A Guide to Ancona

Varese is located in a in a land which has been fought over in many battles and has figured in nearly all of the important events of history. The city has been called 'civiltà dell'acqua'; referring to the lake with which it shares its name. The town has lots of beautifully preserved churches and monuments.

Sights to see include the Church of St. Maria del Monte, Via Sacra, the Church of St. Vittore, the Baptistery, the Church of St. Stefano at Bizzorero, the Church of St. Imerio at Bosto, the Church of St. Antonio at Motta and the Church of St Giorgio at Biumo are arguably the most important ecclesiastic complexes.

There are many attractions not to be missed in the area including Masnago Castle, the Velate Tower, Belforte Castle, the Civic Tower of Piazza Monte Grappa, Palazzo Estense, Villa Mirabello, the Ponti Villas, Villa Litta Panza and Villa Recalcati. The heart of Varese can be found on the lakeside, at the foot of the Campo dei Fiori Mountain.

In the centre of the Lake of Varese lies the islet of Virginia, home to an ancient settlement of pile dwellings, which has panoramic views of Monte Rosa.