archaeological sites

The archaeological park of Castelseprio
From the Romans to the Goths, from the Longobards to the Carolingians

In IV century A.D., after the first Barbarian invasions, Castelseprio site held a prominent defensive position and thanks to it, it could control the routes coming from alpine passes through Canton Ticino. During the late-ancient age, it was an important castle, integrated in the fortified subalpine system. It was then strengthened by the Goths towards the end of V century and a boundary wall was built with quadrangular towers. It became an administrative seat of a wide territory under the Longobards and the Carolingians. St. John’s Basilica, which is near a cistern and a late Roman tower, close to the Baptistry, dates back to VI-VII centuries. Not far from here, there is St. Paul’s Church (X-XI centuries). St. Maria Foris Porta’s Church, located outside the walls, is usually dated back to VIII-IX centuries for the cycle of superb frescoes about Christ’s birth.

Length: 1/2 day
Car parking: free
Admission free
Tour suitable for school-children, individual tourists, groups, business meetings.

For more information ask for the programme:
chiarapalumbo@arteparte.com

lake landscapes

The lake of Varese
The beauty of Nature joined with art and traditions

The Lake of Varese, located at the foot of the Pre-Alps, has got a 15- square km surface and it is known for its peculiar shoe- shape. The following nine communes lie on its shores: Azzate, Bardello, Biandronno, Bodio Lomnago, Buguggiate, Galliate Lombardo, Cazzago Brabbia, Gavirate and the chief town of province, Varese. It is surrounded by a cycle-pedestrian track (about 28 km), offering you to fully enjoy it. Striking views, old buildings, ice-houses, basins, marshlands rich in flora and fauna as well as cosy inlets make it a tourist attraction of incomparable beauty. You can ferry from Biandronno pier to Virginia Isle, on which a small archaelogical museum stands and it tells the millenary history of this place, once seat of a lake-dwelling civilization, dating back to V millenium B.C.

Length: 1/2 day or  full day
Car parking: free
Monuments admission free
Lunch at a restaurant of typical local cuisine
Tour suitable for school-children, individual tourists, groups, business meeting

Other lake landscapes: Wildlife Reserve of the Lake of Ganna, The Lake of Monate, The Lake of Comabbio, Lake Maggiore, The Lake of Ghirla.

For more information ask for the programme:
chiarapalumbo@arteparte.com