Varese Ligure
Discovering Varese Ligure
Hello everyone! Today I'm going to talk to you about Varese Ligure, a small municipality in the province of La Spezia in the Liguria region.
Physical geography
Varese Ligure is a town immersed in nature, located in the high Val di Vara at the confluence of the Crovana stream and the Vara river. The municipal territory is the largest in the La Spezia province, representing over 15% of the overall territory, and is the second largest, after Genoa, in the entire region. The landscape is characterized by green hills and mountains that offer splendid views.
History
The village of Varese has ancient origins and its establishment is linked to its strategic location at the crossroads of trans-Apennine roads leading to Parma and Tortona. The town had easy access to the Po Valley, leading to the creation of a thriving market.
In the area of present-day Varese Ligure, there must have been a Byzantine settlement, the remains of which have been found under the Castle of Varese Ligure. The Fieschi family has been present in the territory since the beginning of the 11th century when, in 1161, they received investiture from Emperor Frederick Barbarossa.
Over time, the Fieschi family decided to found a village that could become the focal point of the entire area. They drew up a settlement plan that included walled houses, all identical to each other. Through various historical events, the Fieschi family administered the fiefdom until 1386 when the Genoese doge Antoniotto Adorno (1340-1398) bought it from Count Carlo Fieschi.
What to see in Varese Ligure
Today, Varese Ligure has a well-preserved historic center where you can stroll through medieval streets and ancient stone houses. One of the main attractions of the municipality is the Castle of Varese Ligure, a medieval monument that dominates the city and offers a splendid view of the valley.
Among the religious buildings, the Church of San Giovanni Battista and its sail bell tower stand out as a symbol of the town. Another interesting church to visit is that of San Martino, located in the homonymous hamlet, whose interior presents valuable frescoes.
For nature lovers, Varese Ligure is the ideal starting point for walking or cycling along the valley's paths. Among the recreational activities, there is also rafting on the Vara River and paragliding.
Culture and gastronomy
Varese Ligure is a municipality rich in culture and traditions, which can be discovered by participating in numerous events organized throughout the year. Among these, the traditional Snail Festival, held every year at the end of May, stands out where snails are cooked in many different ways.
The cuisine of Varese Ligure is still linked to the traditions of the Ligurian inland cuisine, made of tasty and simple dishes. Among the typical specialties, there are ravioli with herbs, corzetti with pesto, farinata, and focaccia. Of course, there are also dishes based on fish, given the proximity to the sea.
How to reach Varese Ligure
The municipality is easily reachable by car via the A12 Genoa-Livorno motorway, exiting at Carrodano-Levanto and following the signs for Varese Ligure. Alternatively, you can take the train to La Spezia Central Station and then the bus to Varese Ligure.
That's all you need to know about Varese Ligure! A small municipality surrounded by nature, rich in history, culture, and traditions. If you are looking for a peaceful place to relax, this is the right place for you!
