Varese - The Tower of Velate

Built in the 11th century on the highlands over Lake Maggiore, to protect the southern walls of Velate - a fortified village since the late Roman period ("Castrum de Vellate") - the tower was rendered unusable during the wars between Milan and Como, in the 12th century. Only the northern and eastern walls remain of the original tower, and traces of five floors and the ground floor can be seen inside. Here, on the left side, there are four single windows with a double splay and stone ashlar profiles. The Tower of Velate, which is now under the protection of FAI (the Italian Environment Fund), is a landmark in the hilly landscape of the surroundings of Varese, and it has considerable symbolic value for the people of the area.

Information: www.fondoambiente.it