CURIGLIA WITH MONTEVIASCO
Nestled in the Varese Prealps, at 930 meters above sea level, Monteviasco is a charming mountain village that is a true gem in the Varese area. Situated in the picturesque Veddasca Valley, this small town stands out for its unique character, thanks to its timeless atmosphere and pristine natural environment.
One of Monteviasco's unique features is its accessibility: the village cannot be reached by vehicle, but only on foot via a long staircase of approximately 1,400 steps starting from the Ponte di Piero hamlet, or by a cable car, inaugurated in 1989 but inactive since 2018.
Strolling through the narrow cobblestone streets and stone houses, you can experience a genuine atmosphere far removed from mass tourism. The parish church, dedicated to Saints Martin and Barnabas, and the sanctuary of the Madonna della Serta are two of the town's historic landmarks.
Several trails ideal for hikers of all levels also start from here. These include the route leading to Alpe Cascinelle and Alpe Sassello, as well as the paths leading back to the valley, an alternative to the stone mule track.
Historically, Monteviasco boasts ancient origins, with traces dating back to the Middle Ages. Over time, however, this small village in the Veddasca valley has managed to keep its traditions alive, evidence of a community deeply rooted in the local area—even more so after the tragic accident that shut down the cable car, further increasing the town's isolation.
CURIGLIA AND THE RAVO MURAL
In the village of Curiglia, Caravaggio's art meets street art thanks to the work created in November 2023 by Andrea Ravo Mattoni, an internationally renowned artist.
On the external wall of the sacristy of the parish church stands an extraordinary reproduction of the "Adoration of the Shepherds", a famous painting by the seventeenth-century master.
The idea for this mural was born from the desire of Don Giorgio Ferrario, the late parish priest of Curiglia, who was deeply moved by another work by Ravo Mattoni inspired by Caravaggio, "The Taking of Christ." He was unaware that a deep bond already united the artist to Curiglia: in the 1970s, Ravo Mattoni's parents—the painter Carlo and the musician Verena—had chosen to live in the nearby hamlet of Piero. It was precisely from those places, immersed in the nature and tranquility of the valley, that the artist drew inspiration from childhood, nurturing a genuine emotional bond with this pristine corner of the upper Varese area.
Today, the mural is much more than a work of art: it is a tribute to a community, a region, and the memory of those who have lovingly preserved its identity. Visiting it means discovering how the contemporary language of street art can dialogue with the great paintings of the past, enriching the cultural heritage of a valley that unites nature, history, and beauty.
