Culture, nature and architecture

Varese is a popular place to visit and equally ideal for business trips and holidays. Surrounded by glacial lakes and verdant countryside, Varese offers a seemingly infinite wealth of historic villas, enchanting gardens and evocative, breathtaking landscapes.

Varese is just a short drive from Milan on the road to Switzerland. Favourably positioned at the start of several alpine valleys and two major routes to the Simplon and Gotthard Passes, the city is easily accessible from many directions, even by air as Milan-Malpensa airport is only thirty minutes away.
Varese first became renowned as a tourist destination back in the 17th century partly because of the glorious countryside and partly because of its spectacular architecture and stunning works of art.

During the 19th century Varese really came into its own and many Art Nouveau hotels and villas were built, which added to the city’s unique, delightful appeal.
By the start of the 20th century the city of Varese and the entire surrounding province had become the architectural, artistic, social and cultural heart of the Art Nouveau movement in Italy.