Things to do in
Varese

Our most recommended things to do in Varese

Varese: Villa and Panza Collection Entry Ticket

Villa Panza was bequeathed to FAI by Giuseppe and Giovanna Panza di Biumo in 1996.A worldwide known centre for contemporary art, Villa Panza dates back to the 18th century, when Marquis Paolo Antonio Menafoglio chose the top of Biumo Hill, in the city of Varese, as the ideal place to build his country residence.The mansion was expanded and renovated by Luigi Canonica at the beginning of the 19th century and Piero Portaluppi in the 30s of the last century. Its character changed during the 50s, when Count Giuseppe Panza began amassing a collection of contemporary art that over time has become famous all over the world. More than 150 works by American artists, mostly exploring the concepts of light and colour, are harmoniously combined with ancient rooms, Renaissance furniture and precious collections of African and pre-Columbian artifacts. A perfect balance reflecting the prescience and sensibility of the collector, Count Giuseppe Panza, who regarded the crystalline and almost transcendent light of the site as the key concept for his research.The stable block is particularly significative in this respect: a temple dedicated to light art, this astonishing gallery hosts environmental site-specific works by Dan Flavin, of whose art the Panza Collection boasts the largest number of continuously exhibited pieces, James Turrell and Robert Irwin. An exhibition venue of international prominence, Villa Panza offers a rich aesthetic experience to both adults and children, who have access to a programme of activities specifically designed for them. It is the ideal place to spend a day surrounded by art, whether it be visiting the building, walking in the park among the Land Art installations, or enjoying a meal at the haute cuisine restaurant “Luce”.

Malpensa: Volandia Park and Flight Museum Entry Ticket

Unleash your sense of adventure with an entry ticket to the Volandia Park and Flight Museum in Malpensa. Step into a world where the wonders of aviation come to life, as you embark on a captivating journey through the history of international and Lombardy aeronautics. You'll learn all about the aeronautics pioneers and companies that gave the province of Varese its nickname: the 'Province with Wings. As you step into the museum, prepare to be enthralled by a stunning array of exhibits divided into five areas that showcase the evolution of aviation: forms of flight, fixed wing, rotary wing, model aircraft and the convertiplane. From the early days of flight to the cutting-edge technologies of today, Volandia brings together a rich tapestry of aircraft and artifacts that tell the remarkable story of human achievement in the skies. Marvel at the beauty of hot-air balloons and learn about the milestones that paved the way for human flight. Explore the remarkable collections of fixed-wing aircraft and discover the versatility of helicopters. Witness their vital contributions to various industries. In the model aircraft exhibit, admire the intricate replicas that pay tribute to aircraft design. Engage in hands-on activities designed for children, sparking their curiosity and love for aviation. Experience the thrill of flight in the simulation area. Expand your knowledge in the library and historical archives, where you'll find resources on the pioneers and companies that earned Lombardy its nickname, the "Province with Wings." Conclude your visit with captivating films in the theater, immersing yourself in the beauty and wonder of flight. With comprehensive exhibits, interactive activities, and engaging programs, the Volandia Park and Flight Museum offers an extraordinary experience for aviation enthusiasts of all ages. Prepare to be inspired and amazed as you explore the triumphs and innovations of aviation history.

Torba: Torba Monastery Entry Ticket

The time-honoured Torba complex dates back to the 5th century A.D., when the Romans constructed the walls of a military outpost to counter the threat of barbarian invasion, near the village of Castelseprio. To this day, the watchtower stills stands as a testament to the original function of the castrum, carried forward by Goths, Byzantines and Longobards and subject to continuous change over time. Having been a defensive fortress, Torba became a religious centre with the settlement there of a group of Benedictine nuns who in the 8th century commissioned the construction of the monastery and, later, the small church. For around seven centuries, the secluded female community inhabited this site, and the legacy of their prolonged stay is to be found in the hieratic frescoes in the tower, which have an almost mysterious aura about them. In the 15th century, the Benedictines moved on, signalling the start for Torba of a period of slow decline that led to the complex being transformed into a farm and, in the early 19th century, to it losing its religious function, sliding gradually into a state of degradation that came to an end only in 1976 thanks to FAI. Today, this ancient site with its highly significant past (not by chance was it inscribed in 2011 in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites) is enjoying a new lease of life thanks also to the continuous discovery of Longobard-era relics, which constitute just one of the surprises that the monastery – and the surrounding area, rich in natural and artistic treasures – offers to those who head off the beaten track in search of interesting places.

