• Art & Culture

The Ghost of Manigunda

In Varese the legend of the ghost of Manigunda to the monastery

Once upon a time, there was a Lombard princess named Manigunda. She was very ill and close to death when an old lady told her: "My dear, perhaps I can help you. I come from Cairate, near Bergoro, you can find there a spring of healing waters. Come visit mie, I am sure that you will feel better if you drink some of it". 

Manigunda went there, drank its waters and felt better soon after. Driven by joy, she made a vow: "To her who lives in Heaven. Grant me life, oh Mistress, and I promise that I will consacrate my existance to you and will found a monastery in your name". Thus she kept drinking and recovered completely.

The princess kept her promise and commissioned the construction of a benedictine monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary, plus she took her vows.

Between the years 1545 and 1563, during restoration efforts, several human bones and skulls were found beside a perfectly preserved coffin containing the skeleton of an elegantly dressed woman: Manigunda herself. These findings are displayed for visitors who book a guided tour.

The monastery indoors have been unhallowed ever since, and the presence of an entity that manifests itself with unexplainable noises and apparitions during nightime has been detected.

Most stay away from this monastery, due to the belief that it might be haunted by the Princess' ghost.

Some may not believe this to be true, though...come visit and find out for yourselves!


Other links

http://www.va.camcom.gov.it
Take me here: The Ghost of Manigunda

On the same topic

The cavallera road of the Muretto

An ancient alpine connecting corridor, a transit route for goods, people and culture
  • Art & Culture
The cavallera road of the Muretto

Not to be missed: Top 12 tourist attractions in Milan

  • Art & Culture
Not to be missed: Top 12 tourist attractions in Milan

Walking through time between Grosio and Grosotto

The most extensive historiated rock in Europe
  • Art & Culture
Walking through time between Grosio and Grosotto

Varese pursuing new horizons

  • Art & Culture
Varese Villa Panza

Cremona and its music

Cremona's music is closer than what you think
  • Art & Culture
Cremona and its music

Legend of the Seven Brothers

An evocative tale of eight brothers, linked to each other, who lived in the Lecco area
  • Art & Culture
Traditions of Lecco: Legend of the Seven Brothers

Monuments Cremona

Cremona: a splendid city of art with a sober elegance and many monuments, to be visited on foot or by bicycle
  • Art & Culture
Monuments Cremona, visiting Lombardy

The Legend of the Giubiana

The Giubiana festival is a very popular tradition in Lombardy
  • Art & Culture
Traditions in Como: The legend of the Giubiana

Lombardy, land of science and engineering

A journey of discovery through the history of technology in Lombardy
  • Art & Culture
Lombardy, land of science and engineering - Diga del Panperduto

Mantua, Festival City

Mantua is a living city 365 days a year. Thanks to international festivals. Starting from the prestigious Festivaletteratura
  • Art & Culture
Mantua, Festival City

What to Do in Mantua and surroundings

Discovering the wonders of Mantua and surroundings
  • Art & Culture
What to do in Mantua

Autumn Events 2025

  • Art & Culture
Autumn Events 2025

Lago di Iseo: history, nature and…

From the recently rediscovered Roman spa in Predore to the Liberty architecture of Sarnico, via the enchanting town of Lovere and surprising natural phenomena
  • Art & Culture
Lago di Iseo cultura, natura e...

Following Leonardo's footsteps in Milan

  • Art & Culture
Following Leonardo's footsteps in Milan

Museums Brescia

Brescia: the ideal destination for those who love art. Countless opportunities to visit exhibitions and to attend cultural events
  • Art & Culture
Museums Brescia, hints on visiting

Palazzo d'Arco in Mantua

Everyday life of a noble family in the 18th and 19th Century
  • Art & Culture
Palazzo d'Arco in Mantua - ph: Federica Bottoli

Spring in Varese

Varese: walks, picnics, secret beaches. In the spring, spend a day outdoors in the land of the lakes.
  • Art & Culture
Plenty of culture and fresh air at the Villa Della Porta Bozzolo

The life in a farm

Come and discover the charm of an ancient farm!
  • Art & Culture
The life in a farm

Milan in the 1920s: Déco and tradition

  • Art & Culture
Milan in the 1920s: Déco and tradition

10 good reasons visit Pavia

  • Art & Culture
10 good reasons visit Pavia