Castronno: Architectural Heritage, Rock Carvings and Paths

Castronno is a destination for travellers who want to combine Italian architectural heritage, traces of the past and paths through the municipal area. Between Castellazzo, several churches, the rock carvings near the Massi incisi and the Via Mazzini–Piave cycle and footpath, there are various starting points for planning your day.

Historic Buildings and Rock Art

Castellazzo is a fortified farmhouse with a courtyard, portico and a tower with a square floor plan dating from the 13th century. The building also includes a tall passage tower with a pointed arch, exposed masonry and an upper loggia. The bifora windows with small columns, now partly bricked up, complete the architectural picture.

The Massi incisi in the Roncaccio locality contain rock carvings in the Monte Roncaccio area of the Bòsc di Sàss. The rock art probably belongs to the Golasecca culture or is somewhat older. On the Masso del Guerriero, the most important carving depicts a stylised figure; the associated line may represent a spear.

Churches from Different Periods

The façade of the Chiesa parrocchiale dei Santi Nazaro e Celso combines an eclectic style with elements of the Italian Renaissance and Romanesque influences. Above the portal is a valuable old pipe organ. The church is also accessible to people with mobility impairments.

The Chiesa SS. Pietro e Paolo was built between 1964 and 1966 at the request of the local community of Cascine Maggio. The Chiesa di Sant’Alessandro is single-naved and comprises four bays; its interior has a flat round-arched or segmental vault and a semicircular apse. A chapel dedicated to Saint Alessandro in the Castronno area is dated to 1250 and attributed to Goffredo da Bussero at the end of the 13th century.

The construction dates therefore range from the 13th-century Castellazzo to the construction of the SS. Pietro e Paolo between 1964 and 1966.

Park, Path and Public Square

The park adjoining Villa Puricelli covers more than one hectare and is home to a monumental copper beech. At the same time, the villa currently has significant structural problems.

The Via Mazzini–Piave cycle and footpath runs through the municipal area of Castronno. It can be used free of charge on foot or by bicycle; it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The Anfiteatro Piazza del Comune, on the other hand, is also accessible to people with mobility impairments. It is available to the community and is frequently used for public events and rallies.

When planning your day in Castronno, you can consciously choose your focus: architectural forms and church history, rock carvings, a free-to-use path or the community-oriented amphitheatre.

For further travel planning, you can also visit Agra, Ranco, Capolago, Tradate, Germignaga, Cislago, Brezzo Di Bedero and Casorate Sempione.

To the main travel overview: Varese.