Lake Maggiore: Santa Caterina del Sasso Hermitage Ticket

Visit the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, a church that clings to a rock face directly overhanging Lake Maggiore. Explore the church, which is a fusion of three chapels built in three different eras. Enter the church through a portico consisting of four round, renaissance-style arches. Admire the pictorial cycles both inside and outside the church, which mainly cover the period running between the 14th and the 19th centuries. Take in the stunning views of the Borromeo Gulf, Stresa, and the islands. Choose to add a lift ticket to your entrance ticket to access the church.

Casalzuigno: Villa della Porta Bozzolo

In the 16th century, in the peaceful valley of Valcuvia, a few miles from Varese and Lake Maggiore, stood the country residence of the Della Portas, a family of wealthy local landowners of humble origins and aristocratic ambitions. At that time, the mansion had a rustic character, with its rural buildings, its wine press and cellar and its silk spinning mill. In the 18th century, the house was renovated, embellished and turned into a typical villa di delizia on the occasion of the wedding between Giovan Angelo III Della Porta and Isabella Giulini, a countess from Milan. Today, it is thus possible to explore the opulent interiors of their summer residence: salons and halls, galleries and bedrooms decorated with vibrant frescoes and trompe l’oeil motifs, mythical and allegorical scenes, bright flower garlands even on the doors, all of which are small Rococo masterpieces. Villa Della Porta Bozzolo has retained only few of the precious original furnishings: these include a canopy bed covered in golden damask silk and the wooden bookcases preserving the family archives. The other furnishings were donated by many generous and enlightened benefactors and helped recreate the atmosphere of an 18th century aristocratic mansion. The windows afford a sublime view on the monumental Italian garden: its peculiar design is based on a succession of stone terraces ascending a hill crowned by the “theatre”, a wide green lawn with a fishpond and a steep path climbing to a spectacular panoramic lookout. In the 19th century, Senator Camillo Bozzolo saved the mansion from decay: the place still preserves his family memories as well as his rich library. In the past few years, FAI brought Villa Della Porta Bozzolo back to its former glory: still today, it is an enchanting corner of Italy, where you can spend the day strolling in the park, visiting the interiors of the mansion and enjoying a meal at the restaurant “La cucina di casa”.

Lago Maggiore: Italian cooking and tasting in a villa

Do you want to learn how to cook three typical Italian dishes that are easy to make? You can do it with us during our private Italian cooking class in the province of Varese, on the shores of Lake Maggiore. The class will take place in the garden of a villa from the early 1900s near the lake, where you can savor the dishes prepared, accompanied by a glass of red wine. We look forward to sharing this experience with you! See you soon! What's Included The necessary ingredients, the final tasting, a glass of wine, and a booklet with the recipes. Live accordion accompaniment may be available at times.

Morazzone: Casa Macchi Entry Ticket

Casa Macchi is a charming provincial building that rises in the shadow of a bell tower of a church in a quiet village a few kilometers from Varese, Morazzone. There’s nothing extraordinary about this place, neither in the garden, in the architecture, in the decorations or furnishings, nor in the objects or history of its inhabitants. But the first visit satisfies, because there is an indisputable charm in a world that was preserved down to the smallest details, which seems almost stealthy, sudden and unavoidable and which still smells of daily life, imagining a coffee maker left on the stove, left on the table between the armchairs of the living room. Beyond the dense webs and dust, what strikes Casa Macchi is the possibility to capture the authentic life of a dwelling that was neither a farmhouse nor a palace, neither ordinary nor extraordinary, but typical, traditional, simple, close in forms and bourgeois, with some pleasant upper-bourgeois charm, in order to generate curiosity and empathy to the visitors, in order to recognize objects and customs in a domestic landscape that belongs to its own tradition (especially if Lombard), able to tickle the memory and ignite some antiquarian interest.

Varese : Private Transfer to/from Rho Fiera

We offer only professional, qualified and discreet drivers who will be able to accompany you in the best possible comfort to your destinations, so that you can arrive on time to your engagements. To greet you you will find one of Our drivers with a sign with your name on it Comfort and luxury for Fsc by Ferreri Stefano are synonymous with each other : a safe and reliable partner for your car rental with driver needs. For your travel needs,for business,pleasure fun or relaxation if you are looking for a car rental service with driver, Fsc by Ferreri Stefano is the answer for you. Fsc di Ferreri Stefano guarantees reliability, thanks to the seriousness of its drivers, safety thanks to the constantly renewed and controlled fleet, comfort and luxury thanks to the vehicles we have. Our drivers speak several languages and all of them are highly qualified and experienced : they will know how to take you to your destination, while you in all tranquility and discretion, can make your business or private calls, prepare your meeting, arrange your agenda or simply