If you visit the area of Varese-Como visit the Monastery of Torba located in Gornate Olona,next to the Roman exacations of Casteseprio with other 6 sites since 2011 this ancient monastery is inscribed in the World Heritage List of UNESCO. Located in a picturesque verdant plateau next to a charming hill the area during the Roman Empire was used as adouane controlling the trade of agricultural products and goods on the road linking the region of Insubria to Switzerland and the Padana Valley.Under the Goths the complex was used as defensive area against invasions from East an North Europe.
After Lombard occupation,in the 8th century the building was transformed in a monastery of Benedcitine Nuns.The building had further transformations adding cells,a prayer hall and a small refectory.Later a church was built dedicated to the Virgin Mary.In the 15th century the monastery was abandoned and used by local farmers mainly for agricultural activities. The massive defense tower is about 18 meters high and is located in front of a plateau dominating the road leading to Gornate towards Castiglione Olona famous centre of the noble family Branda and the city of Varese.
Inside you can admire some traces of paintings dating back the early middle age depicting the nuns and other trligious figures.The complex is a great architectonic m
asterpiece and thanks to the FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italianan organisation very active preserving historical and cultural sites in Italy the monastery and the tower are well preserved.Worth a visit for its relevant historic value in a beautiful and picturesque environment,if you are in the area of Como and Varese the visit is very recommended.
Francesco Mari
www.turismo.regione.lombardia.it
www.prolocogornateolona.com
www.comune.gornateolona.va.it
www.cascinamartina.it
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