Two days back in time to discover the UNESCO sites in the Varese area: the archaeological area of Castelseprio the Torba Abbey , the Isolino Virginia, the Sacro Monte di Varese and Monte San Giorgio.
DAY 1
- First stop of tour is Castelseprio, the ancient Castrum Sibrium, military stronghold since Roman times. Today, you can experience a bygone era, thanks to the presence of the important Archaeological Park comprising a fortified area, extending down into the valley to Torba, and an extra-mural village. Absolutely not to be missed are the Park's landmarks, namely the Church of S. Maria Foris Portas built between the 5th and 9th centuries and the Benedictine Monastery of Santa Maria Assunta, one of the first monastic settlements in the area. A few kilometres away, immersed in the greenery of the Varesotto area, proceed along the course of history by exploring the ancient monumental complex of the Torba Abbey , a military outpost of the late Roman Empire and later a place of worship under the rule of the Goths and Lombards, now managed by the FAI. Both the archaeological park and the Torba Monastery have been part of the UNESCO serial site "Lombards in Italy: places of power" since June 2011. A short stop at the elegant Il Conte restaurant of the Villa Cagnola for a delicious lunch in a historic location.
@frankieriili & @tobebabi
- The day continues on Lake Varese at the place where it all began: Isolino Virginia, the oldest prehistoric pile-dwelling site in the Alps has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011. A place where nature and culture come together in a unique setting, taking you away from the hectic city life. Here you can visit the Prehistoric Museum where you can admire the remains of dwellings dating back to the Neolithic period such as poles, animal remains, traces of local artefacts and fragments of pottery. You can also get a realistic idea of how our ancestors lived, thanks to the reconstruction of a Neolithic home. This site can be reached by boarding a small boat at the Biandronno jetty in Via Marconi. If you love cycling, we recommend an alternative dedicated tour! After returning from your visit, enjoy a delicious dinner at the restaurant of the Vecchia Riva Hotel in Varese.
@sosorbetto
Where to stay: Vecchia Riva Hotel, Horizon Resort, Hotel Capolago Varese
What to do: a bicycle excursion with a bicycle tour guide
DAY 2
- Start the day with a panoramic walk with a view of the 7 lakes from Sacro Monte di Varese, a sacred complex and historical-artistic excellence of the Varese area. Walking along the 2 km long Via Sacra you will come across the 14 Chapels, unique pieces of art each dedicated to a Mystery of the Rosary. When you reach the top, you are greeted by a breathtaking panorama: the Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Monte behind you and the view of the entire province in front of you. This site was erected between 1604 and 1698 and has been a World Heritage Site since 2003. A magical place where nature and culture become one. To recharge your batteries, lunch with a spectacular view at Ristorante Montorfano will delight you with tasty traditional dishes.
@cinzia1604
- Concluding this journey through time, on the Swiss-Italian border, is Monte San Giorgio, where one can explore the fascination of a world now lost, thanks to the presence of one of the world's most important fossiliferous deposits from the Middle Triassic, a geological era between 247 and 237 million years ago.
@beafornari_
Where to stay: Albergo Colonne, Hotel Al Borducan, Hotel Sacro Monte
What to do: trekking with environmental guide
Do you want to be accompanied on this tour? Request a licensed tour guide. Contact us!
Plan your stay and your experience in the land of the lakes.
