city itself, and some – in the nearby towns. The Castelbarco Visconti castle in Cislago was built in the 11th century. Closer to the end of the 13th century, the Visconti family purchased the gorgeous castle. The original building was destroyed by the Landsknechte in the 17th century, but it was rebuilt later. Since 1716, the beautiful building became the residential villa of the Castelbarco family. Travelers will find it interesting to explore the U-shaped medieval castle design that is traditional for the area.

The Castle Castiglioni di Mantegazza in Varese enjoys a fabulous location south-west of Lake Varese. The exact age of the gorgeous architectural complex is not known, but scientists think it was between the 11th and the 13th centuries. Before the castle was an element of the city’s protection system. It is easy to watch the Velate and Sacro Monte towers from Castiglioni di Mantegazza. The castle that tourists can see now was built somewhat later, in 1400. The watchtower is the oldest element of the complex. It is a gorgeous L-shaped building where visitors have an opportunity to see old frescoes that date back to the beginning of the 15th century. The frescoes mostly depict scenes of royal life.

Another wonderful historical monument is the Chiesa di Santo Stefano. This church was built in the Roman style, and despite the fact that it is rather small, it immediately becomes clear when you look at it, that it is worth paying a visit. The fact is that peace and tranquility are assured here – that is, the essence of which people come to church is realized here. The Chiesa di San Giuseppe impresses with its chic interior – sculptures, altar, and frescoes. The monument was built at the beginning of the 16th century, and the facade was rebuilt at the beginning of the 17th century. From an architectural point of view, you will find the Chiesa della Madonnina in Prato attractive. This church is also not very large, but it immediately catches the eye. It was built in 1574, and there is an interesting story connected with the cathedral, which you definitely should listen to.

The most charming fountain in the city is the Fontana di Piazza Monte Grappa. You should, like everyone else, throw a coin here – in order, of course, to return to Varese again. You should definitely visit the Comune di Varese; the building impresses with its beautiful architecture. There is also the Torre di Velate, built in the 11th century. It likewise amazes with its rich history. The Cimitero di Velate is located nearby. Here you will find sculptures, tombstones, tombs, and crypts of different dynasties of the city, amongst which you can see the names of famous people.

Castello di Belforte has a rich historical value. Today, the building is dilapidated, but when you visit it, you are sure to catch a feeling of its history. The castle was built in 1164, and after 11 years, in 1175, the King of Germany, Frederick I Barbarossa, visited it. In the 18th century, the building became a manor house, but due to the war for independence (the building was the headquarter of Giuseppe Garibaldi), the building was badly damaged. The villa gradually fell into disrepair, hence, ending up in a dilapidated state.

Among the various interesting homesteads in Varese, Villa e Collezione Panza is one that stands out. This is a great example of how beautiful real homesteads should be. There is an amazing park on the territory – a great place to have a walk. Temporary art exhibitions are often held here. Another villa is called Villa Toeplitz. Its main attraction is a beautiful garden. There is yet another place which will appeal to lovers of mysticism. We are here talking about the Grotta della Madonnina di Bobbiate, where candles are lit every day in honor of a memorable event. You can also see flowers here all year round. It is worth finding out why it is so – the fact is that a very interesting story is connected with the place.