Castelseprio Archaeological Park

Traces of an ancient city in the woods of the Varese area

The Castelseprio Archaeological Park preserves the remains of a fortified settlement that played an important role in the history of the region. Amid trees, walls, and religious buildings, a visit here allows you to discover the traces of a city that no longer exists.

The tour includes the archaeological site, the Antiquarium, and the Church of Santa Maria foris portas. During your stay in Mozzate, you can spend a day exploring the area, combining it with a visit to the nearby Monastery of Torba to learn more about the connection between the two sites.

What to See in Castelseprio

The Castrum and the Defensive Walls

The castrum was the fortified settlement: a town protected by walls and towers, with civil and religious buildings as well as spaces dedicated to daily activities.

Today, the tour takes place among the ruins of these structures. As you follow the path, you can observe how the buildings were arranged within the area and mentally reconstruct the relationship between dwellings, places of worship, and defensive structures.

The Basilica of St. John and the Baptistery

Among the most significant remains are those of the Basilica of St. John and the baptistery. The complex also included a cistern and a bell tower, of which only the base remains.

These remains help us understand the importance of the religious center in the life of the settlement. Traces of the painted decoration and the flooring made of small marble slabs are still visible in the baptistery.

The Antiquarium

The Antiquarium is a museum that houses a selection of artifacts uncovered during the excavations. It is located in the former Franciscan convent of San Giovanni and offers a glimpse into the various phases of human settlement in the area.

Artifacts, materials, and archaeological evidence complement what can be seen outdoors. The tour helps visitors connect the remains of the buildings to the lives of the people who once lived here.

The Church of Santa Maria foris portas

Santa Maria foris portas is located outside the ancient city walls: the name literally means “outside the gates” and refers to the building’s position relative to the castrum.

The church’s apse houses a cycle of frescoes dedicated to the birth and childhood of Christ, with scenes that also draw on the apocryphal gospels. The paintings constitute one of the most important examples of early medieval art at the site.

Their dating and interpretation have been the subject of studies and comparisons: this makes a visit an opportunity to gain insight into the ongoing research concerning Castelseprio.

Why Castelseprio Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Castelseprio–Torba component includes the castrum, the Church of Santa Maria foris portas, and the Monastery of Torba. These are distinct sites but are linked by the history of the same territory, where evidence of the encounter between different traditions during the transition from antiquity to the Middle Ages is preserved.

Castelseprio and Torba: Two Complementary Visits

Visiting both sites provides a better understanding of the relationship between the fortified center and its outpost in the Olona Valley. The two sites have different management structures and access policies: check their opening hours separately before planning to visit both on the same day.

How to get to the Castelseprio Archaeological Park from Mozzate

If you’re coming from Villa dei Ricordi, you can drive directly to the site. Parking near the entrance is limited: please use the designated parking lots along Via Castelvecchio, following the posted signs.

The tour includes outdoor paths with natural and gravel surfaces. There are accessible routes available, but not all parts of the archaeological site offer the same level of accessibility; if you have specific needs, please coordinate your route with the staff.

Villa dei Ricordi: Stay in Mozzate to Explore Castelseprio

Villa dei Ricordi offers apartments with distinct styles within a historic residence in Mozzate. During your stay, you can explore Castelseprio and Torba, alternating cultural visits with walks in nature and exploring the surrounding areas between Como and Varese.