VARESE

From the 18th century Palazzo Estense to the breathtaking panoramas of the Sacro Monte. To the silent ripples in the lake to the slopes of Campo dei Fiori. A garden city to be explored

POPULATION
80,694
DENSITY
1,471 inhabitants/sq. km
AREA
54.84 sq. km
ELEVATION
382 m a.s.l.

The parks surrounding the villas of Varese are the perfect welcome to what is commonly referred to as the garden city. Fresh blossoms create the green carpet leading to Palazzo Estense. 

Tourism Varese. Giacomo Leopardi endearingly referred to it as the “Little Versailles” of Italy. A voyage through the splendor of the 1700’s, from the hill of Belvedere to the Italian gardens and their linear hedges. Villa Menafoglio Litta, managed by FAI, 'dimora di delizia' to the Marquis Menafoglio, tells about the passion for contemporary art of Count Giuseppe Panza di Biumo. Another artistic hub to be uncovered includes the Museum within the Masnago Castle, decorated with frescoes of scenes from the court.

Outside the city, there are plenty of opportunities to climb the surrounding steep slopes by bicycle. Start slow in Schiranna, and, in a more slow way, from the circumnavigation of Lake Varese. Here were found palafitte of primitive men, with the first remains found as far back as 1863. Some are in the museum of the Virginia Beetle, others are kept in the Civic Museum of the City of Varese, in Villa Mirabello.

By foot, just two kilometres from the Via Sacra, is the Sanctuary of the Sacro Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that connects 14 chapels winding into the sky. Under the mountain, in Sant’Ambrogio, check out the magnificent Villa Toeplitz, a testament park-gardens of Varese
 

Read more Close

Experiences

Show all

Park Campo dei Fiori

Located in the Pre-Alps, the park of Varese is home to wetlands, natural areas and a rich variety of flora and fauna
Campo dei Fiori Regional Park
  • Parks

FAI Heritage Sites in the Province of Varese

Cultural Treasures in a Stunning Natural Setting
Aerial photograph of Villa Panza in Varese, showcasing the main building with its elegant neoclassical architecture and well-maintained geometric garden. The image features hedges, symmetrical flowerbeds, fountains, and a large park with lush trees, surrounded by historic buildings and the urban landscape in the background.
  • Lifestyle

Boroughs Varese

Take time for a slow visit among the historic villages of Varese through alleys, painted facades, festivals: it will not be wasted!
Boroughs Varese, hints for visiting
  • Villages

Cerro di Laveno Santa Caterina Arolo

Uno dei luoghi di fede più suggestivi della Lombardia, a raggiungere pedalando fra antichi borghi e splendide vedute della sponda occidentale del Lago Maggiore.
Cerro di Laveno Santa Caterina Arolo
  • Cicloturismo

Rock climbing walls

The Campo dei Fiori crag is an open-air gym for all lovers of sports and alpine climbing.
  • Mountains

Monumental trees in Lombardy: 12 incredible specimens

Among the scenic and cultural riches of Lombardy, one can discover outstanding green monuments.
  • Active & Green

A journey through time (in one weekend)

A weekend spent exploring castles, villages and historic houses to rediscover the charm of Lombardy’s history.
@inLombardia
  • Villages

Travelling on historic trains

Vintage trains offer unprecedented views of Lombardy's landscapes, for a priceless experience that combines history and beauty.
In viaggio sui treni storici
  • Lifestyle

Top 10 must see works of art in lombardy

Palazzo Te, Mantova
  • Art & Culture

Places

Show all

Lodovico Pogliaghi House Museum

Visit the Pogliaghi House Museum at Sacro Monte di Varese: discover art and history in one of the most fascinating museums in Varese.
Hedges of the garden and entrance gate of the Lodovico Pogliaghi House Museum at Sacro Monte di Varese on a sunny day.
  • Art & Culture

The hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso

@inlombardia - Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso
  • Religious Tourism

Villa della Porta Bozzolo

Villa Bozzolo, with its Rococo trompe-l’oeil and walls and Baroque decor, is one of Lombardy’s best-known “pleasure villas”.
(Ph: in-lombardia I Mille)
  • Art & Culture

Rocca di Angera

Rocca di Angera
  • Art & Culture

Varese Lake

The hidden gem in Lombardy to explore
Vista dal drone del Lido della Schiranna di Varese all'alba.
  • Lakes

Villa Menafoglio Litta Panza

Villa Menafolio Litta Panza (VA) is a Mecca for art lovers and tourist who come to visit the contemporary art exhibitions it hosts.
(Ph: in-lombardia I Mille)
  • Art & Culture

Villa e Parco Toeplitz

Villa e Parco Toeplitz
  • Art & Culture

Frera Motorcycle Museum

  • Cycle Tourism

Info

Go to the general info

How to arrive

BY PLANE
Milano Malpensa 35 km, Linate 70 km, Milan Bergamo Airport 110 km

BY TRAIN
trenord.it
tilo.ch

BY CAR
Autostrada A8

How to move

BY BUS
ctpi.it

BIKE SHARING
bicincitta.tobike.it

Information

INFOPOINT VARESE
Piazza Monte Grappa, 5
T. +39 0332 281913

WIFI
Varese Wifi

FIND OUT MORE
comune.varese.it

https://www.vareseturismo.it/infopoint

Useful numbers

EMERGENCY
112

HOSPITALS
Ospedale Filippo del Ponte 
Via Filippo Del Ponte, 19
T. +39 0332 299111

Ospedale Macchi–Va
Viale Luigi Borri, 57
T. +39 0332 278111

POLICE
Comando Provinciale Carabinieri Varese
Via Aurelio Saffi, 55
T. +39 0332 4501