Castelveccana: Rocca, Art and Excursions

Caldè in Castelveccana between Rocca, rocky promontory and lakeside village

Caldè is the most important lakeside village in Castelveccana and lies below the rocky promontory of the same name. On the headland of Rocca di Caldè stands a lighthouse tower, erected in the 1920s as a memorial to those who fell in all wars. Rocca di Caldè itself was destroyed in 1513 during the conflicts between the dukes of Milan and the Swiss.

The Parco di Caldè in Castelveccana is home to disused lime kilns that bear witness to an old craft and industrial economy. The old lime kilns of Castelveccana were in operation from 1200 until the beginning of the 19th century. The Oratorio Sant'Antonio al Monte dates back to the 11th century and stands on a panoramic terrace.

Museum, Sarigo and sacred architecture

The Museo Etnografico di Castelveccana displays household objects and tools used by generations of farmers and craftspeople. The museum was founded in 2000. This gives culture enthusiasts access not only to the historic outlying areas but also to a museum connected with rural and craft life.

Sarigo is an art village. Every summer, it hosts the event series “Sotto gli archi di Sarigo”. The programme includes painting and photography exhibitions as well as gatherings devoted to poetry, theatre and music. The covered historic washhouse of Sarigo contains ceramic bas-reliefs depicting events from the history of the village.

An original part of the Chiesa dei Santi Apostoli Pietro e Paolo dates back to the 13th century, while its present appearance was created through an extension carried out between 1760 and 1780. The church contains a carved pulpit and a high altar against the wall with gilded stucco; both date from the mid-17th century.

Cycling tour, hiking trail to Cascata della Froda and sailing school

A cycling tour leads through the districts of Caldè, Nasca and Sarigo to the Cascata della Froda. The route passes old washhouses, mills and waterways.

The hiking trail to Cascata della Froda begins in Nasca, a district of Castelveccana, and takes about 30 minutes. For planning the day, this duration remains an approximate guide. Another path leads to the Chiesetta di Santa Veronica in just a few minutes. The two paths therefore differ considerably in terms of the time required.

At Circolo Nautico Caldè, an FIV-recognized sailing school offers five-day intensive courses as well as weekend courses. The two formats differ in their planned duration and therefore provide different time frames for planning a stay.

Spiaggia 5 Arcate and other destinations

Spiaggia 5 Arcate in Castelveccana is a beach with free access.

Other destinations for regional orientation include Germignaga, Samarate, Arcisate, Olgiate Olona, Busto Arsizio, Casciago, Malnate and Brebbia.

To the higher-level travel overview: Varese.