- Varese was the birthplace of the Italian aerospace industry, with the Macchi brothers establishing their famous aeronautical manufacturing company in the city in 1913.
- The city is a significant hub for the Italian furniture and design industry, historically linked to the development of the Liberty architectural style.
- Varese is situated in the 'Lake District' of Lombardy, sharing proximity to seven different lakes, including Lake Varese and Lake Maggiore.
- The city served as a primary base for the Risorgimento movement, specifically during the 1859 Battle of Varese led by Giuseppe Garibaldi against Austrian forces.
About Varese
Varese is famously known as the Garden City due to its concentration of historic villas and expansive public parks situated at the foot of the Prealps. The city serves as a gateway to the UNESCO-listed Sacro Monte di Varese, a devotional complex comprising fourteen chapels that wind up the mountain path. Visitors explore diverse botanical landscapes ranging from the formal gardens of Giardini e Palazzo Estensi to the unique water features at Parco di Villa Toeplitz. Beyond its greenery, the city hosts contemporary art collections at Villa Panza and scientific research at the Osservatorio Astronomico Giovanni Virginio Schiaparelli.
Highlights of Varese
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
Walk through formal Italian gardens that serve as the elegant headquarters for the municipal government.
Temples
Ascend the historic pilgrimage route to explore the fourteen chapels forming this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Parks
Access extensive trail networks and alpine biodiversity within this protected regional mountain park.
Places of interest
Experience a world-class collection of American minimalist art housed in an 18th-century hilltop villa.
Parks
View the distinctive stepped fountain system that defines the unique aesthetic of this historic villa garden.
Museums
Visit one of the oldest astronomical research centers in Italy located within the Campo dei Fiori park.
Temples
Observe the Romanesque architecture and detailed 15th-century frescoes preserved at this former monastic site.
Temples
See the sanctuary crowning the Sacro Monte path, which offers panoramic vistas over the surrounding lakes.
Top things to do in Varese
The 258 highest-rated places in Varese, ranked by travellers.
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Parks
Giardini e Palazzo Estensi serve as the seat of the Varese municipal government, housing the town hall within an 18th-ce...
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Temples
Sacro Monte di Varese is a UNESCO World Heritage site consisting of fourteen chapels, a sanctuary, and a village, all lo...
3
Natural attractions
4
Parks
5
Places of interest
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Museums
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Parks
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Places of interest
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Parks
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Historical places
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Parks
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Parks
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Natural attractions
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Museums
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Places of interest
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Temples
17
Parks
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Museums
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Temples
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Natural attractions
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Places of interest
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Natural attractions
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Temples
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Museums
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Museums
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Temples
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Venues
28
Historical places
29
Museums
30
Places of interest
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Varese on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Varese
Late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September), when the gardens are in bloom or changing color and temperatures are ideal for mountain hiking.
2-3 days, allowing one day for the city center and villas, one day for the Sacro Monte and regional park exploration, and a third for lake-side excursions.
The city center is walkable, though the steep terrain toward the mountains requires the bus network or the funicular to reach the higher Sacro Monte levels.
Stay in the city center for proximity to shopping and the main gardens, or near the Sacro Monte funicular station for easier access to panoramic hiking trails.
Mid-range; Varese is generally more affordable than nearby Milan, though upscale villa hotels can command premium rates.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 258 curated attractions in and around Varese, ranked by traveller ratings.
Giardini e Palazzo Estensi is the highest-rated place to visit in Varese right now.
The largest category is temples, with 104 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Rome, Milan, Galatina.
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