OLONA VALLEY Discovering gastronomic and turistic riches of this area

OLONA
VALLEYDiscovering gastronomic
and turistic riches
of this area
English

TerraVIVA
Gastronomic and turistic guide of Olona Valley.
Published between January and March 2015.
The project war carried uot by:
Marco Cocchianella
terraviva@distrettomedioolona.com
Financed by:
Camera di Commercio di Varese
Distretto del Commercio del Medio Olona
ASCOM Servizi Busto Arsizio.
Photos by:
Marino bianchi
inopat@alice.it
discover Terraviva Online
www.distrettomedioolona.com/Terraviva
also available in EN, DE, RU

ICONS
LEGEND
FOOD AND
BEVERAGE
MORE
INFORMATION
TRANSFORMER
AND PRODUCER
Restaurateur
Restaurateur
Pizzeria
Agriturism
Fry Shop
Pub & Bar
Cocktail Pub

Beer Pub

Wine Bar
Caffè / Bar

Beer Shop
Transformer
Bakery
Patisserie
Butchery
Fishmonger
Gastronomy Shop
Ice-cream parlour
Producer
Farm

Plantation

Brewery

Coffee Shop

Town
Information

Spotlight
Curiosity
Tagline
Riference
€€€ Price Category

1
1
INDEX
CONTENTS
Medio Olona and Terraviva
The Olona Valley
Gastronomy and Tradition
Towns
Cairate
Fagnano Olona
Gorla Maggiore
Solbiate Olona
Gorla Minore
Olgiate Olona
Marnate
Castellanza
Hotels, Bed&Breakfast
Transport, Service, Emergency
Partner and Acknowledgements
Poket Map
04
attachment
68
66
64
58
52
46
40
34
28
22
16
12
06

54
The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.
The same food on the plate of the other guests is more desirable.
Well, we don’t think so, let us explain why!
TerraVIVA aims at helping and stimulating people to rediscover the
history and beauty of the Olona Valley often hidden under fallacies
and false beliefs. The project has been made possible thanks to the
financial support of the Chamber of Commerce of Varese and the
Associazione Commercianti of Busto Arsizio but, above all, thanks to
the eight Municipalities of the Olona Valley which had the willpower
and vision to join together and create DIVO: Distretto del Commercio
del Medio Olona (Trade District of the Middle Olona). With this aim in
mind, TerraVIVA looks at its region, geography, history and traditions
with curiosity, greed, interest and passion. Cairate, Castellanza,
Fagnano Olona, Gorla Maggiore, Gorla Minore, Marnate, Olgiate Olona
and Solbiate Olona, the main characters of this guidebook, are reread
and rediscovered both from a tourism and culinary point of view and
as it happens with a tasty menu, whose dishes can be savoured and
known thoroughly, past and sense experiences will seduce you and
stick in your memory.
By promoting our culture, the surrounding areas and their heritage, by
raising the attention of citizens, shopkeepers and restaurateurs on this
topics we will be able to make our Valley more and more “appealing”
not only to our tourists but also to the inhabitants of the surrounding
cities and the citizenry itself.
TerraVIVA is a new, free, coloured guidebook which combines new
technologies with old tools: on the one side it is multimedia, free
downloadable and accessible on the Net; on the other side it is
graphically captivating, multilingual (IT, EN, DE and RU) and provided
with an easy-to-use pocket-sized map. A condensation of 68 pages
which allows us to relive and experience again the places where
we were born, the traditions we grew up with and the recipes which
warmed our heart... but it is also, and above all, a starting point, an
incentive to promote us, to broaden our culinary and geographical
knowledge in order to build closer relationships and connections
between our region and people who work and live in it.
Industrial Archaeology, Valmorea railway, Visconti and gentlemen
chefs, local and vegan recipes as well as places to visit in each town,
restaurants and shops: these are just a few things that you will find in
our guidebook.
MEDIO OLONA & TERRAVIVA
THE PROJECT
So, all you can do now is discover and enjoy it... the Olona Valley I
mean, not the guidebook!
Gastronomic
Culture
Territory and
Identity
Virtuous
Production Chain
Periodicity Service
Innovation
and Research
Marco Cocchianella
Creator and coordinator Terraviva project

98
The selected area reflects the situation of all districts at the foot of the
Prealps in Northern Italy: a very productive region from an economic
and above all industrial point of view thanks to the presence of
abundant water resources.
Most ofthe literature identifies the valley ofthe River Olona as one ofthe
cradles of the Italian industrialisation of the early 19th century. Along
the river the population could benefit from two intrinsic factors: the
motive power of the river and the entrepreneurship of the inhabitants.
This is the reason why the River Olona is commonly defined as river of
civilization. Its waters were particularly essential to the development
of the textile industry with its cotton mills, dyeing plants and
leather factories. The greatest growth occurred during the industrial
revolution but other important historical stages contributed to shape
its environment and culture too. Thanks to its hydrographic and
morphological features the Olona Valley has been a very flourishing
region since the iron age. This has resulted in a rich cultural heritage.
Historical and geographical overview
The River Olona is the main axis. It rises in the Prealps at a height
of 548 m above sea level, in the Rasa region. It flows for 71 km
through the Olona Valley and the Plain north of Milan until it flows
into the southern stretch of the River Lambro. As a consequence of
the outbreak of the Second World War and the economic boom, the
river Olona became one of the most polluted river in Northern Italy. Yet,
since the 70s, thanks to the crisis of the manufacturing industry and
the first river rehabilitation works, an important improvement in water
quality and a new environmental interest have been noticed. The river,
which represented the main resource for the manufacturing plants in
the past, can be the main character of an eco-friendly development
project today. The Olona Valley houses 14 municipalities: Castiglione
Olona, Lozza, Vedano Olona, Castelseprio, Cairate, Gorla Maggiore,
Gorla Minore, Solbiate Olona, Marnate, Olgiate Olona, Lonate Ceppino,
Fagnano Olona, Gornate Olona and Castellanza. This group of towns
and cities is also known as “Ambito del Medio Olona” (TN: area around
the central part of the River Olona). Due to the presence of many
woodlands, agriculture has never played an important role in this area.
The region is currently characterized by only few small farms dealing
with the direct cultivation of no more than 6 hectares each. On the
contrary the industries of the Olona Valley experienced not only a local
development: indeed the industrial history of this area has been one of
THE OLONA VALLEY
THE AREA
the most significant in Italy. From an historical point of you the textile
industry was the most successful branch thanks to the presence of
the river. In the early 20th century so many cotton mills developed
in this region that a new infrastructure, the train of Valmorea, was
inaugurated. This railway line, opened in 1904, connected each town
of the valley to the one after, thus reaching also Switzerland. Its tracks
ran parallel to the River Olona and it soon became an important axis
comparable to the river.
On the one hand the crisis of important productive sectors along the
River Olona since the mid-seventies has created social problems,
on the other hand it has fostered the river rehabilitation process
leading to a general improvement of the surrounding environment.
This new attention paid since the 60s/70s to environmental issues
has developed gradually in systematic interventions aimed at
rehabilitating the river and more generally at finding a correct balance
between development and environment.
Today the route of the river offers us the possibility not only to visit
the old industrial areas with their now-closed factories, but also to
rediscover the natural beauty of the landscape and the great historical
and artistic heritage that the several communities preserve in their
towns.
Also on the Map of the Parish of Olgiate Olona, designed on the
occasion of the visit of Saint Charles probably occurred in 1582, the
River Olona is portrayed as key element of connection among the
several towns which stand along it, from its springs in the area of
Varese to Castellanza where its waters enter the Po Valley toward
Milan. (Corna Pellegrini, 1969).
by Luigi Roveda and Associazione
Ecomuseo della Valle Olona

1110
Industrial Archaeology
The area shows a great industrial heritage resulted from the economic
boom that the towns along the river experienced from the 18th century
onwards. Still today you can admire many watermills and farmsteads
built before the industrial revolution, when agriculture still played an
important role in the region. Between the 19th and 20th century the
infrastructures of the area multiplied exponentially so currently we
have the possibility to appreciate both the well-preserved industrial
heritage and the old neglected industrial buildings. Positive examples
are the promotion of the old Valmorea railway line with its castles
and the restoration of Cantoni, the ex-cotton mill of Castellanza,
which today houses LIUC – Carlo Cattaneo University. There are many
other finds of industrial archaeological interest which are waiting for a
new location but they are equally fascinating from an aesthetic and
cultural point of view. Many were the companies dealing with cotton
processing (Ponti Cotton Mill of Solbiate Olona, Enrico Candiani Cotton
Mill of Fagnano Olona, Schoch/Milani Cotton Mill of Castiglione Olona
and Luigi Candiani Cotton Mill of Olgiate Olona), paper processing
(Vita & Mayer paper mill of Cairate and Crespi Paper Mill of Castiglione
Olona) and plastic processing (Mazzucchelli of Castiglione Olona).
Particularly interesting are the watermills (or what’s left of them) along
the river such as Taglioretti Watermill of Lonate Ceppino, Bosetti/
Solmoiraghi Watermill of Fagnano Olona and Bianchi Watermill
also known as “Mulino del Sasso” of Olgiate Olona.These watermills
exploited the power of the River Olona, whose waters were extremely
regular during the year, in order to mill grain, a cereal cultivated in the
flat regions at the head of the valley.
By Associazione Ecomuseo
della Valle Olona.
Valmorea Railway
The idea of building a railway line along the Olona Valley arose at the
end of the 19th century when the first paper factories and many other
manufacturing plants in search for clean and abundant water settled
along the River Olona. In February 1900 the project of a single track
railway was presented. It branched off from the Novara-Saronno–
Seregno line in Castellanza and it reached Cairate and Lonate Ceppino.
The new Castellanza-Cairate-Lonate Ceppino train line was opened
on July,18th 1904. Twelve years later the tracks reached the border with
Walking or biking in the Valley
The first stretch of the cycle and
pedestrian path of the Olona Valley
was opened in spring 2006. Few
years later it connected Castellanza
to Castiglione Olona thus aiming
at reaching even Switzerland.
Today the path represents a
real axis developed exclusively
and entirely for pedestrians and
cyclists. For this reason a brief
guidebook “Ciclopasseggiando in
Valle Olona” (Going along the cycle
and pedestrian path of the Olona
Valley) has been published. It is an
useful tool to discover in complete
autonomy the towns standing along
the River Olona starting from this
path on the valley bottom, a helpful
suggestion not only for those who
already know it but also for tourists.
We are talking about a very simple
editorial project, developed by the
inhabitants of the area thanks to the
collaboration of the Ecomuseo della
Valle Olona together with institutions
and associations. The guidebook
is downloadable from the website
www.ecomuseovalleolona.it.
Switzerland and the Castellanza-Mendrisio line was inaugurated. Yet,
this cross-border railway was short-lived: the shortage of passengers
and the inability of developing a good freight service (because of the
unwillingness of the Italian authorities to sign an agreement between
the two countries for regulating the trade along the line) led to move
the train terminal to Valmorea from June,1st 1928 onwards. The
passenger service was discontinued in 1952. The freight service kept
on working, thus enabling the circulation of many trains direct to the
paper and chemical factories of Cairate and Castiglione Olona. In the
mid-seventies the first energy crisis and the decline in the cellulose
processing industry led to the shut down of large paper factories of
Cairate, Lonate Ceppino and Vedano Olona. The F.N.M. (railway network
north of Milan) declared the termination of the freight service. The last
train left on July, 16th 1977 to Castellanza.
In 1993 the “Club of San Gottardo”, an association of heritage railway
enthusiasts founded in the area of the River Ticino at the end of the
70s made an agreement with the Swiss Federal Railways in order to
manage the service of tourist trains from Mendrisio to Stabio. On that
occasion the suggested idea of opening the customs gate and let the
trains travel for a few metres on the Italian territory gained ground and
on September,12th 1993 the old customs gate was opened during
the demonstration “Treno senza frontiera” (train without borders), thus
allowing the two trains to cross the border. It was a matter of just few
metres but from that day on the project of restoring the old line was
launched. Year after year the work of the Swiss and Italian volunteers,
the support of local authorities, the funding by Regione Lombardia
(Lombardy Region), the Province of Como and Varese and F.N.M.
allowed to regain kilometres of line.Last stop was the inauguration of
the Malnate Olona station on May, 12th 2007. Currently the Valmorea
railway runs from Mendrisio to Malnate Olona for a total of 7.5
kilometres. All tracks on the Italian territory have been completely
renovated. After the inauguration of the Malnate Olona station, the
“Associazione Amici della Ferrovia Valmorea” (an association which
promotes the Valmorea railway line” is working to bring the train back
again to Castiglione Olona, in the Seprio County, up to Castellanza.
By Marco Baroni and Associazione
Amici della Ferrovia Valmorea.

