Varese

The Garden City: a blend of historic centre, art and parks

During a stay in Mozzate, you can set aside a day for this, choosing between places within walking distance of the town centre and destinations that require a short journey. This itinerary offers a chance to discover the Varese area through its history, collections and gardens.

What to see in Varese

The historic centre and the Basilica of San Vittore

You can explore the historic centre by strolling through arcades, courtyards, squares and shopping streets. Corso Matteotti is one of the key stops on the tour and leads you to the Basilica of San Vittore via the Arco Mera.

Next to the basilica stands the bell tower known as the Bernascone. Stop in the square to admire the buildings, then continue along the nearby streets, taking time out to relax in one of the town centre’s cafés or bars.

Palazzo Estense and its gardens

The Estense Gardens are situated in the centre of Varese, behind Palazzo Estense, which now houses the town hall. Flowerbeds, paths, fountains and views of the palace combine to create one of the city’s most iconic spots.

You can include them in your stroll without straying from the historic centre. They are a spot to be savoured at a leisurely pace, observing how the views change between the more geometric part of the garden and the green spaces that stretch towards Mirabello Hill.

Villa Mirabello and the Archaeological Museum

The grounds of Villa Mirabello are linked to the Giardini Estensi, allowing you to extend your stroll through the greenery. The villa houses the Archaeological Museum, which adds further insight into the history of the area to your visit.

You can choose to explore the park or include the museum’s collections, depending on your interests. Access to the park and to the museum galleries is subject to separate rules and opening hours, which should be checked individually.

Villa and Panza Collection: contemporary art in a FAI property

Set on the hill of Biumo, Villa Panza brings together historic architecture, contemporary art and the landscape. Donated to the FAI – Italian Environment Fund by Giuseppe and Giovanna Panza of Biumo in 1996, it is now open to the public as a cultural venue.

The collection reflects Giuseppe Panza’s exploration of the themes of light and colour. The exhibition itinerary creates a dialogue between the artworks and the furnishings of the villa, whilst in the rooms of the former farm buildings, the installations transform the perception of the spaces.

Artists featured include Dan Flavin, James Turrell and Robert Irwin: works that invite visitors to reflect on the changing light and the relationship between the artwork, the architecture and the viewer. The tour of the interiors is complemented by the grounds, which are enriched by works of art and views over the city.

Like the Monastery of Torba, Villa Panza offers an insight into a site preserved by the FAI, but through a different experience: here, historical heritage meets contemporary artistic exploration.

Villa Toeplitz Park

In the Sant’Ambrogio neighbourhood, at the foot of Sacro Monte, Villa Toeplitz Park reveals another side to the ‘Garden City’. It is a municipal public park, where tree-lined paths, terraces, water features and fountains accompany visitors on their stroll.

The layout of the spaces alternates between formal garden designs and more naturally growing vegetation. As you walk up the paths, the views of the villa and the park change: an interesting visit for those who love historic gardens and photography.

You may wish to set aside a separate visit for this, rather than combining it with a trip to the centre of Varese, allowing time to explore the paths and stop off in the various green spaces. This itinerary focuses on the park and does not include a self-guided tour of the villa’s interiors.

A day-trip itinerary for Varese

In the afternoon, you can choose to visit Villa Panza or head to the Villa Toeplitz Park. If you’d prefer to learn more about archaeology, stop off at the Villa Mirabello museum instead.

Choosing just one in-depth visit leaves you time to explore the town centre and the gardens without trying to fit too many attractions into a single day.

Continue towards Sacro Monte di Varese

This is a visit quite distinct from that of Varese city centre and deserves a dedicated itinerary. In the guide to Sacro Monte, you will find the stops along the route and information on how to get there.

How to get to Varese from Mozzate

If you choose to take the train, check the available services and your return journey. From the station, you can walk to the historic centre, whilst for more distant destinations you’ll need to plan your onward journey.

If you’re arriving by car, find a permitted car park near the centre and walk between the main attractions. Villa Toeplitz and Sacro Monte, however, require a separate route.

Villa dei Ricordi: stay in Mozzate and discover Varese

Villa dei Ricordi offers apartments, each with its own unique character, within a historic residence in Mozzate. During your stay, you can spend a day in Varese and alternate this with visits to Torba and Castelseprio or walks in Parco Pineta.