Marchirolo
Welcome to Marchirolo!
Welcome to the municipality of Marchirolo, a small gem in the province of Varese, Lombardy. The town has little more than 3000 inhabitants and is located just 3 km from the Swiss border of Ponte Tresa and 15 km from the provincial capital. In this text, we will talk about some places of interest and the history of this enchanting city.
The history of Marchirolo
Marchirolo has a history dating back to Roman times. The city was crossed by the Via Mediolanum-Bilitio, a Roman road that connected Milan to Lugano through Varese. In 1633, the parish of San Martino di Marchirolo was created by the Bishop of Como, Lazzaro Carafino, who detached the Pieve di Agno and added Cunardo taken from Valcuvia. Marchirolo also gave birth to Eugenio Pellini, an Italian sculptor and teacher, exponent of the Lombard Scapigliatura.
During the Second World War, Fernando Torreggiani, a Catholic anti-fascist, contributed to the salvation of the Jewish family of Melli Rossi from Ferrara, rescuing them from deportation and guiding them to emigrate to nearby Switzerland. For this act of solidarity, on March 4th, 2001, the Yad Vashem Institute in Jerusalem awarded Fernando Torreggiani the high honor of Righteous among the Nations.
What to see in Marchirolo
Churches
Marchirolo is famous for its beautiful churches. The Church of San Martino, built in the 12th century, is the parish church where you can admire a 15th-century Madonna delle Grazie. The visual impact of the entrance staircase is particularly fascinating, with its construction begun in the second half of the 18th century and completed in the first half of the 20th century. Inside the building, note the 18th-century wooden organ used in religious services and in some concerts. Marchirolo also has a church dedicated to Saint Peter, built in 1670 in Baroque style, a church dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, built in 1640, and another little church dedicated to Saint Paul, built-in 1352. This last one is located on a panoramic ridge overlooking the surrounding valley and Lake Lugano, in the greenery of the mountain "La Nave."
Civil architectures
Marchirolo has a very interesting museum, the Pellini Bozzolo Museum, composed of a plaster cast museum with the works of Eugenio Pellini, Eros Pellini, and Adriano Bozzolo. Another peculiarity is the murals painted by local artists that decorate the historic center of the municipality. These depict the life of Marchirolo's emigration during the 1800s, during the occupation of the territory by the French, Austrians, and Russians. In the spring of 2013, the new Town Hall was inaugurated.
Military architectures and Natural areas
Mount La Nave and the fortifications of the Cadorna Line (1918) are one of the historical and natural points of interest in Marchirolo. From here, you can enjoy an extraordinary panorama and visit the underground shelter maintained by the local group of Civil Protection. Marchirolo is also the starting point for many hikes and walks towards the surrounding mountains.
Conclusions
Marchirolo is an extraordinarily rich city in history and culture. From the Middle Ages to the World Wars and emigration, the city has a unique history that is still visible in the churches, murals, and fortifications. If you are looking for a tourist destination in Lombardy, Marchirolo is an excellent choice and will surely surprise you.
