Varese

Access

The connections to Varese are guaranteed by the railway network that connects the city to Milan and Switzerland, and by the presence of the motorway, known as the 'Autostrada dei Laghi', which quickly connects Varese to Milan. The reference airports are Milan-Malpensa, located about 30 km away, and Milan-Linate. The proximity to the Swiss border makes Varese an important cross-border node.

Introduction

Varese is the capital of the Lombardy province of the same name, located in the north-west of the region, not far from the Swiss border. It is located in a scenically privileged position, between the Po Valley and the Varese Pre-Alps, and is known as the 'Garden City' for the widespread presence of parks, historic villas and gardens. The municipal territory also includes Lake Varese, a natural body of water that characterises the surrounding landscape, linked by cycle paths and nature trails.

Description

The city's origins date back to pre-Roman times, but it was with the Romans that the settlement was consolidated. In medieval times Varese was linked to the Duchy of Milan and to the power of local families, until it finally entered the Visconti and later the Sforza orbit. The modern age saw the growth of Varese as a residential and religious centre, especially with the development of the Sacro Monte di Varese, which is part of the group of Sacred Mountains of Piedmont and Lombardy, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The urban core is divided between the historic town, with medieval and Renaissance streets and squares, and the more modern districts that arose in the 19th and 20th centuries, when Varese became a holiday resort for the Lombard aristocracy. Villas and gardens, such as Villa Panza, Villa Toeplitz and Villa Ponti, bear witness to the city's residential and cultural vocation.

The local economy is traditionally linked to manufacturing and textiles, but in recent decades has diversified into the service, finance and technology sectors. Its proximity to Milan and Switzerland has favoured commercial and tourist development.

In terms of culture, Varese has a rich artistic and religious heritage. The Sacro Monte, with its fourteen chapels along a devotional route, is a unique combination of spirituality, architecture and nature. The town also hosts museums and exhibition spaces, including the Civic Museum of Villa Mirabello and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Villa Panza. Gastronomic traditions include typical dishes such as 'brasadela' (sweet doughnut), polenta and lake fish, accompanied by wines from the Varese hills.

In terms of nature, Varese is at the centre of an area rich in protected areas and hiking trails. The Campo dei Fiori Regional Park, with its limestone peaks and forests, offers views of Lake Maggiore and the Alps. The cycle path around Lake Varese is one of the most popular routes, while its proximity to Monte Rosa and the Varese valleys makes the city an ideal starting point for hiking and sports activities.