Angera – Rocca Borromeo

The fort stands on a rocky spur, in sight of Arona, of Lake Maggiore, and of the territory of Varese. Built by the archbishops of Milan, in the 12th century, on ruins dating back to two centuries before, it was fought over by the Torriani and Visconti families. Ottone Visconti renovated and extended the fort. The famous "Hall of Justice" is frescoed with scenes of Ottone's deeds. The fort then passed to the Ambrosian Republic and, in 1449, to Vitaliano Borromeo, whose family still own it. Access to the inside of the castle is through a front door, over which there is the Borromeo coat of arms, which leads to the "noble courtyard". On the right, there is the "wine cellar" with a big winepress, which dates back to 1745. The Scaliger Palace hosts the prestigious Doll Museum, with collections of dolls, wooden and tin toys, children's books and journals, and iconographic material from the 18th century until today.

Information: www.borromeoturismo.it/