Located in the plains of Lower Varese, crossed by the Arno River and immersed in the Ticino Park, Gallarate is a glorious town rich in history and art as well as an important industrial hub in the textile sector.Between parks, museums and ancient churches, there is always something to do and see in Gallarate to spend a great day.
And once in the center, what are the main tourist attractions? Definitely not to be missed is the Church of San Pietro: dating back to the period between the 11th and 13th centuries, it is the oldest in Gallarate, a typical example of Romanesque architecture. And if St. Peter's is the oldest church, the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta is the most important: dating from the 19th century but with its magnificent 15th-century bell tower, here you can admire the magnificent frescoes by Luigi Cavenaghi and the fascinating sculptures by Giuseppe Rosnati. Inside, to the right of the altar, is the painting Sposalizio della Vergine di Pierfrancesco by Cesare Mazzucchelli, one of the most important Lombard artists of the 17th century.
Art lovers cannot miss a visit toMAGA, Gallarate Art Museum, which houses more than 5,000 works by 20th-century artists. Here it is also possible to take part in thematic exhibitions and events. Also worth seeing is the Sanctuary of the Madonna in Campagna: we point out here the splendid Baroque-style altar and Crucifix.
Continue with the Museum of the Gallaratese Society of Homeland History, where excavated objects from the pre-Roman necropolis of Golasecca and from the various pre-Roman and Roman burial grounds in Gallarate and Cassano Magnago are preserved. There is also an ancient art section and numerous paintings, relics, and mementos of local history from the period of the Risorgimento.
But Gallarate is also special events and manifestations, such as the Contrada del Brodo held every year on July 25: on the occasion of the Feast of Our Lady, visitors are offered cups of hot broth made from different types of meat. Then there is the Vintage Photographic Apparatus Exhibition in the courtyard of Palazzo Broletto: it takes place in mid-September and attracts thousands of enthusiasts from a wide variety of Italian cities every year. In the penultimate week of November, on the other hand, there is the Rama di Pomm (apple branch): this is a very popular traditional festival in Gallarate, accompanied by games and various attractions.
Finally, we come to gastronomy. A stop at the most exclusive restaurants and the most famous trattorias in Gallarate is a must. The occasion is to taste the city's most traditional dishes, such as in winter the cazzoeula or bottaggio or posciandra. Typical products also include Gallarate macaroons, to be sought in the best local pastry shops, as well as Gallarate wines such as the peasant-made Clinto.