Arcumeggia

Arcumeggia (hamlet of the municipiality of Casalzuigno, about 560 meters above sea level and three kilometers from the town centre) represents a unique reality: from the 1950's onwards, an innovative experience was launched in the town, with the aim of combating the abandonment of mountain territories that the country was experiencing. During the Middle Ages, as well as the 16th and 17th centuries, "Arx Media", old name of Arcumeggia, suffered the same fate as many territories in the Varese area, changing its administration numerous times. In 1786 it was annexed to the province of Varese, in 1809 to Vergobbio and in 1812 to Cuvio. The municipiality of Arcumeggia was later restored with the return of the Austrians. In 1927, during the fascist era, it was united with Casalzuigno.

In 1956 the Provincial Tourist Board decided to turn it into a painted town: dozens of famous painters came to the village (see the website of the local Pro Loco - www.arcumeggia.it), whose frescoes can be admired on the exterior walls of the houses and along the Via Crucis. The 'Casa del Pittore' is also worth a visit.

Arcumeggia is the bithplace of the sculptor Giuseppe Vittorio Cerini, whose works are conserved in a small glipsoteca in his house and in the local cemetery.  The "Sangalleria" in Via Malcotti is also a well-known exhibition venue. Nationally and internationally renowned artists were called to create frescoes on  the facedes of the rural houses and an "open-air art gallery" was born:  Monachesi, Sassu, Usellini, Brindisi, Migneco, Carpi, De Amicis, just to name a few, created the paintings that we can still admire.

However, Arcumeggia is not only this: its history, traditions and natural environment make it an enchanting and very particular place, in which it is possible to rediscover ancient flavours and testimonies of rural life, cultural proposals and entertainment, a small but active community that manages to combine the preservation of ancient values ​​with the pleasure of sharing and welcoming.