1514
« You are truly seduced by a Menu when it feels like you have in your
hands a piece of history of a Country, a town, an event or a memory
that would otherwise be irremediably lost and that allows you to know
and understand what was eaten on a specific occasion ».
Livio Cerini di Castegnate
Talking about local products and traditional dishes in a region, the
Olona Valley, where the borders are almost invisible and the towns
seem to merge into a single large area, is quite difficult but if we read
texts in this regard and we talkwith restaurateurs and good food lovers,
a treasure of unique traditions, anecdotes and life stories comes to
light. This chapter offers you the possibility to become familiar with the
Lombard cuisine and our products: in the following pages you will find
recipes and some interesting information closely related to our Valley
and the surrounding area.
Recipes, suggestions, cooking methods, food presentation, Michelin
award winning chefs, sommeliers, gourmets, cutting edge chefs, food
critics etc...are always in the spotlight. They appear in many books,
magazines and on TV but... Who would be able to explain without
any difficulty and hesitation what gastronomy and good food culture
are? Meeting all people here mentioned, who daily deal with food and
beverage, is useful to discover, or better still, to rediscover old values
such as passion, the will to take a challenge everyday, a constant
research, the pleasure deriving from perpetual learning, the beauty
of creating new ideas and blends of flavours. The services and the
hospitality offered by our shopkeepers and restaurateurs have nothing
to do with the cold and impersonal relationship between a “consumer”
(once called “customer”) and the shopping centres or fast foods: for
example, the experience and passion of a supermarket butcher
who, through no fault of his own, has never seen and experienced
the whole cattle slaughtering process, will be obviously different and
more “superficial” as his task consists simply in selling pieces of
meat. Another similar example: a baker, or better still, a supermarket
baker who bakes many times a day ready-to-bake bread that he
receives from larger bread manufacturers. His job consists in an
almost machinelike activity, which is very different from the one of the
traditional baker (dialect word Prestinè) who, from the very beginning
of the day till the end, chooses the flours, kneads, checks, waits for the
cooking time, moves, shapes, checks again, waits again, divides the
dough and only if everything has been well done, he will put the bread
in the oven and will bake it!
GASTRONOMY AND TRADITION
FOOD
Magistero dei Bruscitti
A wine and food confraternity called
“Magistero dei Bruscitti di Busto
Grande” was founded in 1975 in
Busto Arsizio (around 7.5 kilometres
far from the Valley). The Magistero
aims at preserving and spreading
the traditional and rustic cuisine of
Busto as well as the culture of the
local dialect and traditions through
conferences, publishing initiatives
and its constant, active presence
in the life of the city. The history of
the Magistero, founded by Bruno
Grampa with the help, since the
very beginning, of Ernani Ferrario,
secretary for manyyears and current
Maestro, is full of significant events,
among which the most important
one is the “Gioebia”: on the last
Thursday of January a large number
of people meets to celebrate the end
of winter and the hope for a rebirth.
On that occasion an “evil old lady” is
burnt at the stake.
“Güsta, güsta ‘sta bundânza
e tramânda a nost’üsânza…!”
These are just two examples to summarize all stories and knowledge
hidden behind the food we daily cook and eat... For this reason we
invite you to read this guidebook and enjoy what food and conviviality
offer us everyday.
Visconte Livio Cerini from Castegnate: the gentlemen chef
Livio Cerini from Castegnate was without a doubt one of the most
significant, versatile and important personalities in the Olona Valley.
A man of noble birth who originally ran his family business but in
the course of time developed his passion for writing recipes which he
used to preface with a historical prologue or interesting anecdotes.
The peculiarity of his recipes consists in his efforts to maintain the
flavours. His “dictate” has always been: “If we want that food keeps
on preserving and maintaining its traditional flavour, it will have to
be cooked without changing its recipe”. Livio Cerini wrote: Il Cuoco
Gentiluomo (1980), very famous cookbook edited and printed many
times. Il Gentiluomo in cucina (1983); Il Libro del Baccalà (1986); La
Cucina delle Padrone di casa (1988), recipes collection of the time
when women were called “house angels”. Erté e Il Cognac (1990) edited
by Franco Maria Ricci for Courvoisier and translated into English (Erté
and Cognac) and Japanese. Menù tra Storia ed Arte (1991); A Tavola per
Amare (2000) and Gourmet Vegetariano per Carnivori (2002). Thanks
to his passion he was awarded many honours and prizes and he is
commonly remembered as the “Gentlemen Chef”.
« And he studied, he learnt, he discovered, he used to revise his texts
with humility and to prepare all necessary ingredients before starting
to cook; whereas I was the assistant chef: he didn’t move from the
cooker, but as a surgeon he demanded that all scalpels, knives,
spoons, forks as well as chopped vegetables, were ready. These last
ones had to be cut the way he wanted otherwise the assistant chef
was harshly rebuked because the result had to be simply astounding
in terms of presentation and taste and it was, I can assure you. Our
friends, who enjoyed his cuisine, still remember some recipes cooked
by Livio and the idea of foretasting some other dishes made their
mouth water. Once his recipes had been tasted he gave them a name.
For example the “Rognone alla Sophia Loren”, (veal kidney) which was
very soft and roseate. He used to ask the butcher to remove any fat;
otherwise, as he explained, it is better not to eat it».
Wilma Menotti Cerini, Livio Cerini’ wife.

19
18
WHERE TO EAT
AGRITURISMO IL PASCOLO
strada Vicinale dei Boschetti 4, 21050, Cairate / tel. 328 2522539 / €
Ideal place for having lunch with your family or dinner with your friends,
for spending a day in a natural and simple landscape far away from
the traffic of your city. You will savour homemade products as well as
specialities of the surrounding farms.
IL SALUMAIO
via Marconi 24, 21050, Cairate / tel. 348 2431785 / €€
Family shop selling selected meat from Piedmont and Tuscany. We
are specialized in traditional local products (mondeghili, bruscitt,
cassoeula). We sell also the typical “brusella” and other local
specialities.
LA CHICCA
via Molina 5, 21050, Cairate / tel. 346 6666386 / €
Handmade ice cream, bar and pastry shop: you can taste different
kinds of ice cream flavours also dedicated to the tourist attractions of
the town such as Manigunda flavour. Every day we prepare desserts,
croissants and pastries in our workshop.
LA TERRA DEGLI ULIVI
via Milano 7, 21050, Cairate, frazione Peveranza / tel. 347 5605605 / €€
Homemade desserts, Mediterranean cuisine, kamut flour and
sourdough pizzas, fixed price menu at lunch. We are closed on
Saturdays (lunch) andWednesdays. Please bookyourtable in advance.
CAIRATE
www.comune.cairate.va.it
TOWN
................................. 100 g.
.............................................................. 100 g.
............................................. 80 cl.
.................................... 30 g.
recipe
MACH
(chestnuts, honey
and rice soup)
first course
Ingredients
Dried chestnuts
Rice
Whole milk
Chestnut honey
A pinch of Salt
Method
Leave the chestnuts to soak in
water for about 12 hours. Peel them
and then boil them adding a pinch
of salt. Once cooked, crush them
roughly using a fork. Pour the milk
in a pot and boil. When milk starts
to boil, add the rice, chestnuts and
two tablespoons of honey. Lower the
heat and simmer for a further 18-20
minutes. Serve hot.
Some restaurants have transformed
it into a refined dessert: while the
soup is cooking, pour the caramel
into a wet pudding mould. Once the
rice is ready, pour it into the mould
with a ladle and let it rest in the
fridge for at least 8-12 hours. Turn
out the “pudding” and serve with
a sprinkle of cinnamon. Titbit: this
soup was used, without milk, to feed
pigs, it was called “a mach” food, that
is to say costless.
from www.valleolona.com
ABOUT
Cairate is a hilly town situated at the bottom of the Prealps. It stands
on a high ground overlooking the Olona Valley where the river with the
same name flows separating the territory of Cairate from the one of
Tradate.
The area of Cairate has a quite regular geometrical outline with a little
relevant altitude range which gives rise to a typical hilly landscape
once rich in vineyards but currently involved in the urban and housing
expansion process. The main villages belonging to the municipality of
Cairate are Bolladello and Peveranza.
Its main sources of income derive from the industry sector,
specialized in different branches, from the agriculture sector,
focussed on the production of cereals, wheat and cheese and from
the trade sector, which is linked to both activities. The industry sector is
mainly developed in the textile, food, woodworking, plastic items and
building materials branches. Chemical, metallurgical, mechanical
and manufacturer companies play an important role too: the last
ones are specialized in manufacturing furniture, toys and jewellery.
Quite relevant is the third sector too: among the services, software
provision has to be mentioned. Another well-developed sector is cattle
breeding (sheep, pigs and horses breeding).
SPOTLIGHTS
Monastero Benedettino di Santa Maria Assunta
Particularly significant is the presence of the Benedictine Monastery
of Saint Mary Assumed into Heaven, founded in 737 by the noble
Longobardic Manigunda who became a nun as a consequence of her
vow after being healed by the miraculous well of Bergoro. In the course
of time it became one of the most important monasteries in the North
of Italy. It owned three fourth of the area of Cairate and four mills, the
real economic and social core of the town. It was a fortified monastery
provided with a moat. The whole village was surrounded by a moat too:
until the 19th century along it there was the so-called “moats’ way”
which corresponded to the current streets via Bologna–Cairoli-Alberti-
Crosti. The monastery was the core of the political power: a functionary
was elected as leader of a small parliament composed of the heads
of the families of Cairate who, in the Middle Ages, met themselves at

