About Insubria: The Cities

Varese: History

Varese is a business and holiday resort with a long standing tradition.
From the hills surrounding the city, a magnificent view opens up onto the lake and the Alps. In this territory, Varese aristocracy built beautiful villas in the 18th century.
When tourism started during the Belle Epoque, Liberty villas, cable railways and richly decorated hotels were built.

The original city center, which has the feature of an ellipsoid, is in a small inter-morainic valley.
Around the center, various groups of houses known as “castellanze” were built, and were kept clearly separated from the city until the 18th century.
At that time (1766-1773), the Ducal Palace was built; this favored the construction of a number of buildings and the growth of the characteristic garden-city which is still clearly visible.

Economic growth was associated with a notable expansion of the city.
In 1900, industry based on already flourishing artisan activities significantly grew along the river Olona.