The Medieval tower, 15th century main building and the 18th century wing surrounded by the impressive garden consist the present outlook of Masnago Castle.
steps at Masnago Castle
The oldest documents mention the 15th century castle as the property of Castiglioni family. Castiglioni owned the castle till the beginning of the 20th century, when it became the property of
Angelo Mantegazza, and later the Panza family,who sold it to the town Varese in 1981. After the couple of years the castle became open to public and since 1995 hosts the permanent exhibition of ‘Modern and Contemporary Art of Varese’.
To see are the sculptures, paintings and photographs of Lombardian artists,the oldest works are from sixteen century. The names of the artists include : Legnaghi, Veronesi, Fontana, Procaccini, Federico Bianchi, Hayez, Bertini and Balla.
From the 15th century are left the tower and the main building, rebuilt and enlarged by the wing in 18th century. The vaultings in several rooms of the main building feature the original frescoes from mid 15th century painted in ‘International’ Gothic style.
Opening Hours
closed on Mondays
( 2 nov – 31 may): 9.30 – 12.30 and 14.00 – 17.30
( 1 jun – 31 oct): 10.00 – 12.30 and 14.30 – 18.30
Castello di Masnago
42 Via Cola di Rienzo,
Varese,VA
Phone : 0332-820409
[ photo courtesy of maxalari]