20
regular intervals in order to make decisions about issues in common.
Emperor Frederick Barbarossa is said to have spent the night before
the famous Battle of Legnano (1176) in this monastery.
This historical complex includes the church and a big Late Gothic
cloisterofgreat architectural interest.The huge churchwas remodelled
many times: inside it you can admire a valuable series of frescoes
about the life of the Virgin Mary by Aurelio Luini (1571).
In 1796 the monastery was in a state of decay so it was sold to private
individuals who revolutionized the church and the cloister. Today
the whole complex belongs to the Province of Varese, which thanks
to several restoration projects, has enabled its first historical and
architectural recovery.
Santuario della Madonna di San Calimero
Situated in Bolladello of Cairate, the Shrine Church of Our Lady of Saint
Calimerius can be reached via a short uphill road which connects via
Cavour to the hill where the old building stands. The Shrine Church, as
it appears today, is the result of many enlargement and restoration
works. It dates back at least to the 13th century but the current building
shows three different construction stages. The oldest one, still visible
today in the eastern part ofthe church, dates back to 1470. Remarkable
is the eighteenth-century painting hanging above the altar which
portrays the Virgin nursing the Child. Unfortunately all works of art you
can admire today inside the church are copies. The original ones are
preserved elsewhere because of frequent thefts: perhaps the thieves
were looking for the legendary treasure that Frederick Barbarossa is
said to have hidden just near the old shrine church.
Monastero Santa Maria Assunta
Chiesa Santa Maria Assunta
Santuario della Madonna
di San Calimero
1
2
3
The stock
Our great-grandparents travelled for
pleasure much, much less than us.
The trip was a reasoned, scheduled
in advance and prepared in great
detail event [...]. The hotel [...] was a
definite place where you had to feel
comfortable and be treated better
than at your home. The access to
the hotel restaurant or to another
well-chosen place in that area was
like a rite, a ceremony [...].These
gentlemen in stiff collar, bowler or
boater hat, gaiters and capes were
accompanied by their wives in travel
dresses and boots with hundreds
of buttons, huge hats and veils. As
soon as they arrived to the hotel
they withdrew to their bedrooms,
they undressed, rested, refreshed
themselves, got dressed again
with great attention to details to
make their first entry into the Salle
à Manger. As soon as they sat down
they asked for a stock. This was just
to find some comfort after the efforts
and strains of the travel and to settle
their upset stomach after the train
or carriage journey. Actually, the real
reason was another one: the stock
was what we would call a test for
the hotel and it would have been the
same for another restaurant after a
few days. If the Bouillon clair or the
Consommè was well prepared and
well served they could be quiet for
the rest of the trip.
Taken from “Il gentiluomo in cucina”
(1983) by Livio Cerini
2
1
3

25
24
FAGNANO OLONA
www.comune.fagnanoolona.va.it
TOWN
WHERE TO EAT
ACQUERELLO
via Patrioti 5, 21054, Fagnano Olona / tel. 0331 611394 / €€, €€€
A meal becomes the occasion for making a taste experience and
discovering strange and odd mixes of flavours as well as simple
savours however characterised by a great attention to details and
first-rate raw materials.
RISTORANTE MENZAGHI
via San Giovanni 74, 21054, Fagnano Olona / tel. 0331 361702 / €€
Small, welcoming and pleasant restaurant. In winter a fireplace will
warm also your heart. We pay great attention to raw materials and
your comfort is our mission.
DOLCISSIMA BY FAVARO
via Tronconi 3, 21054, Fagnano Olona / tel. 0331 361950 / €€
In 2011 we opened our new shop, café and bar where our customers
can relax in a welcoming and elegant place sipping a cup of coffee,
tea or hot chocolate and tasting our pastries.
LA CORTE DEI SAPORI
via Cesare Battisti 55, 21054, Fagnano Olona / tel. 0331 619076 / €€
Situated in an eighteenth-century Visconti villa with a large park, our
restaurant is ideal for a romantic dinner or unforgettable celebrations.
Our main room is characterized by a coffered ceiling and fireplaces,
the meeting and party room is lit up by large windows.
................................................... 4
............................................. 4
..................................... 1 glass
..................................... 2 spoonfuls
recipe
VEAL KIDNEY
(MEATLOAF)
second course
Ingredients
Veal Kidneys
Slices of Rump
Marsala wine
Bouillon
White flour
Rosmary
Garlic
Pepper
Salt
Method
Rinse the kidneys carefully and after
having removed any fat and skin,
boil them in salted water for about
10 minutes. Brown with rosemary,
garlic and butter. Dust with white
flour and baste with bouillon and
Marsala wine. Add salt and pepper to
taste and continue to cook for 1 hour.
Once cooked, wrap immediately
each kidney in a slice of rump and
tie with kitchen string. Brown again
with herbs and spices until cooked.
Once the “meatloaf” is ready cut it
into about 1cm slices. Garnish with
diced potatoes cooked with butter
and parsley.
source
www.Ilvaresotto.it
ABOUT
The Roman origin of Fagnano Olona is proved not only by some
evidence found in its area but also by its toponym originated from the
Latin adjective Fannianus which refers to the family name Fannius.
Fagnano was part of the parish of Olgiate Olona. In a parchment of
1045 the Roman Emperor Henry III confirmed to the monastery of Saint
Dionysius in Milan that he owned some lands in this area. Fagnano
was an important fortified village of the Seprio County until the end of
the thirteenth century.
Dating back to early history are the Castello Visconteo (Visconti
Castle), two industrial buildings of particular interest (Pigni bleaching
company and Candiani cotton mill) and several places of worship
such as a fifteenth-century Shrine Church, a chapel, two oratories and
four churches.
SPOTLIGHTS
Castello Visconteo
In the Middle Ages the history of this village was strictly linked to the
fortune of the fief and the parish of Olgiate Olona: indeed both ones
were part of the Seprio County in which Castelseprio represented the
main village. The role of Fagnano consisted especially in keeping
a close watch on the River Olona and on the road which connected
Castelseprio to Milan. It had also a strategic position as it was a key
trade and travel hub, this is the reason why its castle was point of
contention between the Della Torre and the Visconti families. The old
military role of the castle is proved by the presence of a defensive
moat, today completely dried out: fortunately a bridge enables the
access to the building.In the second half of the 15th century the castle
was transformed in a manor house.The dispute between Spain and
France worsened in the 16th century so the castle got its old defensive
role back. In 1551 Vitaliano Visconti Borromeo was awarded the noble
title of Count of Fagnano bythe Emperor CharlesV; in the same century
enlargement works were commissioned by Gaspare Visconti with
the aim at doubling the surface of the castle in its southern part by
adding new bodies and a second courtyard facing the village. The fief
was abolished in 1798. The currently municipal-owned castle hosts
not only the headquarters of the ProLoco of Fagnano (association
promoting local culture and tourism) but also events and exhibitions
organized by it and other numerous associations of the town.

26
Santuario della Madonna della Selva.
This is the oldest church of the town. Part of its original structure can
still be seen in the main chapel; whereas the front porch dates back
to the 16th century. According to the tradition its name derives from a
wooden statue of Our Lady of Pity which is said to have been found in
the surrounding woods. Probably the current main chapel (14th-15th
century) was part of the original building; whereas the nave was built
in the following centuries. Inside the church, on the right wall, you can
admire a fresco dating from 1543 portraying the Virgin Mother on the
throne nursing the Child with Saint Martha and Saint Anthony Abbot.
Other valuable works of art preserved in the church are a seventeenth-
century sculpture, an eighteenth-century altar frontal and frescoes
painted by Domenico Pellegrino in 1613.
Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
The Church of Saint John the Baptist already existed in the 15th
century, although the oldest descriptions about the building date
back to 1566. The earliest restoration works started in 1852 and then
they were carried on in 1913 and 1918 when the vault above the main
altar was raised and the baptistery renovated. In 1960 the nave of the
church was extended by one third; the façade made of lime and bricks
was demolished and replaced by a new one made of cotto tiles and
decorated with friezes. Particularly interesting is the lunette above the
portal representing “Saint John baptizing the people, around”.
Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Gaudenzio
The Parish Church of Saint Gaudentius was built in the first half of
the eighteenth century and designed by Dionigi Maria Ferrari, an
architect from Milan. It is the biggest church in Fagnano Olona. As we
can deduce from the historical documents, the building was inspired
by the sixteenth-century church of Saint Fidelis in Milan, a model for
many generations of architects between the 16th and the 17th century.
Among its works of art particularly interesting is the fourteenth-century
picture of “Our Lady of Providence” by an unknown painter.
Chiesa Parrocchiale
di San Gaudenzio
Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
Santuario della Madonna
della Selva
Castello Visconteo
2
1
3
4
From “Palio” to “Girinvalle”
From 1996 to 2011 five municipalities
standing along the River Olona
(Fagnano Olona, Gorla Maggiore,
Marnate, Olgiate Olona and Solbiate
Olona) organized every two years
the Palio of the Olona Valley; through
games and ceremonies this event
celebrated the traditions of this
area. The municipality of Gorla
Minore joined the group in 2000.
In December 2008, the Palio of
the Olona Valley took the name of
“Palio of the Middle Olona”. The last
edition was held in 2011. Currently
the area organizes another event,
the “Girinvalle”: every summer
thousands of people meet along
the cycle lane which runs parallel to
the River Olona. Dozens of activities,
events, initiatives and rest stops
entertain both children and adults
along the long and green path.
2
1
3
4

