New University of Insubria Law School premises inaugurated in Piazza Monte Grappa, Varese

With a strong tribute to the values of legality and civic responsibility, the new premises of the University of Insubria’s Law School were inaugurated in Varese, in spaces made available by the Varese Chamber of Commerce in Piazza Monte Grappa. The single-cycle Master’s degree programme in Law, previously based at the Bizzozero Campus, is thus moving its activities to the heart of the city, where around 400 students will study.

As a symbol of the ceremony, entitled “From Memory Comes the Future”, the “Quarto Savona 15” display case was exhibited. It contains the remains of the car used by the security escort of Judge Giovanni Falcone, destroyed in the Capaci bombing of 23 May 1992, highlighting the connection between the education of future legal professionals and a culture of legality.

Speakers included Mauro Vitiello, President of the Varese Chamber of Commerce; Maria Cristina Pierro, Rector of the University of Insubria; student representatives Asia Martina Di Lorenzo and Francesco Tarantino; and, as guest of honour, Vittorio Pisani, Chief of the Italian State Police and Director General of Public Security, who concluded the ceremony. The event was hosted by journalist Matteo Inzaghi, director of Rete55. Institutional greetings were delivered by Attilio Fontana, President of the Lombardy Region; Marco Magrini, President of the Province of Varese; Salvatore Pasquariello, Prefect of Varese; Davide Galimberti, Mayor of Varese; and Andrea Prete, President of Unioncamere.

In her address, Rector Maria Cristina Pierro stated: “The launch of the Law degree programme at the Chamber of Commerce represents the implementation – and we are only at the beginning – of a clear strategic choice: to strengthen the presence of the University of Insubria in the city centre so that Varese is perceived and recognised as a true university city. A city can truly be considered a university city when the University is an integral part of its cultural, social and economic life, when it allows students to experience urban spaces, become familiar with institutions and build relationships with the local community, professionals and businesses.”

Mauro Vitiello, President of the Varese Chamber of Commerce, said: “We chose to make our most prestigious spaces in Piazza Monte Grappa available with a clear conviction: the growth and competitiveness of our area inevitably depend on our ability to attract and retain young people. Opening the doors of the Chamber of Commerce to the Law degree programme is a first strategic step towards providing a tangible response to our businesses and local retailers. It is a concrete measure that confirms our commitment to making Varese a place where younger generations can truly play a leading role.”

Addressing the students, Chief of the Italian State Police Vittorio Pisani stressed: “You, the students of today and the legal professionals of tomorrow, will be responsible for ensuring that law and legality prevail and that the rule of law takes precedence over every form of illegality. Dear students, be proud of our values and of our Republic and its democratic rules. Soon it will be your responsibility to protect and safeguard them, following the example of those who founded our Republic and those who defended it even at the cost of their own lives.”

The Immersive Hall, with its distinctive semicircular profile overlooking one side of the square, has been converted into a 60-seat lecture room. From the Immersive Hall, students can access the mezzanine floor, which houses a 10-seat classroom, and the first floor, where the teaching administration office, faculty offices, a student refreshment area and another 10-seat classroom are located. The other spaces available to the University of Insubria are in the section of the building housing Campiotti Hall: three classrooms seating 45, 40 and 15 people, as well as a faculty office, are located on the mezzanine floor, accessible beyond the marble staircase. The historic Campiotti Hall, frescoed in 1939 by Giuseppe Montanari and featuring an honour balcony overlooking Piazza Monte Grappa, has 150 seats and will host Law lectures this year until the two new 90-seat classrooms, currently being designed in the area adjoining the Immersive Hall, are ready.

The new premises, already fully operational, therefore currently comprise six classrooms with an overall capacity of 320 seats. There are two reception areas: one at the entrance to the Immersive Hall and one at the entrance to the staircase leading to Campiotti Hall. Additional entrances near the lifts are reserved for people with disabilities.

The new premises are part of the ten-year framework agreement signed by the University of Insubria and the Varese Chamber of Commerce and presented on 30 March. The agreement provides not only for the use of these spaces but also for broader cooperation between the University and the area’s economic and institutional system. Among other initiatives, the agreement includes the promotion of internships, joint research projects, scientific and cultural initiatives, and activities aimed at urban regeneration and enhancing the attractiveness of the city centre.

Law students will also have access to a dedicated space inside MIV – Multisala Impero Varese, which is making Sala Stella available exclusively to the University of Insubria from 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m., equipped with tables, chairs, power sockets for computers and dedicated Wi-Fi. Reduced prices will also be available at the cinema café. Special menus and discounts for students will also be offered by cafés and restaurants in the city centre thanks to an agreement with Confesercenti.

Tomorrow, Tuesday 15 September, teaching activities will begin at the new premises, with the first lecture of the Law degree programme focusing on law, legality, justice and the fight against organised crime. In Campiotti Hall, first-year students will meet Tina Montinaro, widow of police officer Antonio Montinaro, head of Judge Giovanni Falcone’s security escort, and Alessandra Cerreti, Public Prosecutor at the Milan District Anti-Mafia Directorate. On the same day, the Province of Varese will bring around 250 upper secondary school students to Piazza Monte Grappa for the event “The Duty That Remains – Memory and a Path for the Heroes of Tomorrow”, dedicated to the themes of organised crime, legality and remembrance.