Somma Lombardo
Discover the Province of Varese
Hello friends, today I'm taking you to discover the Province of Varese, located in the Italian region of Lombardy. With 878,059 inhabitants, it is the fourth most populous province in the region after the Metropolitan City of Milan, Brescia, and Bergamo. But don't be fooled by the numbers, as this province has a lot to offer!
Physical Geography
A surprising characteristic of the Province of Varese is its polycentricity. The town of Busto Arsizio is slightly more populous than the capital city of Varese, but other cities such as Gallarate and Saronno are equally important. The province is located between the Po Valley and the Alps, and is composed of three sectors: the mountainous portion, the hilly belt, and the plain. Three rivers run through the province - the Ticino, Olona and Tresa - and there are also nine lakes, including Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano. The group of the Seven Lakes of Varese is an ideal destination for nature lovers.
Institutional History
The current Province of Varese has ancient origins, as it is the descendant of the Seprio, a feudal institution of Lombard origin that already existed in the 7th century. Various institutions have succeeded each other throughout history, until the creation of the Province of Gallarate in 1786, and then its transformation into the current Province of Varese in 1927.
Main Cities
In addition to the capital city of Varese, there are other important cities in the province:
- Busto Arsizio, where the historic church of San Giovanni Battista, dating back to the 13th century, is located.
- Gallarate, where you can visit the church of Santa Maria Assunta and the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Miracles.
- Saronno, famous for the production of amaretto liqueur.
- Laveno-Mombello, with its beautiful lakeside promenade and cable car leading to the mountain.
Food and Wine
The Province of Varese is famous for some food products, including Caprino cheese, risotto alla pilota, and polenta taragna. But surely one of the most famous dishes is asparagus omelet, which becomes a must-have in spring. The province is also rich in high-quality wine, with numerous wineries and vineyards to visit.
Art and Culture
The Province of Varese also boasts a first-rate artistic and cultural heritage. For art lovers, there are several works of art to admire, such as in the Church of San Carlo Borromeo in Arcisate, the Visconti Castle of San Vito in Somma Lombardo, and the Baroffio Museum and Sanctuary of the Sacro Monte of Varese. Moreover, the province hosts the Teatro Sociale of Varese, one of the most important theaters in Lombardy.
Outdoor Activities
The province offers numerous outdoor activities for those who love sports and outdoor life. There are many hiking trails among the mountains and hills, as well as many opportunities for cycling, swimming, and water sports in the lakes of the region. Additionally, the territory is perfect for paragliding and hang gliding for those who love to fly.
Conclusion
As you can see, the Province of Varese truly has a lot to offer its visitors, with its nature, historical, cultural and artistic heritage, as well as outdoor activities. Its polycentricity makes it even more interesting to discover various aspects of this Italian region. So, don't just stop at visiting the city of Varese but extend your trip to discover everything the Province of Varese has to offer!