31
30
GORLA MAGGIORE
www.comune.gorlamaggiore.va.it
TOWN
WHERE TO EAT
LE ACACIE RISTORANTE
via Gobetti 3, 21050, Gorla Maggiore / tel. 333 2648377 / €€
Welcoming and informal restaurant where traditional flavours and
savours are combined with innovative trends. Our specialities: typical
dishes of Friuli (eastern Italian region), game, fish, meat and light
cuisine.
LA COLOMBERA RISTORANTE
via Garibaldi 7, 21054, Gorla Maggiore / tel. 0331 611452 / €
Family restaurant with a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere, the
perfect place where spending a romantic evening or some hours with
your family and friends. Our Italian cuisine combines modern recipes
with the traditional ones. We offer an excellent selection of wine.
PUB COLOMBERA COCKTAIL & DREAM
via Garibaldi 13, 21054, Gorla Maggiore / tel. 347 4134322 / €
A very nice, comfortable and welcoming place where spending your
happy hour with your friends. We organize all types of event: birthday
parties, graduation parties, special dinners, christening parties,
celebrations, etc…
DINA ALBERGO RISTORANTE BAR
viale Europa 33, 21054, Gorla Maggiore / tel. 349 2895211 / €€
All our dishes combine traditional flavours and savours with the new
trends of the modern and innovative cuisine. We pay great attention to
raw materials and we offer an excellent quality/price ratio.
LA MAISON DE LA PATISSERIE
via Cavour 2, 21054, Gorla Maggiore / tel. 346 7927402 / €
Pastry shop selling completely handmade pastries: we offer fresh and
first-rate products. We pay great attention to their presentation too.
Our specialities: cream horns, cream puffs, fruit tarts, traditional yeast
cakes, chocolate and new desserts.
..................................................... 500 g.
......................................................... 300 g.
........................................... 250 g.
................................................. 125 g.
................................................. 100 g.
.................................................. 4 g.
................................................ 120 g.
......................................... 6 g.
recipe
PAN DEI MORTI
dessert
Ingredients
Cookies
Sugar
White Flour
Sultanas
Almonds
Egg whites
Dried figs
Baking powder
Vino bianco
Wafers
Powdered sugar
Cinnamon
Method
Plunge the almonds in boiling
water, peel them and then grind
them. Leave the sultanas to soak in
lukewarm water for some minutes
before straining and drying. Crush
the cookies and add the white flour,
sultanas, chopped dried figs, baking
powder, a little bit of cinnamon,
sugar and almonds, then blend
all ingredients together. Make a
well in the centre of the flour and
pour in the white eggs. Knead the
flour adding enough white wine to
make an elastic dough; divide it
into lozenge-shaped cookies. Place
a wafer under each cookie and lay
them on a baking tray. Bake in a
preheated oven at 180°until cooked
through. Take out the oven and dust
with powdered sugar.
source
www.valleolona.com
ABOUT
Together with the municipality of Solbiate Olona, the town of Gorla
Maggiore experienced its most important development period during
the industrial revolution. Many watermills (Latin word molendina) were
in fact situated on its territory: initially their main activity consisted in
milling but later they were used for producing water power. From the
beginning of the nineteenth century in the valley all nouveau riche
families of the middle class rushed to purchase this new “energy
generators” in order to transform them not only in a farming but
also in an industrial business. The expansion of the industrial area of
Solbiate Olona and some changes to the road network, occurred just
before the second half of the nineteenth century, led to a geographical
and economic isolation of the Olona Valley area of Gorla Maggiore.So
the mills became houses for many families who lived peacefully until
1907 when the railway line of the Olona Valley was built.
SPOTLIGHTS
Chiesa dei Santi Vitale e Valeria
This is the smallest and oldest church of Solbiate Olona. It is situated
in an isolated area. It’s old history is proved by the presence of a
Roman altar and two tombs dating back to the Middle Ages. A plan
of the building dating from 1580 has enabled us to reconstruct the
original architecture of the church. If we look at its southern side it is
possible to identify its three construction stages; the first one in 1580,
the second one in 1619 and the last one, which gave it the current look,
in 1900. During the recent restoration works it has come to light that
in the 17th century the Romanesque apse was demolished in order to
extend the church and to build a square presbytery.
Chiesa di San Carlo
The Church of Saint Charles has a peculiar structure: just one nave
divided in three spans with a square apse facing east. It was designed
by the architect Giovanni Battista Bombarda, author also of the Church
of Saint Mary of the Fountain (Santa Maria della Fontana) in Milan.
It has a 29 m tall bell tower which gives a sense of ascent to the
whole building. Inside the church the architecture is very simple: the
presbytery has some fresco decorations painted by Nicora at about
the end of the 19th century; on the walls there are 12 recesses, only
six of them contain the statues of the Apostles.

32
Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta
This is the Parish Church. The oldest news about it dates back to 1147
and 1176. However the current look of the church dates back to 1850:
only the Romanesque bell tower belongs to the original project. It is
one of the most beautiful example of medieval architecture in the Po
Valley together with the ones of Saint Magno in Legnano and Saint
Michael in Busto Arsizio. The decorations were made on the occasion
of the pastoral visit of Cardinal Ferrari in 1901. The church was restored
in 1976.
Torre Colombera
Among the monuments of the town particularly significant is the
twelfth-century Torre Colombera (Colombera Tower), situated in the
Lombard Canton. Unlike the Colombera Tower placed in the area of the
old benefice and used for residential purposes, this tower played a key
defensive role. This is proved by the thickness of its perimeter walls
and by the lack of paintings. Quite interesting is also the presence
of Roman finds used as building materials. The tower was renovated
some years ago and today it is used as exhibition centre for the events
organized by the ProLoco and the Colombera Tower Foundation.
Ex-palazzo Negroni-Casati
Interesting architectural model is also the ex-Negroni-Casati Palace,
municipal building since 1923. The palace was mostly inhabited by
the Terzaghi family (from 1650 to 1857) initially as feudal lords, then
as main landowners (previously it belonged to the Frotta family
from Varese). The building was called “nobles’ house”, however it is
characterised by a sober style: the staircase goes from the entrance
hall on the ground floor up to the first floor, the walls haven’t got any
decorations and the cloister vault lacks typical elements of the noble
houses. Unlike the outside, its oldest part has smooth walls. Although
the building was registered as “manor house” of the Terzaghi family
and it was connected to the farm behind, its design and architecture
are not inspired by the typical models of the villas: probably other
different solutions were not possible.
Chiesa dei Santi
Vitale e Valeria
Chiesa di San Carlo
Torre Colombera
Ex-palazzo Negroni-Casati
Chiesa di Santa
Maria Assunta
3
2
1
4
5
Gulula or Gurgula?
The etymology of the name, shared
with the neighbouring municipality
of Gorla Minore, has two main
derivations: the first one is from
the Latin word gulula, diminutive of
gula (ravine); the second one is from
gurgula, still a diminutive from the
Latin word gurgus (vortex). An even
more recent hypothesis, however,
suggests the meaning of “clearing”
or “army field”. The first document to
be considered for an etymological
study dates back to 1046. The Latin
name of Gorla Maior is here reported
followed by another name, “Minor”.
Still to be solved is the meaning
of the adjective Maior, as in many
other cases the terms Superiore-
Inferiore or Nuovo-Vecchio are more
commonly used.
1
3
2
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5

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SOLBIATE OLONA
www.comune.solbiateolona.va.it
TOWN
WHERE TO EAT
PASTICCERIA CAFFETTERIA COLOMBO GIANLUCA
via Sant’Antonino 123, 21058, Solbiate Olona / tel. 0331 641270 / €€ / €
Pastry shop and café offering handmade products, hot chocolate
included. Since 2014 we have specialized also in vegan sweet and
salty pastries. We use stone-milled flour and first-rate organic
ingredients.
VAI DI PIZZA
piazza San Gervasio 11, 21058, Solbiate Olona / tel. 0331 640993 / €
Takeaway pizza baked in a wood-fired oven. We offer you a wide range
of vegan pizzas and “pagnotti”: we use special types of flour which
require long rising time and we serve pizzas prepared with seasonal
and local ingredients.
MISERIA E NOBILTÀ RISTORANTE PIZZERIA
via dei Patrioti 14, 21058, Solbiate Olona / tel. 0331 640073 / €€
Here you can savour the real traditional Neapolitan pizza with a thick
but soft crust as well as Neapolitan specialities such as aubergine
parmigiana, arancini (fried rice balls), scialatielli in coccio (a kind
of fresh pasta), fantasia del marinaio (fish), pastiera, babbà (two
Neapolitan desserts) and finally limoncello from Sorrento!
APPALOOSA BAR
via Monte Grappa 41, 21058, Solbiate Olona / tel. 349 2957905 / €
Bar Brewpub Bistro. We are open from 7.00 am to late in the evening.
Day off: Sunday. We offer Piadine (Italian flatbread), sandwiches, big
sandwiches, cold cuts but also entertainments, table football, darts,
themed events, parties.
recipe
ASPARAGUS WITH
FRIED EGGS
(‘in cereghin’)
second course
Rinse the stems of the asparagus
under running water and divide
them in bunches. Stand the spears
in slightly salted boiling water for 20
minutes, keeping the tips out of the
water. Drain the asparagus and lay
the spears on a plate. Keep warm.
Brown the butter in a pan, break the
eggs into it and salt. Cook on a high
heat. Top each portion of asparagus
with the eggs (pour the butter over!)
and sprinkle with grated Parmesan
cheese.
vegan recipe
RYE CHICKPEA BISCUITS
sweet
Rice oil
Margarine
Agave syrup
Maple syup
Rye flour
(stone-ground)
Chickpea flour
Cocoa
Method
Emulsify the oil margarine with rice,
add agave and maple syrup and
incorporate very slowly rye flour with
chickpea flour. Add cocoa. Place the
dough in a pastry bag, form a sort
of “S”, bake at 200 degrees for about
8 minutes. Let them cool and cover
with 75 % dark chocolate.
Match with tea Rooibois: also called
red tea , is a caffeine-free beverage
with a slight nutty flavor naturally
sweet.
Bythe Pastry-chef Gianluca Colombo
..................................................... 200 g.
.................................................. 80 g.
........................................... 150 g.
.............................................. 80 g.
................................... 230 g.
........................................ 90 g.
........................................................... 20 g.
ABOUT
Solbiate Olona is situated on the border between Olgiate Olona and
Fagnano Olona. It is not far from Busto Arsizio and it shares the River
Olona with the towns of Gorla Maggiore and Gorla Minore. The name
“Solbiate” probably derives from “sol - abas” which means “a single
abbot” who is said to have lived in the monastery of the order of the
Humiliati once located on Via Sant’Antonio.
SPOTLIGHTS
Cotonificio di Solbiate
After the outbreak of the Second World War the cotton mill had to face
on the one hand an increasing demand for military supplies and on
the other hand the shortage of raw materials, fuel and male workers.
This emergency was excellently tackled by its technical manager
Alfredo Tobler. Despite the negative circumstances the cotton mill
didn’t break its relationship with the community of the town and it
committed to supporting the families of the servicemen called on
duty again, of the soldiers and prisoners.It continued developing its
business until the first half of the 60s, then the decline of the textile
industry started affecting the cotton mill as well. Currently the building
is privately owned and it is opened to the public onlyfor special events.
La Scaletta
The Flight of Steps dates back to 1823, precisely to August, 23rd like
the cotton mill located on the valley bottom, once owned by Andrea
Ponti. It is used once a year as location for a cyclocross racing, on the
other days of the year it functions as a connection to the valley bottom
not for work purposes anymore but for those who want to sink into the
landscape.The flight of steps is composed of 166 steps divided in two
parts. Starting from the bottom, the direction of the steps changes
after the first 122 steps, thus 44 steps before arriving to the square
of the old Church. In proximity to this change of direction there is the
Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes dating from 1904. Currently it is a place
of worship for the local population but originally it was used as votive
corner by the workers. In conclusion, the flight of steps is composed of
166 low steps for a total height difference of 33 m.

