Marzio: Trails, Views and Local History

Marzio offers a range of ways to plan a trip that combines outdoor activities with an interest in local history. Several easy trails for trekking and walks start here and lead through the wooded surroundings to scenic viewpoints. There are also cycling routes immersed in nature, historic sites and long-standing customs. As you plan, you can decide whether to focus on walks, cycling, views or the history of the town.

Trails and Routes around Marzio

Several easy trails for trekking and walks start in Marzio and lead through the wooded surroundings to scenic viewpoints. Cycling routes through a landscape surrounded by nature are another option in the area. The named circular routes differ in their waypoints: the Monte Piambello viewpoint loop passes through Monte Derta and returns to Marzio from the south. The Belvederi di Monte Marzio loop can be walked north of the town.

Itinerary 4 runs from Marzio via Forcorella, Monte Piambello and Bocchetta dei Frati, then back to Marzio. A different route description concerns the Bocchetta Marzio-Stivioni route: take the gravel road to Piambello to reach Bocchetta dei Frati, then descend towards Marzio and come to a junction for Bocchetta Stivioni. These waypoints help distinguish the routes without combining their different courses into a single loop.

Viewpoints and Landscape

The viewpoints on Monte Marzio offer views of part of Lake Lugano and the mountains of Ticino. The named peaks on the horizon include Monte Lema, Denti della Vecchia and San Salvatore. From Monte Derta, the view stretches across Lake Lugano from Morcote through Brusimpiano to the Gulf of Agno. Those comparing viewpoints will find two specific perspectives here: one over the lake and mountains, and the other along a section of Lake Lugano.

Marzio is home to some of the trails in Parco Cinque Vette. The park extends for 14 kilometres between Monte Piambello, Monte Poncione, Val de’ Corni, Marzio and Monte Derta. These place and landscape names give an overview of the park’s extent; the trails in Marzio are one part of it.

Building History, Fortifications and Customs

The Chiesa di San Sebastiano Martire stands in the historic centre. It was built around 1740 on the site of an existing 16th-century chapel. Two dates are therefore important to the town’s building history: the earlier chapel and the later construction of the church. The fortifications of the Linea Cadorna are also part of Marzio’s history. They were strengthened from 1911 under the direction of the Milanese military engineers and extended until 1916.

Another way to explore local history is the historic Sentieri della Pace – Frontiera Nord walking trail, Route 4. It runs between Marzio and Cuasso al Monte and leads to trenches, communication trenches, machine-gun positions, and stone and concrete barracks. The route thus connects the two towns with visible military relics. The Linea Cadorna and the relics along the walking trail are distinct aspects of the area’s heritage, which you can consider separately as you explore the region.

Canto del Maggio follows a set sequence of events around 1 May. The day before, a flowering wild cherry branch is gathered and decorated with ribbons and bows. On 1 May, the boys carry the branch from house to house and sing Canto del Maggio, celebrating the arrival of the beautiful season. The feast of San Sebastiano follows a different custom: it takes place on the Sunday closest to the feast day and includes an afternoon Eucharistic procession through the streets of Marzio. The tradition also includes an auction of products donated by residents in support of the church.

Getting to Marzio

From Varese, you can reach Marzio via the SS 233 Varesina through Valganna, then along the Ghirla-Brusimpiano provincial road. An alternative road route leads from Ganna to Marzio via Boarezzo. There is also a public bus service between Marzio and Varese, with several journeys in each direction every day. If you plan to travel by bus, check the timetable before your trip so you can plan your arrival and departure accordingly.

Discover more destinations: Barasso, Angera, Musignano, Valganna, Brinzio, Arcisate, Tradate, Vergiate.

For the broader travel guide: Varese.