• Lifestyle

Varese in a weekend

From the gardens of Palazzo Estense to the infinite vistas of the Sacro Monte. 48 hours to discover a city on a human scale

A Ducal Palace, the Belvedere hill, the geometries of an Italian garden that fills and designs the space.

The Palazzo Estense park (1771) is the icon of the Garden City, which Giacomo Leopardi called Little Versailles. Along the boulevards around the fountain, between the hedges, a reassuring symmetry dominates the scene. 14 acres of centuries-old greenery, taken care of down to the smallest detail.

America in Villa Panza. After a trip to New York and Los Angeles in 1954, Giuseppe Panza di Biumo began collecting the art of young American artists. He bet on names that were all but unknown and are now celebrated, like Dan Flavin, James Turrell or Mark Rothko. In Villa Menafoglio Litta Panza, their works reinterpret the spaces of the neoclassical house, creating strong contrasts that breaks the mental patterns of us viewers. Entrusted to the Italian Fund for the Environment (FAI – Fondo Ambiente Italiano), the villa also houses international art exhibitions.

The ascent of wonders. A walk, a journey of faith, a Baroque museum under the open sky: it is the Via Sacra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fourteen 17th-century chapels connect the city to the Santuario. The Casa Museo Pogliaghi deserves a stop. In this jumbled antiquarium, classical busts, Egyptian sarcophagi and sketches by Gianlorenzo Bernini are mixed up with the works of the home owner. In July, enjoy the event called “Tra Sacro e Sacro Monte” on the Terrazza del Mosè and experience the summer pleasure of the theatre outside the theatre.

Invitations to court. Late gothic frescoes that look like manga. On the walls of the hall of leisure of the 15th-century Castello di Masnago, you can admire scenes of court life,  when lords of the castle spent their time playing musical instruments or falconry hunting. The 17thcentury building abandons all pretense to have defensive purposes and exhibits its all-out nature of country residence. Five minutes from the city centre, among the leisure and amusements of 600 years ago.

On the islet of pile dwellings, i.e. the Isolino Virginia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that can be reached in twenty minutes by boat from Biandronno. It is the oldest of the 111 pile dwelling villages in the Alps: it was inhabited from as far back as 5200 BC un til the bronze age. Today, it is also a natural oasis where you can spot mallards, coots and grebes. And lose yourself in the lake’s horizon.

Take me here: Varese in a weekend

On the same topic

Local markets papiniano fauche etc

If you are looking for something, be it food, clothing or antiques, you can find it at the market!
  • Lifestyle
Local Markets (Papiniano, Fauché etc)

SPECIAL OPENING DAYS AT THE VIOLIN'S MUSEUM

  • Lifestyle
SPECIAL OPENING DAYS AT THE VIOLIN'S MUSEUM

What to see in Lombardy

A remarkable artistic heritage, a variety of landscapes, rich cultural traditions... all waiting to be discovered!
  • Lifestyle
What to see in Lombardy

Lake Garda and Brescia itinerary

Three days to make you fall in love with Brescia and its beautiful lakeside locations
  • Lifestyle
3 days in Lake Garda and Brescia

10 good reasons to visit Bergamo

Piazza Vecchia, the most beautiful square. The lakes and the mountains. Discover 10 good reasons to visit Bergamo
  • Lifestyle
10 good reasons to visit Bergamo

Summertime in Pavia

A boat trip along the river Ticino, a walk in the shade of the city oases and parks
  • Lifestyle
Trip to the Pietra Corva Botanic Garden

From Varese to Lake Maggiore

Discovering Varese and Lake Maggiore in 72 hours. A long weekend in the countryside
  • Lifestyle
Da Varese al Lago Maggiore

Roaring engines in Lombardy

A visit to Lombardy's museums dedicated to four-wheels
  • Lifestyle
Roaring engines in Lombardy - Museo Fratelli Cozzi

Summertime in Lecco

When the days get warm, refresh yourself going to the lake or to the mountains: Lecco offers a lot of outdoor activities
  • Lifestyle
Have you tried cycling downhill?

Lombardy, Action!

Lombardy’s breathtaking scenery has served as the backdrop for many international and independent films. Action!
  • Lifestyle
Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como

2 hearts on the slopes

Dream Valmalenco: glamping, romanticism and uniqueness.
  • Lifestyle
2 hearts on the slopes

Events in Lombardy in May 2025

May enchants Lombardy, with opportunities to explore the outdoors, festivals and art and flower events
  • Lifestyle
Events in Lombardy in May 2025

Lombardy Belvederes and Vistas

Scene from above. Milan, Upper Bergamo, Brescia, the lakes. Towers, castles, belvederes. Discover the most beautiful views of Lombardy
  • Lifestyle
View from Brunate on Como

IT’S CARNIVAL!

Cremona, the ideal background for the craziest days of the year.
  • Lifestyle
IT’S CARNIVAL!

Travelling with books

Projects for bookworms
  • Lifestyle
Viaggiare con i libri

Franciacorta outlet village

Sparkling shopping: taste the most important fashion brands and Brescia's wine excellence
  • Lifestyle
Franciacorta Outlet Village

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
A journey through time on Lombardy's historic trains - Ferrovia Basso Sebino - Foto Banfi archivio fbs fti

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
Le fontane, specchi d’acqua delle città lombarde

5 glamorous experiences in Lombardy

Lombardy offers glamorous experiences that combine the allure of luxury with the discovery of natural and cultural treasures
  • Lifestyle
5 glamorous experiences in Lombardy - Barca a vela Lago di Como

Varese in a weekend

From the gardens of Palazzo Estense to the infinite vistas of the Sacro Monte. 48 hours to discover a city on a human scale
  • Lifestyle
Varese in un weekend