10 Good reasons to visit Varese

We would like to propose 10 good reasons to visit Varese. The following gallery will provide ten suggestions to come, obviously you will probably find out that there are many more once you stay here.

Due to numerous gardens commissioned by noble families for their mansions, it has been awarded the nickname of Garden-City. It boasts public parks of all shapes and sizes, with all the necessary installations to go for a pic nic and routes to discover their monumental trees.

Going out of the city, head to the boroughs of Arcumeggia, Boarezzo or Marchiolo, authentic open air museums, with frescoes and murales painted on the street walls narrate these places' history and traditions.

Whoever seeks active vacations will be able to practice trekking, skiing and water sports in the mounts and lakes that surround this borderland. At Campo dei Fiori you can explore a series of caves carved out of a karstic effect, leading to an extensive underground tunnel network.

Workout and culture blend with an inspiring walk to the Santa Caterina del Sasso Hermitage in Legguino, perched on the rock facing Lake Maggiore.

Furthermore, the Sacro Monte is one of nine UNESCO Heritage Sites Lombardy counts with.

Browse our list and prepare to journey to this part of the Region.

It offers several lakes — Varese is a land bound to water: rivers and glacial lakes are scattered all over the territory. Visit the Varese Lake, the Maggiore and the Ceresio. Here you can take a romantic walk near their shores, practice water sports and pleasant cruises.

It is a splendid garden city — Beautiful mansions embellished with orchards and Italian Gardens have given the label of "Garden City". Proof of it are landmarks such as the Estensi Palace and Gardens, characterized by its organized flower beds, waterworks and chapels, or the Villa Mirabello Park, with its centuries-old trees.

It has beautiful monuments — Just think of the Santa Caterina del Sasso Hermitage in Legguino, perched on the rock overhanging at the Maggiore Lake or the church of Santa Maria in Piazza and the Basilica of San Giovanni at Busto Arsizio. Then picture the Beata Vergine dei Miracoli Sanctuary in Saronno, with frescoed indoors by Bernardo Luini, and the suggestive cloister of Voltorre in Gavirate. The Province of Varese is full of monuments that await for you.

It has the Sacro Monte — Inserito tra i patrimoni Unesco dell'Umanità, il Sacro Monte di Varese sorge a breve distanza dalla città. Lo si raggiunge percorrendo la Via Sacra, punteggiata da quattordici Cappelle devozionali, che si conclude al Santuario in cimo alla Salita, dove si trova il borgo di Santa Maria del Monte. È una piacevole passeggiata, che abbina fede e cultura, paesaggi mozzafiato e storia antica.

It is perfect for art lovers — Contemporary art finds its home in Varese. As a matter of fact, here lies Villa Panza, which will amaze visitors with its well-assorted permanent collection and international temporary exhibitions. After that, head to Gallarate and visit the MAGA, since it displays the works of Sironi, Prampolini, Dorfles, Fontana, Carrà and Melotti.

Its villages are a splendid canvas — There are paintings on the towns' walls and houses that even spring over the streets' corners. Some villages in Varese are open air art galleries. Visit Arcumeggia, Boarezzo, Marchirolo, Peveranza and Runo, you will discover the painters' homes, murales and even frescoes that narrate local history and traditions.

It is a culinary destination — Varese's geographical diversity shows also in the variety of its culinary specialties. Cheeses, cured meats, wine, honey, freshwater fish and game are just a few of its great products. Do you need some examples? Taste the sparagus of Cantello, which are firm and have a pink tip, the DOP Luinese Formaggella cheese, Sesto Calende's fine ravioli made with a perch, crawfish and wild mint. Does this whet your appetite?

It was loved by Stendhal — "It is a magnificent vision! The seven lakes can be seen at sunset. Believe me, you may travel all over France and Germany, but you will not ever prove such sensations elsewhere. My spirit was tormented by love of such beauty, it is just too beautiful. I have found something there can be no disagreement: the scenery between Laveno and Varese." Stendhal was in love with the land of lakes

The dream of flying is real here — A few kilometers away from the Malpensa airport awaits Volandia, the Flight Park and Museum, the result of the reconstruction of the historic headquarters of Officine Aeronautiche Caproni founded in 1910. Here you can find over 60.000 square meters of industrial archaeology, giving you a glimse of aviation history: its 11 rooms illustrate visitors about the first Air Balloon flights until the arrival of the Convertiplane, perfect fusion between horizontal and vertical flight. Thrilling settings, flight simulators, video rooms, a didatic planetarium and a pavillion dedicated to space will make your visit even more stimulating.

It encourages exploration — How so? by visiting the Campoà dei Fiori, located between the Varese Lake and the Cuvia Valley. It is a massive calcareous rock that harbors a network of caves that have not yet been explored. Among the most famous ones we find the Marelli Cave, which comprises a series of dens that take visitors to subterranean lakes, and the Remeron Cave, that can be visited thanks to the infrastructure that allows access to it.

Retro lombardy out in a vintage car

Add a breathtaking landscape to a vintage car and enjoy your romantic trip

Lifestyle

Zona tortona

The "Cinderella" of the city, turned from industrial area into queen of art, fashion, design and nightlife

Lifestyle

Milan from the Top

With its skyscrapers to challenge the dizzy heights of the Duomo and the surrounding mountains ...

Lifestyle

The fountains and pools of Lombardy's cities

Reflections and plays of water in the fountains of Lombardy, works of art signed by famous architects and sculptors from every age

Lifestyle

Monza in a weekend

From the Treasure of Theodelinda to the thrill of the Autodromo. Discover Monza in 48 hours: a twospeed city. With amazing masterpieces

Lifestyle

Lombardy, Action!

Lombardy’s breathtaking scenery has served as the backdrop for many international and independent films. Action!

Lifestyle

10 Good Reasons to Visit Cremona

Lifestyle

Made in Brianza

Furnishings, design, textiles, gastronomy. Brianza is - and always has been - synonymous with “know-how”.

Lifestyle

Street market in Milan

Sounds, colors and traditions in the streets of the city

Lifestyle

The treasures to discover in the province of Varese

From nature to art to cycling, what to see and do in a little-known corner of Lombardy.

Lifestyle

Mantua in a weekend

An unmistakable skyline reflects the history of the city of the Gonzaga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover Mantua in 48 hours

Lifestyle

AWARD: Lombardy Style. Beauty without borders

Lifestyle

Roaring engines in Lombardy

A visit to Lombardy's museums dedicated to four-wheels

Lifestyle

ilPassaporto

Hunting for stamps to discover the most beautiful destinations in Lombardy

Lifestyle

A journey through time on Lombardy's historic trains

Steam engines, railcars, electric trains, old Centoporte ("one hundred doors") carriages: board these vintage trains for an unforgettable tour of Lombardy's scenic beauty

Lifestyle

Bergamo to Lake Iseo

Seventy-two hours to discover Bergamo Alta and Lake Iseo, culture, bike rides and delicious tastings

Lifestyle

Around Milan on the historic streetcars

An alternative way to visit the city

Lifestyle

Spring in Milan

When the fog leaves ... the city lives. Initiatives, events, outdoor activities.

Lifestyle

Negozi storici e Liberty a Milano

Un itinerario per negozi storici ospitati dagli edifici Liberty milanesi

Lifestyle

Historic windows, a memory of Lombardy's expertise

Historic shops selling hats and flowers, pastry shops, trattorias and workers' cooperatives, shops selling musical instruments, butchers and printers.

Lifestyle