Discover Gazzada Schianno

Gazzada Schianno lies in a transition zone between the upper Lombard plain and the moraine-shaped hill country that leads to the Pre-Alps. Villas, art collections and churches shape the town’s cultural character.

Landscape and natural environment

The Rile-Tenore-Olona Nature Park covers more than 1,000 hectares of natural land. It is crossed by the three waterways of the same name and extends across several municipalities. Gazzada Schianno is part of this park.

Villas and art collections

Villa Cagnola was built in the first half of the 18th century by the Perabò family on a hill in a panoramic setting. The collection at the Museo di Villa Cagnola includes paintings on canvas and wooden panels from the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries; most of the works are by Tuscan and Lombard painters. The collection thus brings together a span of three centuries and two regional painting traditions. For travellers interested in historical painting, it is a distinctive cultural highlight.

Churches and art in the town

The Chiesa dei Santi Cosma e Damiano dates from the 10th century. The Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta was consecrated on 27 June 1574 during the pastoral visit of Carlo Borromeo. In Schianno, the Chiesa di San Giorgio preserves a series of frescoes by Isidoro Bianchi da Campione, as well as a fine 15th-century Madonna del Latte. The history of sacred architecture and art therefore spans the Middle Ages through the 16th century. In addition, in his will dated 18 March 1488, Antoniotto Ghiringhelli stipulated that an oratory dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Assunta, should be built in Gazzada.

Villa De Strens and its park

At the beginning of the 20th century, Marchese Emilio De Strens had Villa De Strens built in the Liberty style; it was probably completed in 1907. From the villa’s tower, you can see Lake Varese and the Monte Rosa mountain range. The play trail in Parco Villa De Strens is open to everyone. By comparison, Villa Cagnola, from the first half of the 18th century, represents a considerably earlier phase of construction than Villa De Strens.

Cultural events and rail connections

The 48th edition of the annual summer cultural series Musica in Villa Cagnola was announced for 2025. If you would like to plan a future trip around it, check the dates in advance.

The published timetable for 14 June to 12 December 2026 lists departures on line S5 from Gazzada-Schianno-Morazzone station to Varese. Timings may change due to service alterations or maintenance work, so check the connection for your travel date.

Discover more destinations: Colmegna, Albizzate, Valganna, Luino, Musignano, Castelveccana, Reno, Leggiuno

For the wider travel overview: Varese.