Vararo: Mountain Village, Church History, Trails and Goat Cheese

Vararo is a mountain hamlet of Cittiglio located at an altitude of 750 m, whose old town centre has largely preserved its original mountain-village architecture. Cort di Ratt conveys an old-world atmosphere. Together, these features shape the character of the village: Vararo reveals itself through its organically developed village structure, historic details and trails into the mountain landscape. This creates a destination where culture, nature and local specialities come together within a closely connected thematic setting.

San Bernardo and the History of the Village

The church of San Bernardo in Vararo is at the heart of the village’s ecclesiastical history. In 1755, it was still a subsidiary church of Cittiglio; by 1769, it had already been established as a parish church. The church was rebuilt in 1796 after the older chapel had fallen into poor and dilapidated condition. Above the portal, a fresco of Saint Bernard dating approximately from 1870 can be seen. The short bell tower houses the bells from the demolished Church of San Giulio in Cittiglio. The sequence of subsidiary church, parish church and new construction thus spans the period from 1755 to 1796. San Bernardo therefore allows several historical developments and specific architectural testimonies to be traced directly on site.

Hike to Monte Nudo

For a walking tour, the circular route begins in Vararo at an altitude of 725 m and initially heads towards Monte Crocetta, which reaches 1117 m. It then continues via the paragliding launch area to Monte Nudo, which reaches 1235 m. The walking time is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. The approximate walking time of 2 hours and 15 minutes provides a clear timeframe for planning the day; the elevation figures complement it by indicating the route across the mountain terrain and its ascents.

Pizzoni di Laveno Route and Rose Garden

Another way to experience the surrounding area on foot is the Pizzoni di Laveno route. It leads to Passo Barbè, which is considered a panoramic ridge point. Along the route, the Vararo rose garden is well worth a visit. For hike planning, Passo Barbè and the rose garden can be regarded as two different destinations on the same route.

Orchids in Val Buseggia

The meadows of Val Buseggia are also part of the natural landscape around Vararo. They are home to several occurrences of the rare orchid Ophrys apifera. For visitors interested in nature, this occurrence adds a clearly defined botanical theme to the hiking trails and historic village scenery.

Goat Cheese from Vararo

A special culinary aspect of the village is associated with the company Capre e Cavoli. Founded in 2002, the company is located in the hollow of Vararo, a mountain hamlet of Cittiglio situated at an altitude of 750 m, and produces and sells fresh and matured cheeses made exclusively from processed raw goat’s milk. Among other products, Capre e Cavoli produces and sells Bacio di Vararo and Caciotta del Sasso del Ferro in Vararo.

To the main travel overview: Laveno-Mombello.