38
Chiesa del Sacro Cuore
After the visit of Charles Borromeo it became Parish Church in 1582.
The first parish priest, Father Donato Armiralio, was priest in Solbiate
since 1549. After this first visit two new elements were added to the
building: the baptistery and the chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
dedicated also to Saint Vitus to remember the small country church
situated 700 cubits far from the village (the current via San Vito), which
had just been demolished.
The bell tower dates back probably to 1604, date carved in the
architrave of its door.In 1880 the church was enlarged again thanks to
the munificence of the cotton mill owner, Andrea Ponti.
Chiesa di Sant’Antonino
In 1927 the then parish priest of Solbiate Olona, Father Giovanni
Calvi, created an “executive committee for building a new church”.
Despite the difficult circumstances and thanks to the efforts of the
parish priest and his successor Father Carlo Parravicini, the project
was designed in 1938 and works started in the following year. The first
stone was laid on October, 10th 1939 in the presence of His Eminence
Cardinal Alfredo Idelfonso Schuster Archbishop of Milan. After the
outbreak of the Second World War the economic and social situation
got worse but the town of Solbiate faced it with extraordinary efforts
and generosity. Therefore on July, 30th 1943 the Cardinal came back
to consecrate the “new church”. Because of the sounding of air-raid
sirens the ceremony started at 4.30 a.m.
Museo Socio Storico
The Social History Museum was opened on December, 17th 2006 and
it is the result of an enthusiastic 35 years long collection made by
the historian Aldo Tronconi from Solbiate. Thanks to 450 antiques it
offers a picture of the local society from a historical point of view,
thus becoming an important landmark for future generations. “Small
things survived through time, through the wear and tear of time,
carrying the illusion of eternity and showing the innocence, faith, joy,
pain and death of those who have preceded us in the inexorable flow
of time of human existence writing their brief or long page of history.
Preserving them with passion and love makes us good citizens,
heirs of a world which does not exist anymore but that should not be
forgotten”. (Aldo Tronconi)
La Scaletta
Chiesa di Sacro Cuore
Chiesa di Sant’Antonino
Cotonificio di Solbiate
Museo Socio Storico
3
2
1
4
5
La torta sole (sun cake)
The artisanship of Pasticceria
Monfrini (located in via Varese,
Solbiate Olona) is evident in each
of its desserts prepared using
fresh and high quality ingredients:
an example thereof is given by the
mastery of combining the puff
pastry harmonious aroma with the
appetizing custard. So simple but
sublime, this union creates the
dessert which has been offering, for
more than 30 years, an undeniable
and unique taste experience to
those who savour its deliciousness.
The passion for his job has inspired
Antonio, the pastrychef, to reconsider
the traditional millefeuille recipe by
placing a number of cream horns
around it to represent the rays of
the sun: here is how Torta Sole (Sun
Cake) is made. The tastiness of this
simple cake is appreciated both by
children and adults; over the years, it
has been becoming one of the
distinctive desserts of the town
where it was invented. 1
3
2
4
5

43
42
GORLA MINORE
www.comune.gorlaminore.va.it
TOWN
WHERE TO EAT
L’ALTERNATIVA PIZZA WINE & FOOD
via Vittorio Veneto 112, 21055, Gorla Minore / tel. 0331 644372 / €€
Taste our sourdough pizzas, you can choose among several special
types of flour (5 cereals, whole wheat, soy, wild fennel, chilli pepper).
We offer selections of local cold cuts and cheese, grilled meat, fried
seafood, light and dark beer, 15varieties ofwine – all carefullyselected.
PANIFICIO BERTOLINI
via Volta 8, 21055, Prospiano di Gorla Minore / tel. 0331 601257 / €€
Every day we take very fresh bread, focaccia bread, pizzas and pastries
out of the oven. Thanks to the professionalism of our chef Luca we
offer Italian, local and international dishes prepared with first-rate and
fresh ingredients which we select with great attention.
COLOMBO MACELLERIA GASTRONOMIA
via Roma 8, 21055, Gorla Minore / tel. 0331 601175 / €€
Own slaughtering. We exclusively sell meat from Piedmont as well as
some cold cuts and cheese, ham steaks, bresaola and delicatessen.
We offer a home delivery service.
PIZZERIA DA CARLETTO
via Roma 15/17, 21055, Gorla Minore / tel. 349 6931063 / €
Panacea or.. pizzeria! Pizzeria da Carletto offers several products
from the traditional round pizza to the squared thick pizza slices and
the homemade “panazzi” and “piade” (Italian flatbread). Everything is
baked in a wood-fired oven by skilled bakers.
THE WALL ITALIAN CRAFT BEER
via Galileo Galilei 17, 21055, Gorla Minore / tel. 0331 366012 / €€
Our beer has an important mission: winning the heart and delighting
the palate of whom tastes it. It is brewed with hops according to the
Anglo-American tradition. We are specialized in drinkable and first-
rate beer.
recipe
PANCOTTO
Typical dish which uses
leftover ingredients.
Ingredients
Stale bread
Stock
Salt
Butter
Preparazione
Soak the bread into the stock. Boil
gently for half an hour adding a
pinch of salt and a knob of butter.
Once thick, remove from heat and
serve hot. Some recipes suggest to
add some eggs beaten with grated
Parmesan cheese while the soup is
boiling. Keep stirring vigorously until
the eggs thicken. Remove from heat
and serve. Garnish with a sprinkle of
grated Parmesan.
source
www.valleolona.com
ABOUT
Gorla Minore stands on the terracing sloping down to the River Olona.
On the steep sides of the valley the soil of alluvial origin has still traces
of conglomerates dating from the first glaciation.
SPOTLIGHTS
Chiesa di San Lorenzo
It’s quite difficult, if not impossible, to identify what the first Christian
place of worship in Gorla Minore was and when it was built. Maybe a
first small church was built in the same pagan place of worship, as it
happened in many other towns. The presence in the 13th century of a
church dedicated to Saint Lawrence is confirmed by the fourteenth-
century painting of Our Lady Help of Christians that originally, that is
to say before its mutilation, was a triptych: the patron saints of Gorla,
Saint Lawrence and Saint Vincent, were frescoed next to the Virgin.
The church was first enlarged in the second half of the 16th century.
Its dimensions remained the same until 1852; whereas the interior
was adorned by marble altars and decorations. In the second half
of the last century all its fifteenth-century architecture was modified
(albeit it remained an aisleless church): a new façade was built, the
main altar was moved back, the choir was added and the original
coffered ceiling was replaced by a barrel vault. On that occasion the
porches dating back to 1776 were partially demolished and the bell
tower became part of the façade. Construction works of the side aisles
started a half-century later and they ended in 1901. The church, with its
new main altar, was consecrated by the Archbishop of Milan, Andrea
Carlo Ferrari, on May, 11th 1901.
La Chiesa dei SS. Nazario e Celso
Notevole interesse riveste anche la chiesa dei SS. Nazario e Celso,
di Particularly interesting is the old Church of Saints Nazarius and
Celsus situated in the village of Prospiano. These two saints are said
to be the protomartyrs of the Church of Milan:they were martyred in
64 AD under Nero’s persecution.Only in the second half of the 17th
century the building was transformed: its original structure, probably a
Romanesque architecture, was remodelled thus giving the church its
current look. The friezes made on the cotto tiles of the façade, the rose
window and the beautiful portal date backto the second half ofthe 19th
century. In 1933 a spire was placed on the top of the square bell tower.
In 1961, as the church was not able to contain the increased number

