Barasso between Campo dei Fiori and Lake Varese

Barasso lies between the slopes of Campo dei Fiori and the shores of Lake Varese. This brings mountain scenery and lakeside landscapes together here. The result is a place that combines natural surroundings, sacred architecture and a long-standing artistic and craft tradition. Those planning a trip to Italy not only around landscapes but also around cultural themes will find several different points of interest in Barasso.

Landscape between mountains and lake

The Campo dei Fiori area, on whose slopes Barasso lies, is protected as part of the Campo dei Fiori Regional Park. This protected natural area forms the scenic setting of the town, while Lake Varese provides the second geographical reference point, without reducing Barasso to a single type of travel experience.

Churches and historic sites

The parish church of San Martino is located in the historic centre of Barasso and is dedicated to the patron saint San Martino. The old Church of Sant'Ambrogio, which dates back to the 11th century, is also located in the hamlet of Molina. The church stands on a gentle slope and offers panoramic views of Lake Varese.

The historic character of the town also includes the Casa del Sole. It is a former heliotherapy colony that was inaugurated in 1935. A park is attached to the Casa del Sole and lies within the Campo dei Fiori Regional Park. The building is intended for public and private events.

Art and the pipe-making tradition

Barasso was home to Fratelli Rossi, Italy's first industrial pipe manufacturer. The pipe-making tradition remains a defining feature of Barasso to this day. The town also has an artistic history: Barasso was home to Vittorio Tavernari, Herman Metelerkamp and Angelo Bertoglio, who had their studios there. Since 2007, the municipal project “Barasso in Arte” has brought art exhibitions and cultural exhibitions to Barasso almost every year.

Trails, sport and exercise

For a hike, Sentiero no. 10 can be reached via Via Al Piano. There is parking there for people coming from the town below. The Magister municipal sports centre has football pitches, padel courts and a refreshment area. Cycling is also associated with Barasso: the 104th edition of the Tre Valli Varesine cycling race passed through the town on 7 October 2025.

Festivals and cultural events

As part of the patron saint's festival, a traditional procession in honour of the Virgin Mary takes place in Barasso, organised by the parish of San Martino. The Festa dello Sport took place on 5 April 2025 at the Centro Sportivo Magister in Barasso. A pre-Christmas market for arts and crafts was announced for the Mercatino di Art-Hobbisti. Barasso also hosted the 25th edition of the Mercatino di Art-Hobbisti.

Further places for planning your trip: Taino, Gerenzano, Malgesso, Comabbio, Lonate Pozzolo, Carnago, Castello Cabiaglio, Dumenza.

To the higher-level travel overview: Varese.