Ever since Roman times, Ancient Sibrium has always been an important strategic site. In fact, owing to its particular geo-morphological condition, fortified settlements, as well as military ramparts and religious buildings were built. In LONGOBARD TIMES it reached its maximum expansion as a main town of the judiciary and military district, which included the Lugano country parishes to the north, those of Cannobio to the northwest, to the northeast those of Fino Mornasco and Appiano Gentile and to the south, those of Gallarate and Somma Lombardo.

Within the territory, which is crossed by the OLONA RIVER and the Simplon pass road, interesting archaeological sites, small churches and impressive monasteries with refined pictorial representations can still be seen, such as Castiglione Olona, Castelseprio, Torba, Cairate and Arsago Seprio.

• CASTIGLIONE OLONA
• CASTELSEPRIO
• TORBA MONASTERY
• CAIRATE MONASTERY
• ARSAGO SEPRIO
• MAP