SHARRYLAND
The Collegiate Church of Castiglione Olona
Island of Tuscany in Lombardy
Where is
What it is and where it is
On the outskirts of Varese, coming from Milan on the Via Varesina, you come to Castiglione Olona. Castiglione is a modern urban center but with an ancient heart: the historic village, dating back to the Middle Ages, was remodeled in its Renaissance architecture by the Castiglioni family. When you look at it, it is impossible not to notice the Collegiata complex, located on top of the hill overlooking the town and the Olona valley. Come on then, hurry up: the Collegiate Church, the baptistery, the Museum and the Villa Church are waiting for you to visit!
Why it is special
Arriving at the Collegiate Church, one feels as if one has ended up in the land of Tuscany. Past the portal, you are enveloped by the frescoes that tell the story of the Virgin, embellished even more by the beautiful brass chandelier that hangs in the center of the nave, and the marble sarcophagus of Cardinal Branda Castiglioni. The whole is an overwhelming spectacle of Renaissance art, almost a hidden and little-known oasis, but unforgettable for those who have visited it. But that's not all: next to the Collegiate Church stands the Baptistery, which even more enchants with its delicate figures of angels, perspective images and portraits of the Castiglioni family.
Not to be missed
Although the village has lost some of its Renaissance identity over the years, every first Sunday of the month its streets come alive with the Cardinal's Fair, a market full of antique dealers' stalls that attracts visitors and enthusiasts.
A bit of history
Castiglione's history sees its origins in the Middle Ages and owes its expansion and importance to the Castiglioni Family. From being a fortified area, with a castle that dominated the surrounding valley and of which few remains, in the 1400s it saw the construction of the Collegiate Church on the authorization of the then Pope Martin V and the development of the urban fabric according to Renaissance canons.
Curiosities
In the Museum of the Colle giate Church is preserved an Annunciation, which is really very special because of two details: the shadow of the Madonna on the wall, also including the halo, and a small baby Jesus with open arms literally projected by the ray that flows from the hands of God the Father toward the Virgin, near whom the dove of the Holy Spirit has already arrived. Two images rich in theological significance. The curator of the museum complex of the Collegiate Church (owned by the Ambrosian Diocese), Dr. Laura Marazzi, and volunteers will amaze visitors with accurate and detailed explanations.
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