Guidebooks Varese

The Lombard province of Varese is situated on the slopes of the Alps, just in the heart of the Western Lombard Prealps, and its mountainous and hilly territory is crossed by numerous waterways and valleys which extend up to the Po Valley.

Apart from the city centre of Varese, the provincial capital which is also known as the garden city for the numerous green areas, parks and gardens it gathers, not to be missed are Saronno, Busto Arsizio and Gallarate, which cherish lovely old towns rich in outstanding monuments, modern accommodation facilities and thriving business activities.

Among the privileged destinations for those interested in discovering the neighbourhoods of the city not to be missed are the so-called seven lakes of Varese and the Massif of Campo dei Fiori, a protected regional park gathering impressive caves, waterfalls, botanical gardens and wide expanses of wild flowers.

Another representative landmark is Varese's Sacro Monte, situated on the top of Mount Velate, which is in turn part of the Massif of Campo dei Fiori. The two-kilometre-long itinerary is subdivided into fifteen stages, which correspond to the chapels leading to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Monte. This itinerary, which was developed in the XVII century for religious purposes, also cherishes an inestimable artistic and environmental heritage.