Varese - The Castle Castiglioni di Mantegazza

This castle, in Masnago, is located on a hill south-west of Lake Varese. This architectural complex was built over a number of centuries. The tower is a fortress typical of the area around Varese, and was built between the 11th and 13th centuries. This position afforded a full view of the path below, and was in clear view of the Velate and Sacro Monte towers. In 1400, the L-shaped castle was built onto the east side of the tower, thereby forming the northern and eastern sides of the present courtyard. The villa shape is also depicted in the series of frescoes from the first half of the 15th century, which decorate the most representative halls with scenes of court life. The 15-century building was completed three centuries later with the eighteenth-century villa, forming the typical "well-shaped courtyard". In 1981, thanks to the Town of Varese, Masnago Castle became the Contemporary Art Gallery and now hosts important temporary exhibitions.

Information: www.varesecittagiardino.it