Varese: institutional visit to the Sacro Monte (UNESCO site), Villa

Varese: institutional visit to the Sacro Monte of Varese, Villa Panza and MaGa

On 7 May 2026 a delegation of regional councillors carried out an institutional visit in the province of Varese with stops at the Sacro Monte of Varese — listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site — and at the main cultural hubs: Villa Panza and the MaGa Museum. The visit aimed to evaluate tourism potential, conservation needs and local enhancement projects.

Key points of the visit

• Sacro Monte of Varese: a devotional route of about 2 km with 14 chapels that blends religious, artistic and landscape value; a central asset for cultural and religious tourism.
• Villa Panza: a centre of excellence for contemporary art, important to diversify the cultural offer and attract international audiences.
• MaGa Museum: a place for dialogue between institutions, local authorities and associations to align cultural policies with territorial needs.

Tourism data and outlook

Official 2025 figures show growth for the province of Varese with over 1.8 million arrivals and more than 3.2 million overnight stays, with international tourists accounting for over 67% of stays. Many visits occur outside the provincial capital, concentrated in natural areas and historic towns, highlighting opportunities to develop year-round offers linking nature, art and religious heritage.

Planned actions

• Restoration and conservation projects for UNESCO-recognised assets.
• Funding agreements for cultural infrastructure, visitor services and theatres.
• Development of integrated tourist routes connecting lakes, villages, religious sites and museums.

Practical information for visitors

Access: the Sacro Monte is easily walkable. Check opening times and guided visit availability before you go.

Tips: visit during less crowded hours, combine visits (lakes, Villa Panza, MaGa) and consider sustainable mobility options to fully enjoy the landscape and cultural context.

Address: Viale del Santuario, Via Prima Cappella, 21100 Varese (VA), Italy.

Coordinates: 45.8511647, 8.7961865