Gazzada Schianno: Villas, Art and Nature in the Lombard Hills

Between the Lombard plain and the foothills of the Alps

Gazzada Schianno lies in a transition zone between the upper Lombard plain and the moraine-shaped hills leading towards the foothills of the Alps. This change shapes the character of the area: historic villas, churches, art and nature are the main themes for planning your trip here. If you choose a hotel in Gazzada Schianno, you will have a starting point for a stay that combines cultural discoveries and landscape experiences.

Landscape and panoramic views

Gazzada Schianno is part of the Rile-Tenore-Olona Nature Park. Crossed by the three watercourses of the same names, the natural area covers more than 1,000 hectares and extends across the territories of several municipalities. The tower of Villa De Strens offers a particularly striking view of the surroundings: from there, Lake Varese and the Monte Rosa mountain range can be seen. The landscape can therefore be experienced both through its distinctive natural features and from a broad viewpoint.

Villas, churches and paintings

Villa Cagnola was built in the first half of the 18th century by the Perabò family on a hill in a panoramic position. The Museo di Villa Cagnola displays paintings on canvas and wooden panels from the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries. Most of the works are by Tuscan and Lombard painters.

In Schianno, the Chiesa di San Giorgio preserves a series of frescoes by Isidoro Bianchi da Campione, as well as a high-quality Madonna del Latte from the 15th century. The Chiesa dei Santi Cosma e Damiano dates from the 10th century and adds to this insight into the area's older ecclesiastical history.

The Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta was consecrated on 27 June 1574 on the occasion of Carlo Borromeo's pastoral visit. In his will dated 18 March 1488, Antoniotto Ghiringhelli ordered that an oratory dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Assunta, should be built in Gazzada. Villa De Strens provides a more recent architectural accent: Marchese Emilio De Strens had it built in the Liberty style at the beginning of the 20th century; it was probably completed in 1907.

Families, summer and local cuisine

Parco Villa De Strens has a play trail open to everyone. The park entrance and car park are accessible to people with disabilities. A visit can therefore also be considered from the perspective of family-friendly planning and accessibility.

The “Musica in Villa Cagnola” cultural series at Villa Cagnola in Gazzada Schianno was designed as an annual summer event; its 48th edition was announced for 2025. Gazzada Schianno's summer programme also included a Risottata Gigante organised by the Pro Loco in Parco Villa De Strens.

Getting there and choosing your location

For your schedule planning, the published timetable from 14 June to 12 December 2026 lists departures of line S5 from Gazzada-Schianno-Morazzone station to Varese. When choosing a hotel in Gazzada Schianno, you can tailor your stay to your interests: villas and religious art, nature and views, or a visit with a play trail and accessible park entrance. The different themes give your individual trip to Italy a clearly recognisable cultural and scenic focus.

Other places

Orino, Leggiuno, Monvalle, Cittiglio, Maccagno, Campagnano, Travedona-Monate, Ceriano

For the higher-level travel overview: Varese.