Palace Grand Hotel Varese
Varese - Via Manara Luciano 11
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Located in the north-western area of Lombardy, Varese is a splendid medieval town boasting luxurious villas, historic buildings and ancient churches. With a long and sometimes turbulent past, Varese is a place that safeguards a historical, artistic and architectural heritage that few know about but which proves to be quite extraordinary. Varese is also known as the “Garden City” because its territory is home to a large number of parks and gardens that often belong to villas built by wealthy bourgeois families or important entrepreneurs.
Among those who had the greatest influence on the city was certainly Carlo Borromeo, Archbishop of Milan, who initiated an important period of political and cultural renewal in Varese. In particular, under his leadership, new impetus was given to the Santa Maria del Monte complex, which became one of the most important artistic enterprises in Lombardy over time, so much so that it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list alongside the other nine sacred mountains of Piedmont and Lombardy.
With Italian unification, Varese experienced a period of significant economic and social development that saw the birth of numerous factories in the paper, tanning, shoe, mechanical and aeronautical industries. This brought considerable prosperity and wealth to the population, so increasingly entrepreneurs decided to build large villas with parks in the city. Several of the villas and sumptuous Art Nouveau hotels in the area were designed by the Milanese architect Giuseppe Sommaruga. The historical, architectural and natural heritage that the city has managed to preserve over time makes it a perfect destination for a journey that combines nature, history and art.
The historic centre of Varese is characterised by several architecturally interesting sites built in Romanesque, Baroque or Lombard Baroque style. All around the oldest part of Varese, historic “castellanze” have developed over time – which are city quarters that are now an integral part of the city.
The main street in town is Corso Matteotti, a pedestrian street surrounded by so-called “a lista” buildings that once served both as shops and private dwellings. On the ground floor, under the arcades, was the entrance to the shops, whilst on the upper floors was the residential area of the family. Today Corso Matteotti is the beating heart of Varese and is full of shops, boutiques, bars and restaurants.
The Palazzo Estense in Varese was built in the 18th century as the residence of Francesco III d’Este, Duke of Modena and Reggio, administrator and later governor of Austrian Lombardy. The complex was also described by Giacomo Leopardi as the “Little Versailles of Milan” for its beauty which was very reminiscent of the French palace style. The façade facing the city centre is in Lombard Baroque style with white cornices that stand out against the pink background of the plaster.
On the ground floor are the Salone Estense (or “Hall of Honour”), featuring a large marble fireplace topped by an oval portrait of the Duke, and the Aldo Montoli hall. A grand staircase leads to the first floor where the Ballroom is located, decorated with canvases from the 16th-17th centuries. Surrounding the villa is a park with gardens that was designed after the model of the one surrounding the imperial palace of Schönbrunn. Inside the gardens is also Villa Mirabello.
Villa Mirabello is a residence built during the 18th century by Count Gaetano Stampa di Soncino. The villa takes its name from the hill on which it stands, which affords magnificent views of Lake Varese and the Alps.
Over the years the residence changed ownership several times and in the 19th century was also modified in appearance with the construction of stables. Since 1948 the residence has belonged to the municipal administration and today houses the Civic Archaeological Museum and the Risorgimento Section of the Civic Museums.
The Sacro Monte di Varese, also known as the “Rosary Factory”, is an important religious complex that has always been a pilgrimage destination for the faithful. This sacred route, some 2 km long, is lined with 14 votive chapels that retrace the mysteries of the rosary, and was conceived in the 16th century by Giovanni Battista Aguggiari.
The most important Lombard artists of the time were called upon to realise and decorate the Chapels, which is why the Sacro Monte di Varese is a testament of considerable importance to the artistic culture of the Duchy of Milan. For its important artistic and historical value, since 2003 the complex has been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Walking along Corso Matteotti you can reach Piazza del Podestà, which houses the monument to the Garibaldian and the Palazzo del Pretorio, a building that over time was also used as a city prison. From the Piazza you can reach the Basilica of San Vittore, passing through the Arco Mera, and the magnificent Palazzo Biumi, a 17th-century residence that houses the famous Cortile del Broletto.
The Basilica of San Vittore is the most important religious building in Varese and was built at different times between the 16th and 17th centuries on the remains of a previous 14th-century church. Externally the church features a neoclassical façade in marble and a bell tower erected between the 17th and 18th centuries.
The polygonal presbytery is the oldest part of the Basilica as it dates back to the 16th century and is occupied by the high altar in Lombard Rococo style executed between 1734 and 1742. San Vittore also preserves fine frescoes from the Lombard Baroque painting school inside, executed by Carlo Francesco Nuvolone, Francesco Cairo and Giovanni Battista Crespi known as “Il Cerano”. Adjacent to the church is the famous Baptistry of San Giovanni dating back to the 14th century.
Varese is a welcoming and hospitable town that boasts a good number of accommodation options. The historic centre is certainly the best area to stay as it allows you to easily reach the main points of interest and all services. If you are travelling by public transport or want to enjoy the charm of the city even in the evening, it is advisable to book accommodation in the centre and reserve it well in advance. For a stay focused on relaxation and nature, instead, we recommend staying outside the centre, perhaps along the shores of Lake Varese.
The city’s favourable geographical position, which sits at the mouth of some Alpine valleys and on the two main routes of the Simplon and Gotthard passes, together with the presence of Malpensa airport, makes Varese a town that is truly easy to reach. By car from Milan you need to take the A8 first and then the SS707 towards Varese. From Como, instead, you need to travel along the SS342 to reach the city.
In the city there are three railway stations: Varese station, along the Milan-Varese-Porto Ceresio line, Varese Nord station and Varese Casbeno station, which are both located on the Saronno-Varese-Laveno railway. The Milan Malpensa Airport is about 40 km away and can be reached by taking the A8 and SS336.
What's the weather at Varese? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Varese for the next few days.
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