Varese: 7 Must-See Places in Lombardy
When I think of Italy, I think of its culture, gastronomy, and stunning landscapes. So when Turismo de Lombardia (@InLombardia) and the Varese Chamber of Commerce (@Vacamcom) organized a three-day trip (#InLombardia365) to showcase everything this region has to offer, I didn’t hesitate to pack my bags.
Day 1: The Sanctuary Reaching for the Sky
If you visit Varese, the first place you must explore is the Sacro Monte Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive early to enjoy the tranquility before the crowds arrive. A pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages, it was founded in 1474 and its current construction was completed in 1698.
From the funicular, the cobbled path—over two kilometers long with its 14 chapels dedicated to the mysteries of the Rosary (the fifteenth being inside the sanctuary)—will amaze you. The surroundings, the architecture, and the panoramic views make this a must-visit spot in the region.
Don’t forget to visit the Ludovico Pogliaghi House Museum. Architect, painter, sculptor, and set designer, Pogliaghi purchased a rural house on Sacro Monte and transformed it into his studio-laboratory-home, where he gathered treasures accumulated over a lifetime dedicated to art. Among its gems are the plaster mold of the Milan Cathedral door, resting like a sleeping giant, and a bath salvaged from a Persian palace that transports you to faraway lands.
But this is Italy, after all, where gastronomy is an essential part of the experience. While visiting Sacro Monte, enjoy lunch at Linea 88 (@linea_ottantotto), located at the base of the funicular. Its terrace is the perfect spot to savor local products—a perfect ending to the visit.
In the afternoon, spend some time strolling through Varese’s historic center. Don’t miss the magnificent Palazzo Estense, with its baroque gardens inspired by Versailles—a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. The Basilica of San Vittore, with its 13th-century bell tower and baroque interior, is also worth a visit.
To wrap up the day, have dinner at La Vecchia Varese, a cozy restaurant where you can try regional classics like polenta with porcini mushrooms, before returning to the Varese City Hotel for a well-deserved rest. If you’re looking for more charming accommodations, the Palace Grand Hotel, a former palace with panoramic lake views, is an excellent alternative.
Day 2: Villas and Gardens – A Romantic Dream
Continuing with cultural visits, the second day begins with a visit to Villa Cagnola (open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM), one of the gems of romantic-style architecture with a Lombard garden—a romantic dream cast in stone. Inside, it houses a valuable art collection assembled by Guido Cagnola. Originally owned by the Perabo family and later acquired by Giuseppe Cagnola, the villa was eventually donated to the Holy See, which used it to house an institute for religious sciences.
Its gardens, inspired by English aristocracy but with a distinctly Italian spirit, invite you to wander its paths, where each turn reveals a new view of Lake Varese and Monte Rosa.
Next, I recommend heading to the Via Francisca del Lucomagno, an ancient pilgrimage route to Rome. The best way to experience it is by car—park for free near the trailhead and then enjoy a six-kilometer walk (don’t worry, it’s entirely flat and accessible) that leads to Castiglione Olona.
For lunch, try the surprising orange or strawberry risottos at Osteria degli Artisti (open from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM). If you prefer something more traditional, their ossobuco with risotto alla Milanese is a perfect combination.
After lunch, take a stroll through Castiglione Olona, known as “the Tuscan island in Lombardy”—named by Italian poet and playwright Gabriele D’Annunzio. Within its ancient stone walls, time seems to have stopped in the 15th century, and its cobbled streets still echo with medieval footsteps. The Collegiata, overlooking the town from the hilltop, houses frescoes by Masolino, true treasures of the Italian Renaissance.
Once the day is done, it’s time to head back to your hotel and then go out for dinner to remember all the day. I recommend the restaurant Al Pirée in Varese, which serves contemporary Lombard cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
Day 3: The Lake That Holds Secrets
The third day is for leaving history behind for a few hours and immersing yourself in nature with a sailing trip on one of Lombardy’s most famous lakes, Lake Maggiore. Several companies offer this service; in our case, we chose Navigazione Lago Maggiore. The best time to visit is between April and October, when the weather is pleasant and the days are longer.
Lake Maggiore is the second-largest lake in Italy after Lake Garda. Its waters touch the Swiss canton of Ticino as well as the Italian regions of Piedmont and Lombardy. In the distance, lakeside towns retain the charm of the Belle Époque.
Don’t miss the Borromean Islands, true gems in the middle of the lake:
Isola Bella houses the majestic Palazzo Borromeo with its stunning terraced gardens.
Isola Madre stands out for its palace and lush botanical garden.
Isola dei Pescatori preserves the essence of a traditional fishing village.
A combined ticket is available to visit all three islands, and ferries depart regularly from Stresa. I recommend driving from Varese and parking in the nearby lots by the pier.
Another must-see is the Santa Caterina del Sasso Monastery, clinging to a cliff like a miracle of stone. Viewed from the water, the monastery appears as a natural extension of the rock. If you have time, the visit is well worth it (about two hours is enough). In high season, it is open from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM and can be accessed by boat from Laveno or by descending 268 steps (or using the elevator).
Legend has it that the monastery was founded by Alberto Besozzi, a wealthy merchant who survived a shipwreck on the lake and chose to retire as a hermit, erecting a chapel dedicated to Saint Catherine.
To end the trip perfectly, have dinner at Il Porticciolo in Laveno, where fresh fish dishes and lake views provide the perfect finale.
The Soul of Lombardy
Lombardy offers more than just monuments and landscapes; it's the rich taste of its creatively seasoned risottos, the smell of coffee filling the squares at sunrise, and the cool touch of its waters during a spontaneous swim.
It’s a region that refuses to be boxed in, condensing centuries of history into experiences that defy the passage of time. And while the world rushes forward at a frantic pace, there will always be a corner where time stands still, reminding us of what truly matters: the enduring beauty, the stories that transcend, and the authenticity that, like a hidden treasure, awaits discovery by those who know how to look beyond the obvious.