Varese, Provincial capital in Lombardy, Italy
Varese is a town in the province of Varese, in northern Lombardy near the Swiss border. The settlement spreads between rolling hills and several small lakes, with parks and villas from past centuries.
In medieval times the town fell under the influence of the Visconti and later the Sforza families who ruled Milan. During the Risorgimento in the 19th century a battle took place here that shaped the course of Italian unification.
The center displays Liberty-style buildings, the Italian version of Art Nouveau that emerged in the early 20th century. Cafés and shops fill the pedestrian zones where locals gather for evening walks.
Visitors planning to explore surrounding areas can use local bus lines that connect the railway station to nearby lakes and mountains. The old town lanes are easy to walk and provide access to main squares.
In the 1950s the town earned the nickname 'Garden City' because of the high number of private gardens and green courtyards behind palace walls. Many of these spaces remain hidden from main streets and open only during special events.
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