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| Spotlight On ... |
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The Lakes of Italy
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Lake of Varese
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| Lakes of Varese's Territory |
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Lake Varese is surrounded by undulating
hills and there is a small island, the Isolino Virginia, near the western shore. The lake is fed by various underground springs. Towards the south
numerous minor roads and pathways lead to an area with many marsh plants, small lakes and ponds.
Varese is a delightful city in the
midst of a green area, with many gardens and splendid villas. It is full of interesting monuments and artistic
and nature excursions can be made in the surrounding area to places such as the Sacro
Monte (Holy Hill), the Monte Campo
dei Fiori, with its observatory which is open to the public, the Lido di Varese (lakeside) and the towns of Luvinate, Voltorre, Bizzozzero,
and Bisuschio. This latter possesses
the XVI century Villa Cicogna Mozzoni,
in the midst of a splendid park. |
The Isolino Virginia has picturesque woods for romantic walks and the Prehistory
Museum of Villa Ponti, with the various artifacts found in the area, is
worth a look. Within a few kilometers of the lake there are picturesque sites and places of great artistic interest.
Castiglione Olona has many art treasures.
Castelseprio is an archeological
area, and Torba (close to Gornate Olona) is an ancient Longobard setting.
On the coast, Biandronno and Cazzago alternate narrow country courts and the
elegant residences of the families that decided to spend their time in these delightful places.
Lakes Monate and Comabbio have remained calm basins where one may
relax and enjoy the nature of the hills. The expanses of Ghirla and Ganna,
instead, are set within the mountain area, protected by typically Pre-Alpine relieves. |
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| Lake Lugano |
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A place-name that hints at Switzerland but that tells stories of Italian waters and
shores, divided between the Varese and Como territories. If one were to examine its shape, one might say that nature
has amused itself by tracing a complex chain of gulfs, loops, and ramifications. Lavena and Ponte Tresa,
at the western end, from the very first Roman colonizations, have always been the battle field for control over
the bridge joining the two opposite shores. |
Lake Lugano - Porlezza |
On the quiet road, remote if compared to traditional crossings, one reaches Porto Ceresio and the southern tip of the lake,
where the coast points north and in the direction of Swiss territory. Once again Italian shores are those of Campione d'Italia, the city famous for its international
casino, and beyond, that of the deep loop of Porlezza, where the shore of Val Solda
so dear to Fogazzaro opposes the wild promontory of Santa Margherita, a medieval crossing which is now completely won over by vegetation. |
| Valsolda, with the defended fractions of
Castello and Dasio and the lakeside, and Porlezza, with its ancient village, were connected to the road about halfway through the last century,
and they have maintained the features of remote villages. Nearby, the Romanesque church of San Maurizio rises on the slopes of Monte Galbiga: buried by a landslide, it was only recently
given back to the faithful, who may admire its Romanesque lines. |
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