• 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

10 Good Reasons to Visit Mantua

  • Lifestyle
10 Good Reasons to Visit Mantua

Como in a weekend

A mediaeval heart for the city that loves science and design with light. Discover Como in 48 hours. Without ever losing sight of the lake
  • Lifestyle
Como in a weekend

Zona tortona

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

Bergamo: włoskie arcydzieło

To miasto, które ma podwójną wartość a jego terytorium jest bogate w przyrodę, sztukę i kulturę
  • Lifestyle
Bergamo: włoskie arcydzieło

Como, streets of silk

The Capital of silk built on the mastery of the weaving mills, printers and silk producers of the Lario valley
  • Lifestyle
Como Vie della Seta

Milan: six trend-setting neighbourhoods

Art and architecture. But also sports and good food. Discover six neighbourhoods with us where Milan sets the trend.
  • Lifestyle
Milan: six trend-setting neighbourhoods

Pedü

Hand made by the women in Lanzada, Pedü were by far the most common footwear in Valmalenco until the 1950s.
  • Lifestyle
pedu Valmalenco (Foto dal sito http://www.alpinpedu.it/)

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?

At the Monza ENI Circuit with Chiltren

Experience the fun and educational activities for children and teenagers at the Monza Autodromo.
  • Lifestyle
Laboratorio stradale autodromo Monza

Summer: camping is the thing to do in Lombardy

Camping holidays in Lombardy: discover the 4 trends for Summer
  • Lifestyle
Estate 2021: il camping è di moda in Lombardia

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)

10 good reasons to visit Milan

10 suggestions we are sure you will fall in love with Milan
  • Lifestyle
10 good reasons to visit Milan

SPECIAL OPENING DAYS AT THE VIOLIN'S MUSEUM

  • Lifestyle
SPECIAL OPENING DAYS AT THE VIOLIN'S MUSEUM

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

Cremona’s Guest Book

The emotions of those who decide to visit Cremona
  • Lifestyle
Cremona’s Guest Book

Towards the Upper Oltrepò

An itinerary travelling through ancient villages, mountain landscapes and gourmandise
  • Lifestyle
Monte Lesima

Sondrio in a weekend

Millennial traditions, roads to discover on foot or by bike, unique flavors. Sondrio, the gate of Valtellina
  • Lifestyle
Sondrio in a weekend

July 2025 Events in Lombardy

The Lombardy summer shines bright in July, with concerts, art events and experiences to reconnect you with nature
  • Lifestyle
July 2025 Events in Lombardy

Ski area Valmalenco

50 km of slopes make up the ski area of Alpe Palù, which is the calling card of Valmalenco.
  • Lifestyle
Ski area Valmalenco

Halloween in Lombardy

Ghostly villages and palaces, haunted by the spirits of tormented souls, beckon only the bravest to explore their surreal environments. 
  • Lifestyle
Halloween in Lombardy