Brunello Among Church Art and Cycling Tours

Brunello Among Church Art and Landscapes

Brunello combines sacred architectural history, art connected to the local area and a cycling tour with sweeping views over the Valbossa. The Church of Santa Maria Annunciata was probably built between the 13th and 14th centuries. The church square of Santa Maria Annunciata offers a viewpoint over the Valbossa, with views ranging from Lake Varese to the Monte Rosa massif. The church square is also the starting point for the 20-kilometre cycling tour. At Santa Maria Annunciata, architectural history, views of the landscape and the beginning of the cycling route thus come together.

San Rocco: Portal and Painting

The entrance portal of the Church of San Rocco bears the year 1684. The Church of San Rocco also houses G. B. Crespi’s painting “The Deposition”. The year is displayed on the portal, while the painting is inside the church. San Rocco therefore brings together a dated exterior architectural detail and a specific work inside the church. Together with Santa Maria Annunciata, San Rocco is one of the sacred buildings that shape Brunello’s local history.

The “Paese dipinto”

The “Paese dipinto” concept was expanded to include further works of contemporary and modern art. Mario Alioli, Deangelo, Gendini, Enzo Lucenz and Robustelli were the first to take part in the initiative. In Brunello, the addition of contemporary and modern works stands alongside the sacred church buildings. Those interested in churches and art from different periods will therefore find two clearly distinct cultural themes in Brunello.

Casa Pozzi and the History of the Mulberry Trees

Casa Nobile, now Casa Pozzi, was a holiday home rather than the main residence of its owners. Casa Pozzi is home to large, centuries-old mulberry trees. Silkworms were once bred on them; in the past, silkworms could also be found and bought there. The former name Casa Nobile and the present name Casa Pozzi refer to the same house. The mulberry trees are connected with a former use that is part of Casa Pozzi’s history.

A Cycling Tour with Clear Planning Details

The 20-kilometre cycling tour starts in Brunello at the Church of Santa Maria Annunciata. Its stated duration is 1 hour and 15 minutes. The route is almost entirely paved and is considered not difficult, apart from an approximately two-kilometre section with a maximum gradient of 8 percent. Those fitting the tour into their daily schedule can consider the stated duration and total distance together and treat the climb as a separate section. In a day’s itinerary with additional stops, the 20 kilometres and 1 hour 15 minutes can be reserved as a separate time block. The climb is considered separately because it affects only an approximately two-kilometre section.

Live Music in Historic Locations

In 2026, Brunello will host an event in the long-running concert series “Musica nelle Residenze Storiche”. The series highlights historic villas, manor houses and places of artistic and historical significance in the province through live music. The event in Brunello is therefore part of a format that connects music with historic locations in the province. In addition to churches, works of art and local history, culture enthusiasts will also find a specific concert connection for 2026.

Discover More Places

For your further travel planning in Italy, you can also find Case Nuove, Porto Ceresio, Germignaga, Induno Olona, Albizzate, Olgiate Olona, Castronno and Musignano.

For the higher-level travel overview: Varese.