Varese, the Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore, the Varese valleys, and the main towns of the province are rich in cultural heritage: below you will find the cultural sites where all your four-legged friends are welcome without restrictions, as well as those that admit only the smaller ones!
CULTURAL SITES WITH NO RESTRICTIONS
- Volandia Flight Park and Museum – a wonderful exhibition route that leads visitors into the depths of the history of international aviation. Your four-legged friends are welcome along this route, with access to all areas of the museum except the children’s area.
- Diga del Panperduto – a true gem of industrial hydraulics. Former gatehouse of the Panperduto Dams’ hydraulic warden. You can be accompanied by your four-legged friends while discovering the secrets of industrial hydraulics—don’t forget the leash!
- Via Francisca del Lucomagno – an ancient Roman–Lombard route that starts in Central Europe and reaches Pavia, also crossing the Province of Varese. The stretch most loved by little dogs? The one that runs from the Maglio di Ghirla to the Abbey of Ganna.
- Frera Motorcycle Museum – the museum preserves the history of the Frera Motorcycle company. There are no restrictions for your four-legged friends, apart from the requirement to keep them on a leash.
- Estensi Gardens – once the court of Francesco III d’Este, Duke of Modena and Lord of Varese, today the seat of the Town Hall. The gardens surrounding the palace are among the most enchanting Italian-style public parks. Dogs are allowed in the gardens, and there is a dedicated area for them near the mini golf course.
- Schiaparelli Astronomical Observatory – located on the peaks of Campo dei Fiori and considered an important international scientific center; dogs are allowed if kept on a leash.
- Tactile Museum – hosts a collection of wooden tactile models reproducing aspects of landscape, architecture, art, archaeology, and design. Dogs are welcome if kept on a leash.
- Villa Toeplitz – built on a hill at the foot of the Sacro Monte. Its park is spectacular and considered one of the most beautiful in Italy. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
- Villa Torelli Mylius – founded in the 18th century and originally owned by the Jesuit Fathers of Varese. Today, only the villa’s park can be visited, and it includes an area entirely dedicated to dogs.
CULTURAL SITES WITH NO RESTRICTIONS FOR SMALL DOGS
- Visconti Castle of San Vito – a castle dating back to the 13th century, inhabited by the Visconti family since 1251. Your dogs will be excellent companions and are also welcome inside the castle rooms if kept on a leash and of small/medium size.
- Lodovico Pogliaghi House Museum – the home and atelier of the eclectic 20th-century artist, a villa designed by Lodovico Pogliaghi and now a museum. Small four-legged friends are welcome if carried in your arms.
- Masnago Castle – a medieval fortress now home to historical and artistic collections featuring important works by modern Lombard painters. You may be accompanied on your visit by your smaller dogs; remember to carry them in your arms.
- Villa Cicogna Mozzoni – an architectural complex that hosts concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events; the villa can be visited with small dogs if they are carried in your arms.
- Castiglione Olona and the Branda Castiglioni Civic Museum – the village of Castiglione has ancient origins and is a wonderful place to visit. Along the way, stop by the Branda Castiglioni Museum: small dogs are allowed if carried in your arms.
- Baroffio Museum – a museum for those who wish to learn about the history of Santa Maria del Monte through the beauty of Romanesque sculptures and precious miniatures. The Baroffio Museum is a true treasure chest of art. Small dogs are allowed if carried in your arms.
- Textile Museum – a museum that collects and preserves information on the local textile industry; dogs are allowed only on a leash. Breeds classified as dangerous must also wear a muzzle.
- Villa Mirabello – built in the 18th century on the top of the hill of the same name, it enjoys a splendid view overlooking the lake and the Alpine chain. The villa currently houses the Civic Museums. Only small dogs are allowed, and they must be carried in your arms.
- Fisogni Museum – discover the world’s most complete collection of antique gasoline pumps and over 6,000 objects related to motoring, industrial design, and major oil companies together with your faithful friend. Only small dogs are allowed.
CULTURAL SITES WITH RESTRICTIONS
- Borromean Islands – the archipelago of the Borromean Islands is located on Lake Maggiore and consists of Isola Madre, Isola Bella, and Isola dei Pescatori. Your four-legged friends can accompany you during the boat ride and on the islands, but they are not allowed in the parks or inside the palaces. Only guide dogs for the visually impaired are permitted inside.
- Torba Monastery – a late Roman military outpost that later came under the rule of the Goths and Lombards, Torba became a peaceful place of prayer and work for Benedictine nuns. Dogs are allowed in the park if kept on a leash, while inside the buildings, to protect and preserve the heritage, only guide dogs and certified assistance dogs for people with disabilities are permitted, always on a leash.
- Sacro Monte of Varese – a historic and artistic jewel of the Varese area, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Dogs are allowed along the Viale delle Cappelle if kept on a leash; in the museums, small dogs can enter if carried in arms, while larger dogs must stay outside during the visit. Dogs are not allowed in the Sanctuary.
- Villa della Porta Bozzolo – built in the 16th century as a country residence, later became a noble representative home and was expanded with a large Italian-style garden, one of the most majestic and harmonious green architectural creations surviving in Italy today. Dogs are allowed in the park if kept on a leash. Inside the villa, to protect the heritage and collections, only guide dogs and certified assistance dogs for people with disabilities are permitted, always on a leash. Villa della Porta Bozzolo offers Bauadvisor, a service allowing visitors to leave their dogs with qualified staff at the entrance for the duration of the visit. The service is managed by professional dog handlers, ensuring both a peaceful experience for visitors and proper care for the animals. Advance booking is required at least 48 hours in advance.
- Villa and Panza Collection – surrounded by a beautiful park and overlooking the city of Varese, it now houses over a hundred works by contemporary artists, along with rich furnishings and an important collection of African and Pre-Columbian art. Dogs are allowed on a leash only in the park. Villa and Panza Collection also offers Bauadvisor, a service allowing visitors to leave their dogs with qualified staff at the entrance for the duration of the visit. The service is managed by professional dog handlers. Advance booking is required at least 48 hours in advance.
* Information provided by each institution. For any specific needs, please refer directly to the relevant site.
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