Continuing on the path, heading away from Villa Mirabello, you suddenly find yourself in the delightful Giardini Estensi, with the lovely Palazzo Estensi at its bottom.  Take your time, and stroll slowly through this beautiful park!  When it was first built, the Palazzo stood outside of the city walls.  Now, it is the centerpiece of this lovely city, and also home to municipal offices.  On the day that I visited, a Saturday, the place was full of couples getting married at the town hall.  Among the monuments lining the ground-floor entrance way of the Palazzo is one dedicated to Giuseppe Macchi — a hero of the Resistance.  After leaving the Palazzo, and its beautiful gardens, I decided to explore a bit more of the city.Villa Recalcati has had many different lives – first as a residence, then as a hotel, and now as the home of the Prefettura (Prefect’s office), of Varese.  The Schirannetta is a small church which dates from the 11th century.  The frescoes on the front of the building are beautiful, and make the effort it takes to find the structure well worth it!  Built in 1913, in the Liberty Style, the Grand Hotel towers over the city, sitting on top of a hill, as it does.  Originally built as a convent for Benedictine nuns, the Chiostro di Sant’ Antonio is now being used as private homes, and apartments.  The Chiesa della Madonnina in Prato was built in the 17th century.  While compact, it is beautiful, and the two “Telamoni” supporting the weight of the porch, help to give it a striking facade.  Il Cavedio is an art and music bar, located in the historical center of Varese.  It is a great spot for a drink before dinner, or after, for that matter!

Next up: more from Varese, including a visit to the Sala Veratti!

Note: this blog is written in English and Spanish, and the author takes no responsibility for the quality of any other translations which may appear.  If you have enjoyed this post, please check out our archives for more posts from Varese, as well as many other Italian destinations.  Grazie!