Cislago www.comunedicislago.it

Situated in the southeastern part of the Varese Province, it is 18.6 miles from the town of Varese and the same distance from Como and Milan. Probably the Romans rest here as they traveled along the Olona River towards Milan or the Alps. In fact, the territory is rich in spring water; rise here the three streams - Fontanile, Gardaluso and Bozzente - that in the past seriously damaged all the near country.

In 870 Cislago belonged to Count Alcherio that fortified the village and built the castle. In 1510 the castle was razed to the ground by the Carlo V troops and then rebuilt in 1620 by Cesare Visconti. Today is inhabited by the Castelbarco family.

The medieval village rises around the square at which appear the castle and the church of Beata Vergine Maria Annunciata, dated 1384 and probably the family chapel of the Lord. It belongs to Castelbarco family, yet.

To see:

- the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta, dated 1582 and restored in 17th century, preserves an organ with 29 pipes

- the oratory of S. Maria dell'Aiuto, built on a 1680 bridge across the Bozzente stream

- the little church of S. Maria Iniziata, dated 1500 and frescoed in the 17th

- the Visconti farmstead, Lombardic building with a rectangular courtyard

- the Museo della Carrozza Equestre, (Equestrian Museum) at Massina Village, with more than 60 olf carriages, including an English Mail Coach made in 1784.