Two hundred years ago Varese was promoted to the status of city by royal decree. The decree was issued on 14^th June 1816, and the announcement was made on 6^th July.
An honorary committee with representatives of the city, and an organising committee made up of leading figures associated with city life and heritage have been tasked with organising and producing a busy calendar of events and initiatives.
The city will also pay tribute to the illustrious figures that were either born in or associated with Varese, such as Verdi and Giuseppina Grassini. Many projects are in the pipeline, including scientific and cultural conferences and congresses, but there will also be plenty of opportunity for everyone in the city to get involved thanks to festivals and other entertainment.

INITIATIVES:

• “Local TV stations and a focus on Rete 55” conference: 6 p.m. on Wednesday, 4^th May 2016, in the Salone Estense;

• Historical and cultural conferences to celebrate “Varese’s 200 years as a city”;

• Photographic exhibition: VARESE, ITS CASTLERIES AND DISTRICTS. 1816-2016, TRADERS’ STORIES

The initiative is managed by the Varese’s City Council’s Department for Tourism, Trade and Marketing in conjunction with the District Trade organisation in Varese, and requires local traders to display period photographs either in their windows or inside their shops between 7^th May and 9^th July 2016 that show how the area has changed since 1816, when Varese was recognised as a city. The aim is to ensure that everyone feels included in these bicentennial celebrations and marks this important occasion.