44
of believers anymore, a new part started to be built according to the
design of the architect Enrico Castiglioni. In 1964 it was consecrated
with the same name. This church is widely considered one of the best
model of contemporary architecture.
La Madonna dell’Albero
In Prospiano there is also the Shrine Church of Madonna dell’albero
(Our Lady of the Tree), originally called “country church of Santa Maria in
Albore”. The series of frescoes whichdecorates the interior is attributed
to the monk of the order of the Humiliati Giacomo Lampugnani and
it dates back to the late 15th century; probably it was commissioned
by some local noble people. Its history is linked to the apparition
of the Virgin Mary among the trees, occurred in 1507. The originally
square building was remodelled again and again in the course of the
centuries.
Collegio Rotondi, con l’attiguo Oratorio di San Mauriz
This is the most prestigious catholic college of the Diocese of Milan in
terms of age, history and tradition: it is older than three centuries and
a half. It dates back to 1599 when Giovanni Andrea Terzaghi died and
left the oratory of Saint Maurice (on condition that a brother could live
there for celebrating Mess daily) and his house (on condition that it
would be used for educating young people) to the Congregation of the
Oblates of the Holy Sepulchre.
Palazzo Comunale
The eighteenth-century Villa Durini situated in the heart of the town is
the municipal building of Gorla Minore. The value of its artistic heritage
has been recently enhanced by a wide collection of works of art (31
paintings and 2 sculptures) dating from the 16th to the 20th century.
The paintings portray a series of well-known people of the Counts
Durini family. The collection was donated to the municipality of Gorla
Minore by the Countess Carlangela Durini Ajmone Cat, the last direct
heir of the family, in 2004. The works of art, currently under restoration,
will be the core of a public art gallery which the department of local
administration intends to set in the rooms of Villa Durini. It will be
dedicated to the countess Carlangela Durini.
Chiesa dei SS. Nazario
e Celso (antica)
Palazzo Comunale
Collegio Rotondi
Chiesa dei SS. Nazario
e Celso (nuova)
Madonna dell’Albero
Chiesa di San Lorenzo
4
3
2
1
5
6
Ancient Rome in Gorla
The Roman presence in Gorla Minore
is evidenced bythe discoveryofmany
tombs in an area called “Costa” on
the right of “strà santè”, which today
is via Rotondi, and by a votive altar
dating back to the first century BC
which came to light in a vineyard in
the north of the town, not far away
from the parish church. After being
abandoned in the countryside for a
long time, the stone was placed in
the garden of the priest and in 1926
it was relocated in the museum of
Legnano. On the serizzo stone there
is an inscription which tells the story
of a certain Rivasia who offers the
altar to Diana for her father’s lucky
escape. Moreover, in 1905 a large
brick floor was found in Prospiano at
a depth of one and a half metres; it
was part of a Roman house and it
measures 4 by 6 metres.
1
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5
2
6
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49
48
OLGIATE OLONA
www.comuneolgiateolona.it
TOWN
WHERE TO EAT
MA.RI.NA. RISTORANTE
piazza San Gregorio 10, 21057, Olgiate Olona / tel. 0331 640463 / €€€
Family restaurant. We are specialized in fresh fish dishes, we serve
also raw fish and homemade pastries and desserts. We have an
excellent selection of wine, you can also simply order wine glasses.
OSTERIA DEL SAGRANTINO
via San Genesio 1, 21057, Olgiate Olona / tel. 333 3377505 / €€
Atypical Italian farmstead surrounded bygreenery.We have a summer
garden, the indoor is characterized by a fireplace and a beamed
ceiling. Here you’ll find healthy cuisine and traditional recipes.
EREDI CALÓ
via A. De Gasperi 8, 21057, Olgiate Olona / tel. 333 6714919 / €€
Italian restaurant with specialities from Salento (southern Italy), wine
shop and wine bar. It’s possible to drink some still wine, sparkling wine
and spirits. You can also book business dinners.
PASTICCERIA CHIARA
via Piave 91, 21057, Olgiate Olona / tel. 348 1537540 / €
We offer a wide range of small confectionary products, cakes and
pralines prepared with a great attention to raw materials. We are
specialized in handmade sweet and salty products as well as in
several types of chocolate desserts.
OTTOCENTO RISTORANTE PIZZERIA
via Piave 1, 21057, Olgiate Olona / tel. 348 6690230 / €
A restaurant and pizzeria where the Italian tradition meets modern
needs. Mediterranean cuisine, all-you-can-eat pizza, grill restaurant
and lounge bar characterized by high quality and honest prices.
BUONO E GIUSTO (e-commerce)
via Don Giacomo Tovo 15, 21057, Olgiate Olona / tel. 380 1844809 / €€
Weoffernatural,traditional,handmade,first-rateandfairtradeproducts
as closest to the consumers as possible. We pay great attention to
the production chain and the promotion of local specialities, thus
supporting that agricultural economies. www.buonoegiusto.it
.............................................. 500 g.
................................. 100 g.
.................... 500 g.
recipe
CAZZOEÙLA
single course
Ingredients
Spare ribs
fresh pork rinds
sausage from Monza
One pork knuckle.
One chopped stalk of celery.
One sliced onion.
Four sliced carrots.
Two heads of washed Savoy cabbage
(outer leaves removed).
One glass of dry white wine.
Butter, oil, salt, pepper.
Method
Singe and rinse the pork knuckle
and rinds under running water. Halve
the pork knuckle lengthways and
boil gently with the pork rinds
for 1 hour. Melt a big knot of butter in
another saucepan, add one spoonful
of oil and brown the onion. Add the
spare ribs, season with salt and
pepper and cook for 30 minutes.
Baste with a glass of dry white wine.
Add the celery, carrots, pork knuckle
and pork rinds. Cover with the lid and
continue to cook gently for 1 hour,
stirring often. If it dries too much,
add some spoonfuls of cooking
liquid of the pork knuckle. Wash and
dry the Savoy cabbage carefully, add
its leaves into the saucepan and dip
the sausage, previously pricked in
several places, in the sauce so that
it is completely covered. Cover with
the lid and cook for 25/30 minutes.
The “Cazzoeùla” will have to be quite
thick, not liquid and “tachenta”, that
is to say sticky.
source
www.valleolona.com
ABOUT
The town of Olgiate Olona is divided in three “neighbourhoods”: Town
centre, Gerbone and Buon Gesù. Each of them is provided with a
primary school and its own church with the adjacent parish youth
centre. The town centre represents the oldest part of Olgiate, where the
municipal building, the public library, the comprehensive school and
the historic villa Greppi-Gonzaga are located. In the original village
a beautiful castle was situated there too. However some interesting
examples of medieval rural buildings are still visible on via Tovo and
via San Genesio (two accessible streets).
SPOTLIGHTS
Villa Greppi-Gonzaga
The building stands on the site of a seventeenth-century villa bought
by Count Alessandro Greppi in 1820. At his death the Count left all
his possessions to his wife Isaura Saulx Tavanes who decided to
remodel the villa and transform it in a veritable classical palace
reflecting the typical French style of that time. Isaura commissioned
a lawn framed by a double “carpinata” (a path created by two opposite
lines of hornbeams) surrounded by fir trees and oaks. The lawn was
connected to the vegetable gardens below by a massive flight of steps
made of granite from Como. At the beginning of the twentieth century
the palace was bought by the Congregazione delle Pie Signore della
Presentazione, a congregation of nuns from Como, who opened a girls
boarding school.
In 1918 the Infantile Tuberculosis Prevention Organization (O.P.A.I)
became the new owner. On that occasion three new pavilions were
opened. In 1932 an agricultural school was founded and later a
shoemaker’s workshop and a carpenter’s workshop were added.
Cardinal A. I. Schuster commissioned a church to the architects
Candiani and Bonicalzi. In 1955 the isolation pavilion for infectious
diseases designed by the engineer Carlo Greppi was opened. After 70
years the OPAI closed down so on April,2nd 1976 the building was
left to the municipality of Olgiate Olona. Today Villa Gonzaga houses
a part of the municipal offices, the primary school Ferrini, the public
library, a rest home, a cooperative, an athletics field (track and field)
and a big park. (from Eugenio Cazzani, “Olgiate Olona e la sua Pieve”,
Saronno, 1985).

50
Prepositurale antica Collegiata Santi Stefano e Lorenzo martiri
The Old Collegiate Church of Saints Stephen and Lawrence Martyrs
with Provostship is considered the place of origin from which the
Word was proclaimed and spread all over the Olona Valley and the
surrounding area. Today the church looks homogeneous thanks to its
architectural exterior designed by the architect Ugo Zanchetta from
Milan on the occasion of its second enlargement and thanks to its
works of art preserved in the interior and painted from 1943 to 1946 by
the artist Torildo Conconi from Como (1909-1988).
Chiesa San Gregorio Magno “al lazzaretto”
The Church of Saint Gregory the Great “in the Lazar House” shows a
renovated look thanks to the recent exterior and interior restoration
works carried out in 2011 and 1998, respectively. The history of Saint
Gregory’s Church reveals three key features. First of all the mystery of
death: in fact, the church, blessed in April 1688, was built thanks to
Count Giuseppe Besozzi who donated the land where the victims
of the plague broken out in 1631 had been laid to rest more than
a half century earlier. Second feature is the Eucharistic worship: the
church was chosen as place of worship by the Confraternity of the
Blessed Sacrament of Olgiate Olona founded canonically in 1604. The
confreres met to pray together for centuries, until the second half of
the twentieth century. The third feature is youth education: thanks to
the enthusiasm of the parish priest, Father Pietro Colombo, the church
hosted the parish youth club from 1875 to 1881. This educational
aspect was enhanced when Prince Emanuele Gonzaga, major of
Olgiate Olona from 1890 to 1896, donated a piece of land beside
the church of Saint Gregory the Great where the parish priest, Father
Francesco Basilico, opened the new parish youth centre which was
defined “true providence for our youth and our parish”.
Chiesa Sant’Antonio abate a Moncucco
The Church of Saint Anthony Abbot of Moncucco was built with a small
adjacent monastery bythe Carmelites oftheAncient Observance in the
sixteenth century. Church, monastery and all church properties were
renovated by Monsignor Carlo Bozolo when he became the new owner
in 1670. Monsignor Bozolo embellished the church with the chapel of
the Crucifix, he improved worship and decor and he guaranteed an
efficient administration. In the interior, the Annunciation is depicted
in the frescoes on the top, near the archway of the main altar. On
the walls there are figures and symbols which celebrate the spiritual
depth of Our Lady; at the bottom of the walls St. Charles Borromeo
and St. Barbara are portrayed surrounded by some decorations.
Two paintings depicting Blessed Caterina Moriggi from Pallanza and
Blessed Giuliana Puricelli from Busto Arsizio are framed in the wooden
altar of the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmelo. The
Church of Saint Anthony Abbot has been initially managed by the
Council of Maintenance and later by a group of qualified volunteers.
Chiesa Sant’Antonio
abate a Moncucco
Villa Greppi-Gonzaga
Prepositurale antica Collegiata
Santi Stefano e Lorenzo martiri
Chiesa San Gregorio Magno
2
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Cinquanta metri di fantasia*
(Fifty meters of fantasy*)
Antonio Rubino, famous illustrator
of Corriere dei Piccoli, by means
of its paintings made in 1938,
embellished with light and colors
the place usually used for the
playtime of hundreds of Opaini, as
the children hospitalized at Opai (the
first Infantile Tuberculosis Prevention
Organization) were called. The big
room regained its sparkle and it
was reopened after thirty years on
November 8th, 2014.
* Wonderful book by Battista Arioli,
publishedwith stunning photographs
of the paintings by Antonio Rubino
hanging in the Sala Alba at Villa
Gonzaga.
2
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55
54
MARNATE
www.comune.marnate.va.it
TOWN
WHERE TO EAT
AGRODOLCE / Sporting Club Mondo Domani
via Pascoli 222, 21050, Marnate / tel. 0331 601097 / €€
We are surrounded by a 33,000 sqm park: a small relaxing oasis where
practising sports and breathing clean air. Gianni, Chef at “AGRODOLCE”,
the bar and restaurant inside our Club, will meet all your needs!
LA BOTTEGA DI STELLA
via Varese 71, 21050, Marnate / tel. 346 5134750 / €€
Retail sale of cold cuts, cheese, bread, first courses, main courses
(meat and fish), vegetables, baked products, desserts, homemade
cakes, cookies etc… in a warm, welcoming and comfortable place.
CAPOLINEA LIVE
via Roma 260, 21050, Marnate / tel. 0331 369320 / €
The perfect club for fun-loving young people: we offer good beer,
pizzas, appetizers and all-you-can-eat pizza. We also organize
quizzes (Dr Why) and on Saturdays several bands play live music.
SIMPATHY BAR
l.go Giovanni XXIII 14/c, 21050, Marnate / tel. 334 5049861 / €
In our bar you will savour delicious sandwiches prepared with carefully
selected ingredients as well as homemade tasty appetizers. In our
indoor we can host 60 guests and we are provided with a small
amusement arcade. We can also organize parties.
BIRRIFICIO EXTRAOMNES
via Pertini 578, 21050, Marnate / tel. 0331 600426 / €€
Extraomnes brewery offers Belgian-style beer, that is to say top
fermented, unfiltered and unpasteurized beer. We sell it in 33cl
bottles or in 30l single-dose barrels. Our brewery is well-known in
Italy and abroad.
EL MUNDO
via Generale Galvaligi 102, 21050, Marnate / tel. 0331 600426 / €€
Coffee import and roasting for bars and private individuals. We sell
coffee beans in 1kg bags and single-dose vacuum-sealed pods as
well as vacuum-packed ground coffee (500gr- 250gr).
............................................. 400 g.
......................................................... 150 g.
recipe
MUSTAZZITT
dessert
Ingredients
White flour
Sugar
Water
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Method
Mescolare gli ingredienti con
l’acqua e impastare fino a giusta
consistenza. Stendere la pasta
con un mattarello e tagliarla a
rombi allungati. Cuocere in forno
a 160-180°C. In origine, l’acqua e
lo zucchero erano sostituiti con
il mosto d’uva, da cui il nome di
mustazzitt.
source
www.valleolona.com
ABOUT
Marnate lies on a flat area that overlooks the valley of the River Olona
on its western side. It’s eastern hillside part includes the village of
Nizzolina, its industrial area and woods.
SPOTLIGHTS
Chiesa di Sant’Ilario
The church of Sain Hilarius was built around the 16th century on the
ruins of the older church of Saint Mary and Saint Hilarius. In 1902 it was
enlarged according to the design of the architect Camillo Crespi from
Marnate, who built the current façade with the central bell tower: an
exception in religious architecture. Inside the church you can admire
the old organ built in 1770 by the Carreras from Legnano, well-known
church organ builders. Thanks to the restoration works carried out at
the end of the 70s wonderful sixteenth-century frescoes portraying
putti and angels are visible again.
Chiesa di Santa Maria In Piazza
Originally this church played a key defensive role for its strategic
position on the road which connected the village to Gaul but later it
was transformed in a place of worship. Inside the church particularly
interesting is a beautiful fresco dating from 1200 which portrays Our
Lady with the Child from which the name of the church derives. During
the restoration in 1930 the bell tower and the frames of its big windows
were covered with mortar: only the columns still show their original
cotto tiles.
Chiesa di Santa Maria Nascente
The church of Sain Hilarius was built around the 16th century on the
ruins of the older church of Saint Mary and Saint Hilarius. In 1902 it was
enlarged according to the design of the architect Camillo Crespi from
Marnate, who built the current façade with the central bell tower: an
exception in religious architecture. Inside the church you can admire
the old organ built in 1770 by the Carreras from Legnano, well-known
church organ builders. Thanks to the restoration works carried out at
the end of the 70s wonderful sixteenth-century frescoes portraying
putti and angels are visible again.

