Gazzada Schianno: Villas, Art and Nature

Villas, Art and Nature in Gazzada Schianno

Villa Cagnola was built by the Perabò family in the first half of the 18th century on a hill in a panoramic location. 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. This allows you to combine your stay with art appreciation and architectural history.

The sacred sites also span several centuries. The Chiesa dei Santi Cosma e Damiano dates back to the 10th century. The Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta was consecrated on 27 June 1574 on the occasion of Carlo Borromeo's pastoral visit. As early as 18 March 1488, Antoniotto Ghiringhelli stipulated in his will that an oratory dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Assunta, should be built in Gazzada. For those interested in culture, the Chiesa di San Giorgio in Schianno complements the art collection of Villa Cagnola with a series of frescoes by Isidoro Bianchi da Campione and a high-quality 15th-century Madonna del Latte. Those interested in older architectural and church history will encounter various historical periods here.

Villa De Strens was built in the Liberty style by Marchese Emilio De Strens at the beginning of the 20th century and was probably completed in 1907. From the tower of Villa De Strens, you can see Lake Varese and the Monte Rosa mountain range. The estate includes Parco Villa De Strens, with a play trail open to everyone. The park entrance and car park are accessible to people with disabilities. This makes the site a place where architectural impressions are combined with a practical opportunity to spend time outdoors together.

Gazzada Schianno is also part of the Rile-Tenore-Olona Nature Park. Crossed by the three watercourses after which it is named, the natural area covers more than 1,000 hectares and extends across the territories of several municipalities.

For your mobility planning, the published timetable from 14 June to 12 December 2026 lists S5 departures from Gazzada-Schianno-Morazzone station to Varese. As part of the annual cultural programme, the 48th edition of Musica in Villa Cagnola was announced for 2025, an annual cultural series held at Villa Cagnola in summer. Gazzada Schianno's summer programme also included a Risottata Gigante organised by Pro Loco in Parco Villa De Strens.

More Destinations for Your Planning

If you would like to include destinations in addition to Gazzada Schianno, you can continue your selection here: Marnate, Reno, Brinzio, Besozzo, Comabbio, Corgeno, Castelveccana and Cuasso al Monte.

For the higher-level travel overview: Varese.