- ROCCHE, CASTELLI, FORTIFICAZIONI
- CHIESE, SANTUARI, LUOGHI E PERCORSI SACRI
Castelveccana
The Municipality of Castelveccana (located some 30 km from Varese and 10 km from Luino) has the ideal conditions for an outdoor tour or stay surrounded by nature. This peaceful place and its rich scenery and favourable climate make it a popular tourist destination in the summer. The main activities (floriculture and tourism) help preserve and protect the integrity of this environment, where it’s still possible to go for a relaxing stroll in an idyllic setting against the surrounding mountains.
History of Castelveccana
The territory was inhabited as early as the Iron Age, as shown by numerous archaeological finds. The settlement developed in the Roman period and flourished in the Middle Ages, when a castle (Rocca di Caldè) was built here. It was besieged in 963 by Otto I of Saxony. The building remained intact but was destroyed by the Swiss 500 years later.
The administrative municipality of Castelveccana was established in 1928 through the administrative merger of the two municipalities Castello Valtravaglia, on the lake, and Veccana, located a little further up. Today, the town is home to just over 2,000 people who live on the shores of Lake Maggiore and in the hinterland - an area dotted by modern villas surrounded by luxurious gardens with a breathtaking view.
Things to see in Castelveccana
The area has several interesting sacred buildings dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries: the Parish Church of San Pietro, Sant’Antonio hermitage, the small Romanesque Church of San Giorgio in the hamlet of Sarigo, and the San Martino bell tower. However, the Santa Veronica Sanctuary was built later. It’s enhanced with valuable frescoes and stands out against the rocca offering visitors a charming view.
Curiosities in Castelveccana
The Municipality of Castelveccana has 11 hamlets: Bissaga, Caldè (located on the coast with a truly quaint marina), Castello, Nasca, Orile, Pessina, Rasate, Ronchiano, Saltirana, San Pietro and Sarigo.
Although the castle was knocked down in 1513, Caldè still remained important due to its precious lime, which provided an important source of income for inhabitants. It was processed in the picturesque kilns. They are no longer in use, can only be seen from the lake (as they are on private land) and are slowly falling apart.
