Valganna
Valganna: a charming municipality between lakes and mountains
The municipality of Valganna is located in Lombardy, in the province of Varese, and is composed of four localities: Ghirla and Ganna, the two main towns crossed by the Margorabbia stream, and the hamlets of Boarezzo and Mondonico. The headquarters of the municipality is located in Ganna.
Physical geography
Valganna extends along the Strada statale 233 Varesina, from the spectacular scenery of the Grotte della Valganna to the Cascate di Valganna, to Lake Ghirla. The valley floor is crossed by the Margorabbia stream, which has given rise to the two present lakes: Lake Ghirla and the smaller Lake Ganna. The shores of the latter are populated by reeds and local flora, while the former is a popular tourist destination.
Mountains and climate
The mountain serves as a backdrop to the municipality of Valganna: on the left hydrography rise the Monte Chiusarella and Monte Martica, while on the right Monte Monarco, Monte Minisfreddo, Poncione di Ganna, and Monte Piambello. The winter climate is particularly harsh, earning the town the nickname of "Little Siberia of Varesotto."
History
The first evidence of settlements in the area dates back to Roman times. In the Middle Ages, Ganna was a fiefdom of the Abbey of San Gemolo. In 1556, the Holy See decided to suppress the Abbey, whose assets and rights were transferred to the Ospedale Maggiore in Milan. The latter became the reference point for the Valganna community in the following centuries. In 1751, the village was part of the pieve of Arcisate and was still a fiefdom of the Milanese hospital institution. In 1786, it became part of the province of Gallarate, then Varese, following the territorial compartmentalization of Austrian Lombardy, which divided Lombard territory into eight provinces. With the reforms of the Cisalpine Republic, in 1798, the municipality was included in the department of Verbano, district of Arcisate.
Symbols
The coat of arms and flag of Valganna represent the protection of the bell tower of the Abbey of San Gemolo of Ganna on the four fir trees, which symbolize the main hamlets: Ganna, Ghirla, Boarezzo, and Mondonico. The abbey was a monastery founded in 1095 and dependent on the Abbey of Fruttuaria, which exercised dominion over the entire territory.
Valganna is a municipality of great charm, which combines the beauty of its lakes and surrounding mountains with an ancient and fascinating history. If you are looking for a destination for your next vacation, Valganna can be the perfect choice for a regenerating break immersed in nature.
