Castiglione Olona www.comune.castiglione-olona.va.it

The ancient village of Castiglione Olona was founded in 401 a.C. by the roman general Stilicone. The place was an important outpost for many centuries and the centre of military vicissitudes linked to the history of the Seprio countryside.

The complete transformation of the village in the first XV century decades is due to Cardinale Branda Castiglioni (1350/1443), the eldest of the noble family. He transformed the village according to the toscan humanism style. Due to the Cardinale will, the village was provided with religious and social services; churches, convents, palaces and schools. Famous artists as Masolino da Panicale, Paolo Schiavo, Lorenzo di Pietro said "il Vecchietta", the Solari brothers took part to the achievement of this "ideal citadel".

From 1978, every first Sunday of the month there is the fiera del Cardinale, a 'second-hand market' with road artists.

To see:

- the Collegiata with many frescoes by Masolino da Panicale

- the Baptistery, formerly the Castiglione family chapel, also frescoed by Masolino

- the church of Villa, with the two large stone figures, San Cristoforo and Sant'Antonio, on its facade and designed by 'il Vecchietta'.

- Palazzo Branda Castiglioni

- the Monteruzzo castle, now under repair

- the church of San Michele, at Gornate Superiore, built on a hill outstanding the village, is the oldest building of Castiglione. Inside there are some frescoes dated 1553, 1607, and 1730.