Varano Borghi
Varano Borghi: A Lombardian Municipality with a History of Factories and Villas
Varano Borghi is a municipality of 2450 inhabitants located in the province of Varese in Lombardy. Known as Varan until 1906, the town is characterized by a history linked to the textile and food industries. The municipality also boasts numerous architectural beauties, such as the textile factory and the Borghi villa.
History
Varano Borghi has a history that dates back to ancient times: remains dating back to the Roman era have been found in the town. However, the true growth of Varano Borghi occurred in the second half of the 1800s when the Borghi family, owners of many lands and mills in the area, decided to invest in the textile industry. The Borghi textile factory quickly became one of the major productive realities in Lombardy, thanks also to the construction of new buildings to expand the plants and the addition of an internal fire brigade.
The Borghi family also took an interest in the cultural and social life of the town. In fact, the Borghi members promoted the creation of the first public garden as well as the organization of cultural and sports events.
Symbols
The coat of arms and the banner of Varano Borghi were granted in 1982. The banner consists of a red and blue flag.
Monuments and Places of Interest
The textile factory
The Borghi textile factory was built between 1900 and 1904 by the Swiss architecture designers Sequin-Knobel. Thanks to an original factory building and subsequent expansion, the textile factory could host spinning, dyeing, power plants, and animal stables. Working in the textile factory was difficult, but it offered many opportunities to work in the textile industry in an era when fabric was the main industry in the territory.
Villa Borghi
Villa Borghi is located in a position elevated above the textile factory and was the Borghi family's main house. The villa was built in several phases, but the most important restoration that embellished the villa was when Milanese architect Paolo Cesa Bianchi renovated it between 1860 and 1879. The house has a double T plan with the elongated central body and two lateral wings terminated by a stone balustrade. The restoration removed all traces of the ancient structure, although others claim that the villa was built on an ancient castle.
From the Textile Industry to the Food Industry
Varano Borghi saw the decline of the textile industry after the 1960s due to the gradual shift of technical production to countries with lower production costs. However, the town continued to base its economy on the food industry. Many historic food businesses settled in this area, such as the Sperlari pastry shop, whose production of the famous reflecting candies is still ongoing, or the Marzetti pasta factory, which produces artisanal pasta following traditional methods.
Conclusions
Varano Borghi is a town with a history linked to the textile and food industries and numerous architectural beauties that attract tourists from all over the world every year. The Borghi textile factory, as well as Villa Borghi, are works of art that speak of the great legacy left by the Borghi family. Thanks to the growth in the food sector, the municipality is continuing to prosper.
