Forts and Castles

Varese Province has always been a frontier territory. Fought over by the great many local lords between the 11th and 15th centuries, it acquired many castles and signal towers over time. Today, these buildings are no longer defensive structures, but have become "holiday retreats" for the enjoyment of the present owners. However, by the very fact of leaving their mark on the territory, they are still a clearly perceptible system that shapes the land surrounded by lakes, plains, and mountains, as a testimony to the prosperity and the industriousness of the past.