Sightseeing in Varese - what to see. Complete travel guide

Varese is a picturesque province that attracts travellers by its amazing alpine valleys and mountain lakes. The resort offers to its guests multiple walking routes, many of which are intended for a stay of several days. This place will be interesting to not only mountain climbers, but also to ordinary travellers as well and anyone else who is indifferent to beautiful corners of nature. You will be able to walk through untouched woods, walk along the shores of most beautiful mountain lakes and see endless valleys that look like pictures from fairy tales.

The city is also full of different cultural places of interest. Among them such places as Castello Estense are definitely worth mentioning. Don’t forget to visit Sacro Monte sanctuary, from which was started “cross procession”. It ends at the beginning of the hill on which stands Santa Maria del Monte Church. These religious sights are considered the most precious ones in whole country. Each year thousands of pilgrims come here to kneel in front of great shrines.

Not far away from the church is located a small picturesque village that still keeps several houses built during medieval times. While walking on narrow streets you can see many shops and outlets on your way where you can buy memorable souvenirs created by local masters. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

There are several attractive villas on the territory of the city. Each villa has its own cultural significance. For example, Villa Mirabello is now the home for the Archeological Museum that exhibits a collection of pictures created by famous Italian masters. You will find another great collection of art in another museum located in the museum in Villa Menafoglio Litta Panza. Sport lovers should go to golf fields (there are 7 high-class golf fields in Varese) or spend some nice time in hippodrome, where they can learn how to ride a horse, or play basketball on one of several special areas. In case you prefer water sports, then you should go to Varese Lake where traditionally take place yacht regatta and cutter rides.

In the heart of the city is one of its main historical symbols – the Palace and Park Complex Estense. The beautiful palace is striking in its scope. Over the years of its existence, it almost completely preserved the original decoration of its facade. Today it is a shining example of the Baroque style – the most spectacular architectural monument of this style in the city. A walk in the Park can also become a fascinating tour. On its territory, ancient sculptures, beautiful fountains and pools were preserved.

Among the religious sights, it is worth highlighting the Basilica of San Vittore. Its construction began in the late 16th century and lasted for more than 150 years. Today, the Basilica has preserved several chapels which were built in different periods. The Basilica is unique from the architectural point of view the monument; it is wonderfully combines elements of various architectural styles.

The bell tower of the Basilica is regarded as a separate attraction; its height is 77 meters. At the time of construction, it was the tallest building in the city. The project of the Basilica was created by renowned architects Bernaskoni and Pellegrini. Today, it attracts guests to Varese not only with its impressive height, but also with its luxurious decoration. The best artists of the Lombardy region worked on decorating the bell tower.

One of the most spectacular monuments of architecture is the Villa Recalcati. In the 19th century, it belonged to the noble family Morosini, one of the richest families in the city. At the end of the 19th century, the family faced financial difficulties, so, the rooms of the luxury villas began to be placed on rent. Many celebrities, including famous actress Eleonora Duse stayed within its walls. Today, the luxury Villa belongs to government institutions and some of its halls are used for holding art exhibitions.

Among the cultural institutions of Varese, is definitely worth mentioning the Museum of Baroffio, the display of which is religious works of art. Once in the city lived a noble Baron Giuseppe Baroffio Dall'Aglio, who was a collector of works of art on religious themes. During the life of the Baron, his collection became available for public display. Today, one of the most unusual museums in the city is visited daily by pilgrims from all over the world.