56
Chiesa di s. Rocco - Lazzaretto
It’s no coincidence that this church is dedicated to two saints which
are said to be protectors of the sick, in particular protectors against
plague; in fact this leads us to think that this place of worship was
built - if not necessarily during the epidemic - at least with the aim at
remembering the victims of such a terrible pestilence that affected
our region starting from the early 17th century. This is proved by the
fact that in 1911 this church became a sort of hospital: it was well
equipped to welcome and treat people affected by the last cholera
epidemic. Thus it’s reasonable to think that it was firstly built in
memory of the victims of the seventeenth-century plague and that
in the later centuries it was used to host people affected by other
several epidemic diseases. Inside the church noteworthy is the fresco
preserved in the oratory which portrays the Virgin with Saint Roch and
Saint Sebastian in the purgatory. This work of art confirms not only the
dedication of the church to the two saints, but also the theory about
the commemoration and the probable burial of victims.
Air-raid shelter of the Second World War
The structure was built by the Germans in 1944, probably in the same
period of the so-called ODESSA operation (Organization of Former
Officers of the S.S). Its role at the end of the Second World War is still
not clear. Thanks to the local sections of Anpi (National Association
of Italian Partisans), the patriot divisions unit Alfredo di Dio of Busto
Arsizio and the financial commitment of the seven municipalities its
central part has been transformed in the Resistance Museum. This
bunker is 180 cm large and 210 cm tall, it has a total length of 143
m and it is situated on the uphill road toward Prospiano. Since it
was conquered by two brigades of partisans between April, 25th and
26th 1945 it was used for many purposes. Air-raid shelter, logistics
junction, documents archive, warehouse of precious materials: today
the ways of defining and summarizing the history of this building are
still subject of debate.
New park of the mill on the valley bottom
The mill of Marnate is said to exist since 1469. It was owned bythe Balbi
family until 1566 as it is proved by an official document dating back
to that year which mentions Lord Gian Filippo Balbi as the owner of the
mill. Later the mill was left to the Cuttica family, then to the Isimbardis,
to the Robaglias and finally to Giovanni Candiani. The mill worked until
the end of the 20s. Next to it there was a sort of washhouses, this is the
reason why this place is known as “lavandé” (laundry).
Chiesa di S.Ilario
Chiesa di S. Maria Nascente
Chiesa di S. Maria in Piazza
New park of the mill on the
valley bottom
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Theories on the origin
There are various theories on the
origin of the name: someone refers
it to a character named “Marino”, one
ofthe first inhabitants ofthe area that
he called Marinate and afterwards
Marnate. Others refer it to “marna”,
argillaceous limestone used to
make the land more productive.
Someone else refers it to “Marna”
as the place where the provisions
to be sent to the Roman legions in
Cisalpine Gaul were deposited.
Ligurian tribes
The first inhabitants in the area of
Marnate were probably Ligurian
tribes: still today there is a certain
similarity between some dialect
words and the Ligurian way of
speaking. After the arrival of new
migrations from the north and the
west and the spread of agriculture,
the river became the easiest route
for trading with the neighbouring
tribes.
4
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61
60
CASTELLANZA
www.comune.castellanza.va.it
TOWN
WHERE TO EAT
CIVICO 11
Via Sempione 11, 21053, Castellanza / tel. 393 4384957 / €€
Fish from Gargano, creative pizzas, delicious hamburgers, Gnocco
Fritto and homemade Focaccia (Italian flatbread). Always fresh, PDO
(Protected Designation of Origin), not frozen and first-rate products in
a modern industrial-chic-style restaurant.
IL DOLCE SOGNO
via Don Minzoni 45, 21053, Castellanza / tel. 347 4443521 / €€
Our shop is the result of Lucia Sapia’s culture and passion for ice
creams (world champion at SIGEP 2008/2009), together with her
knowledge and meticulous choice of the greatest raw materials as
well as her constant training and experimentation.
CENTOUNDICI CAFÉ
via Binda 14, 21053, Castellanza / tel. 334 1057400 / €€
In our Bar/brewpub you can find 7 types of draft beer and more than
60 types of first-rate bottled beer; in addition we offer delicious pizzas,
“piadine” (Italian flatbread) and sandwiches. Our skilled staff is at your
complete disposal to help you choosing the perfect beer for you.
UPTOWN
piazza Castegnate 23, 21053, Castellanza / tel. 348 9140136 / €
We open at 7.00 a.m. offering handmade croissants, during the day
we cook the first and main courses you find on our menu, we serve
appetizers during your happy hour and drinks in the evening. We are
provided with an outdoor space for smokers.
recipe
RICE SOUP WITH
PARSLEY (erborìn)
first course
Ingredients
Rice
Grated Grana Padano cheese
Bouillon
Parsley
Butter
Method
Wash and finely chop the parsley.
Bring the bouillon to the boil. Add
the rice and continue to cook,
stirring occasionally. Once the rice is
cooked, remove from heat and add
the parsley and butter. Stir well and
serve with a sprinkle of grated Grana
Padano cheese.
source
www.valleolona.com
ABOUT
Castellanza is the most southern city of the Olona Valley and the
furthest one from the Prealps of Varese. It is located in the middle of
the conurbation which includes Busto Arsizio, Legnano and Olgiate
Olona, just over the border with the Province of Milan.
The municipality of Castellanza was established on May, 1st 1869
through the union ofthe two oldvillages of Castellanza and Castegnate
for representing the respective communities. It was awarded the title
of “city” with a Presidential Decree on January, 4th 1974. The distinction
between the two is still evident as the local area is cut in two parts
by the flow of the River Olona. Among the villages of Castellanza there
is the neighbourhood of Buon Gesù, otherwise called Cascina del
Buon Gesù. It is placed on the border with Busto Arsizio, Castellanza
and Olgiate Olona along the Strada Statale 33 of Sempione (a state
highway).
In 1600 agriculture (wheat and grapevine) was the main source of
income of Castellanza but from the second half of the 19th century
the village experienced a period of industrialization thanks to the birth
of Cantoni cotton mill, the setting up of Pomini mechanical company
and the construction ofVilla Carminati – Brambilla, municipal building
since 1921. This process of industrialization became more intense in
the 20th century, in particular after the Second World War, thanks to
a great increase in industrial activities which attracted manpower not
only from the neighbouring countries. Montedison chemical company
was founded in that period.
SPOTLIGHTS
Università Carlo Cattaneo - LIUC
Carlo Cattaneo University was founded in the site of the ex-cotton
mill in 1991. It was promoted by the Unione degli Industriali of the
Province of Varese, a group of companies part of Confindustria, an
Italian industrial institution. The university has restored old industrial
buildings in a covered area of 68,000 sq m but it has also a wide park
of 26,000 sq m in the heart of the city which is open to the public. The
restoration works of the neglected industrial buildings overlooking the
River Olona are still in progress. They are part of a renewal programme
along the river started particularly in the second half of the 90s.

62
Villa Pomini
“La Lombardesca”, better known as Villa Pomini from the name of
its first owner Ottorino Pomini, was built in 1919. Its architectural
structure dates back to Late Eclecticism, a philosophy developed
from the second half of the 19th century until the first years of the
20th century. Particularly fascinating is the “torretta”, a small tower,
typical element of this kind of buildings, which stands out against
the sky over the top floor characterized by an entirely windowed room
that overlooks a wide landscape. The house is currently located in
an area of about 5,300 sq m surrounded by a park with plants and
flowers of different species. In 1982 Luciano Ottorino Pomini, the
original owner’s son offered the property disposal to the municipality
of Castellanza. During the meeting on May, 28th 1983 the City Council
gave approval to this purchase for a total amount of 155 thousand
euros: a “symbolic” amount if we consider the real value of 439
thousand euros estimated by technical appraisals. It was a moderate
money request with a precise goal: transforming Villa Pomini in a
multi-purpose cultural centre open to all inhabitants and aimed
at growing thanks to a series of proposals and opportunities to be
created through the contribution of everyone. Finally, noteworthy is the
birth of the “Città di Castellanza” Music School and Academy of Music
Masterclasses which has its headquarters in a specific area of Villa
Pomini. The dream of Villa Pomini about becoming the cultural and
social centre of Castellanza seems to have come true. The community
wishes that the city will continue committing to carrying on such a
cultural project of both individual and collective development and
growth. (Source: Vareserfocus.it)
Park/ Enzo Pagani Museum
Castellanza offers also a Park/Museum characterized by the presence
of modern and contemporary works of art. It was opened in 1965 in
a natural location rich in woods which is quite difficult to be found in
close proximity to Milan.
Università Carlo Cattaneo
Park / Enzo Pagani Museum
Villa Pomini
Parco LIUC e Villa Jucker
2
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Ottorina Perna Bozzi
Another well-known and historical
personality of the local gastronomy
was undoubtedly Ottorina Perna
Bozzi, who passed away on February
14th, 2013 at the age of 104. For
many, her name is connected to her
famous cookbooks “Vecchia Brianza
in Cucina”, “Vecchia Milano in Cucina”
and “La Lombardia in Cucina” which
are considered the cornerstones of
the culinary publishing industry and
have been recently made available
again in the bookshops. The names
of her recipes refer to the traditional
ingredients: meatloaf, rice and
Savoy cabbage soup, busecca (tripe),
roast meat, escallops and three
recipes for cooking saffron risotto.
Not to mention the pages dedicated
to vegetables: from asparagus
to pumpkin. Then the desserts,
preserves and home-made liqueurs.
A very different way of living and
enjoying food: with Ottorina, even
preparing the simplest salad takes
you at least half an hour, without
considering the time you need to go
shopping.
4
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6564
RECEPTIVITYHotels, Rooms and Bed&Breakfast
IN THE VALLEY
AGRITURISMO IL PASCOLO
Cairate - Strada Vicinale dei Boschetti, 4
Tel: 328 2522539 - ilpascolo.cairate@alice.it
LA CANONICA
Cairate - Via Jesi 3
Tel: 0331/360927 - beb.lacanonica@gmail.com - http://www.beb-lacanonica.com
ARRIGHETTI HOTELS
Fagnano Olona - Via Dante 215
Tel: 0331/617240 - info@hotelcampodeifiori.it - http://www.hotelcampodeifiori.it
HOTEL CAMPO DEI FIORI
IL CASTELLAZZO - PARK HOTEL
Fagnano Olona - Via Cesare Battisti 55
Tel: 0331/617453 - info@hotelilcastellazzo.it - http://www.hotelilcastellazzo.it
LA VILLA
DINA
Gorla Maggiore - Via Europa 33
Tel: 0331/617318
ALBERGO SANT’ANNA
Solbiate Olona - via Mazzini 29
Tel: 0331/649678 - st.anna@tin.it - http://www.albergosantanna.eu
EXPO HOSTEL
Solbiate Olona - Via Fiume 6
Tel: 0331/642640 - expohostelsolbiate@gmail.com - http://www.expohostelsolbiate.com
HOTEL LE ROBINIE
Solbiate Olona - Via per Busto Arsizio 9
Tel: 0331/329260 - booking@lerobinie.com
CAIRATE
FAGNANO
OLONA
GORLA
MAGGIORE
SOLBIATE
OLONA
GORLA
MINORE
CASTELLANZA
OLGIATE
OLONA
CA’ BETTI
Gorla Minore - Via Silvio Pellico 5
Tel: 340 0771881 - bebcabetti@hotmail.it
ALBERGO D120
Olgiate Olona - Via Diaz 120
Tel: 0331/635115 - info@hoteld120.com - http://www.hoteld120.com
GUEST HOUSE BY ROSE
Olgiate Olona - Piazza Volontarie della Libertà 2
Tel: 348 6410266
IL GECO
Olgiate Olona - Via Adige 21
Tel: 331 639566
MO.OM HOTELS
Olgiate Olona - via San Francesco d’Assisi 15
Tel: 0331/327240- info@moomhotel.com - http://www.moomhotel.com
ST. GREGORY
Olgiate Olona - Piazza S. Gregorio 6
Tel: 333 8358470
HOTEL MONTECARLO
Castellanza - Via Saronno 4
Tel: 0331/480568 - info@montecarlohotel.It - http://www.montecarlohotel.It
LA VOLPE PESCATRICE
Castellanza - Via Nizzolina 22
Tel: 339 8796217 - lavolpepescatrice@virgilio.it - http://www.albergocastellanza.it
PICCOLO MONDO ANTICO
Castellanza - Via Giusti 24
info@nelpiccolomondoantico.it - http://www.nelpiccolomondoantico.it

6766
TRANSPORT AND SERVICEHow to get in Valle Olona and useful phone numbers
INFO
Reaching any town of the Olona Valley is quite simple: the territory
is well provided with county roads, main roads and regional roads.
Public transport services (railway stations, airports, motorways
included) are at your disposal covering a wide area. Moreover they are
very close to the heart of these towns.
A8 Autostrada dei laghi
It connects Milan to Varese. Exits: Legnano, Castellanza, Busto
Arsizio, Solbiate Olona junction with A36 - Pedemontana Lombarda),
Gallarate.
A36 Pedemontana Lombarda
Junction with A8 Milano-Varese, A9 Milano-Como e A4 Milano-Venezia.
Exits: Solbiate Olona
Freeway SS336 (state highway from and to Malpensa Airport)
It connects the motorway Milan-Varese to the motorway Turin-Milan
and to Malpensa Airport
SS33 - Strada del Sempione, Milan-Paris
From Legnano to Gallarate
Malpensa (MXP)
Maps and directions: www.milanomalpensa-airport.com/it
Bergamo - Orio al Serio (BGY)
Maps and directions: www.sacbo.it
Milano - Linate (LIN)
Maps and directions: www.milanolinate-airport.com/
Website, schedule and bokking: www.trenord.it
The closest railway stations
Busto Arsizio Nord, Busto Arsizio, Castellanza, Tradate, Rescaldina,
Gallarate, Legnano
MOTORWAYS
AND FREEWAYS
AIRPORTS
RAILWAY
STATIONS
FNMAutoservizi: Legnano - Tradate // Busto Arsizio - Tradate
www.fnmautoservizi.it
STIE: Gallarate - Fagnano - Cairate // Fagnano - Busto Arsizio
www.gruppostarlodi.it
www.tuttocitta.it/taxi
Cairate
Via Corridoni Filippo 5 - 21050 Cairate - Tel: 0331 360870
Via Edmondo De A. 36 - 21050 Cairate (Bolladello) - Tel: 0331 310045
Fagnano Olona
V. Montello 2/E - 21054 Fagnano Olona - Tel: 0331 614990
Via Alessandro Volta 11 - 21054 Fagnano Olona - Tel: 0331 612222
Gorla Minore
Via Raimondi 50 - 21055 Gorla Minore - Tel: 0331 644030
Gorla Maggiore
Viale Europa 34 - 21050 Gorla Maggiore - Tel: 0331 618038
Marnate
Via Roma 31 - 21050 Marnate - Tel: 0331 600454
Olgiate Olona
Via Conciliazione 2 - 21057 Olgiate Olona - Tel: 0331 375666
Via Giuseppe Mazzini 34 - 21057 Olgiate Olona - Tel: 0331 649166
Solbiate Olona
Viale Vittorio Veneto 2 - 21058 Solbiate Olona - Tel: 0331 649637
Castellanza
Corso Matteotti 2 - 21053 Castellanza - Tel: 0331 501130
Via Cavour 5 - 21053 Castellanza - Tel: 0331 501122
Via Nizzolina 10 - 21053 Castellanza - Tel: 0331 500159
Ambulance: tel. 112
Carabinieri (Italian Police): tel. 112
Forestry Authority: tel. 1515
Police: tel. 112 - Web: http://www.poliziadistato.it/articolo/10619-english
Fire Brigade - Tel. 112
TAXI
PHARMACIES
EMERGENCY
BUSES

6968
PARTNER, ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
1
1
2
3
4
2
3
4
Distretto del commercio
Medio Olona
Associazione Commercianti
di Busto Arsizio
Camera di Commercio di Varese
Associazione Culturale
Ecomuseo della Valle Olona
On behalf of all editorial, graphic and operating staff I would like to
thank (in no particular order): Camera di Commercio di Varese
(Chamber of Commerce), Distretto del Medio Olona and Ascom
Busto Arsizio for having funded and made the project possible. The
Majors and Cabinet Members for Commerce of the eight involved
municipalities for having believed in it and having committed to
this initiative at institutional but also personal level. The local Pro-
Loco for their daily efforts aimed at promoting our region. Gianluca
Colombo, Erika Bassi and Samantha Caprioli, soul and backbone
of the “Distretto” who, with their irrepressible energy and enviable
professionalism, shared this troubled but exciting experience with me.
Alessandro Castiglioni and Francesco Dallo, Vice Director and
Director, respectively, of “Associazione Commercianti di Busto Arsizio”,
for their great trust and constant helpfulness. Andrea Carminati,
great friend and colleague, who with his innate talent was able to
make TerraVIVA graphically pleasant and captivating. Marino Bianchi,
already historic and undisputed representative of the photographic
research and rediscovery of our region; all people of Associazione
Ecomuseo della Valle Olona, Michele Palazzo and Giuseppe
Goglio in particular, who contributed to the editorial part and who,
with their passion and initiative, let me discover and “see with my own
eyes” the innumerable treasures of our valley. The fellow members
of Cipta Onlus, Amici della Ferrovia Valmorea, Legambiente
and ValleOlona.com who wrote part of the texts and commit daily
to preserving and promoting our heritage. Wilma Minotti Cerini,
wife of the historic gentlemen chef Livio Cerini, who generously put
at our disposal many recipes contained in this guidebook. Antonio
Colombo and Carlo Farioli, illustrious members of “Magistero dei
Bruscitti di Busto Grande”, who collaborated to study and write the
oldest recipes here mentioned. Monica Calini and Maria Vorobyeva,
fast and skilled translators who were able to transform and optimise
the texts in very short time. Matteo Ganna and his staff, for their
suggestions and help. Franco Codoro and Roberto Cattaneo,
who, with patience and competence, were able to meet any printing
request. Finally, all mentioned restaurateurs and shopkeepers,
who daily work with passion, zeal, personality, tenacity and hope:
without them this guidebook would make no sense, thanks to them
our social, cultural and economic fabric gains in value day by day.
Laura Colombo, friend and also future wife, proofreader 24 hours a
day, who, with limitless patience and love, endured all emails received
at 6 a.m. and those at 2 a.m., all phone calls, the strain and all time
spent personally visiting and meeting each main character of this
guidebook.
TERRAVIVA
Qualità.
Passione.
Territorio.
15 febbraio 2015
Marco Cocchianella
Creator and Coordinator

Partners of Distretto del Commercio del Medio Olona

OLONA VALLEY Discovering gastronomic and turistic riches of this area

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