Attractions and Places To See around Gallarate - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Gallarate include a blend of historical significance, cultural richness, and natural beauty. Located in the province of Varese, the town offers ancient churches, art museums, and serene parks. Gallarate is situated within the Ticino Park, providing natural surroundings and opportunities for outdoor activities. The area features both man-made landmarks and natural features for exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Gallarate
- The most popular attractions is Panperduto Dam, a man-made monument that marks the birth of the Naviglio and Villoresi canals. It is a significant hydraulic junction where waters from the Ticino river are diverted for irrigation and industrial use.
- Another must-see spot is Lake Comabbio, a lake offering views and direct access to a bike path. This location provides an oasis of beauty and peace for visitors.
- Visitors also love Valmorea Railway Cycle Path (Valle Olona Cycle Path), a path on a former railway line through the industrial Olona Valley. It offers insights into industrial culture with historical paper and ceramic sites.
- Gallarate is known for its historical sites, art museums, and natural parks. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient churches to extensive cycle paths.
- The attractions around Gallarate are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 880 upvotes and 314 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Panperduto Dam
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Olona Valley Cycle Path
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Lake Comabbio
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Valmorea Railway Cycle Path (Valle Olona Cycle Path)
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Valle Olona cycle path in Castellanza
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Tips from the Community
The Pista Ciclopedonale della Valle Olona, starting from Castellanza, mainly follows the bank of the Olona River along consortium roads to Solbiate Olona, remaining on the other side of the Valley with respect to the track of the former Valmorea Railway.
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You approach the route of the former Valmorea Railway, with its disused station and enter the cycle path that heads towards the real Gurone Dam, a structure 12 metres high above the river level and 156 metres long, built between 2004 and 2009 and capable of generating a reservoir of more than a million cubic metres. The construction was necessary because this stretch of the valley has always been subject to flooding from the Olona (around 70 have been recorded since the 15th century), such as the most recent ones in 1995 and 2002. The cycle path now climbs along its embankments with an almost linear route and a gradient of almost 12%, built in this way so as not to interfere with the structure of the dam and its hydraulic characteristics. Once you reach the top, be careful on the descent. After reaching the closest point to the river, you start following the railway again, of which you can see sections of tracks in the woods. Now on the right we have the Pedemontana motorway and you cycle in one of the tunnels created during its construction. You can now reach the small public garden equipped with a rack with e-bike charging and a self-repair kit or, keeping to the left at the roundabout and crossing the provincial road, you head south. We are in the Lozza plain, which you cross on the side of the railway embankment with a long straight stretch before arriving at a narrow peninsula formed on the left by the Olona and on the right by the Selvagna stream. After crossing the stream, the path goes to the side of the provincial road to enter Castiglione Olona. On the right, the railway system of the former station opens up, where you can still see some carriages. At the crossing, keep left to continue on the cycle path, while instead you will go to the right to reach the historic village.
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Beautiful cycle path along the Olona river
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Cycle Path 🚴of the Park 🌳Middle Olona🌊you pass by Old🏬and New Buildings like Factories 🏭of a Time That Was 🕰️which were linked to the Productivity of Work now Past🧑🌾
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The cycle path that surrounds the lake makes it an absolutely must-follow cycling destination. The cycle path was recently rebuilt and is constantly up and down.
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the cycle/pedestrian path of the Olona valley starts from Castellanza and ends in the middle Olona park, it is almost entirely asphalted except for some stretches where there is gravel but nothing that cannot be done with any bicycle.
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the entrance has gymnastic facilities on the left
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some unique historical landmarks to visit in Gallarate?
Gallarate boasts several significant historical landmarks. The Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, dating back to the 16th century, is known for its remarkable architecture, frescoes by Luigi Cavenaghi, and sculptures by Giuseppe Rosnati. The Church of San Pietro is the oldest church in town, showcasing classic Romanesque architecture from the 11th to 13th centuries. You can also visit the Panperduto Dam, a man-made monument marking the birth of the Naviglio and Villoresi canals, which is a significant hydraulic junction.
What natural attractions can I explore near Gallarate?
Beyond the town, Gallarate is immersed in the Ticino Park, offering extensive natural surroundings. You can visit Lake Comabbio, which provides an oasis of beauty and peace with direct access to a bike path. Other natural features include Parco di Villa Litta, a serene park surrounding an 18th-century neoclassical villa, and Parco della Valle dell'Olona, located southeast of Gallarate.
Are there any notable museums in Gallarate?
Yes, Gallarate is home to significant cultural institutions. The MAGA (Gallarate Art Museum) houses over 5,000 works by 20th-century artists and hosts various exhibitions. Additionally, the Museum of the Gallaratese Society of Homeland History preserves excavated objects from the pre-Roman necropolis of Golasecca, along with ancient art, paintings, and local historical mementos.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do around Gallarate?
The region around Gallarate offers diverse outdoor activities, especially cycling and running. You can explore the cycling routes that traverse the Ticino Park and along the Villoresi Canal. For those who enjoy running or walking, there are several running trails, including loops around Castello di Crenna and La Boschina.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in Gallarate?
Many attractions around Gallarate are suitable for families. The Lake Comabbio area is family-friendly, offering scenic views and a bike path. The Valmorea Railway Cycle Path is also a great option for families, providing an easy cycling experience through historical industrial sites. For aviation enthusiasts, Volandia Parco e Museo del Volo Malpensa, located near Malpensa Airport, offers extensive exhibitions of aircraft and is a popular family destination.
Where can I find cycling routes near Gallarate's attractions?
Gallarate is well-suited for cycling. You can find numerous cycling routes, including the popular Valmorea Railway Cycle Path (Valle Olona Cycle Path), which follows a former railway line. Another option is the Valle Olona cycle path in Castellanza, known for its car-free environment. For longer rides, consider the 'Panperduto Dam and Ticino Park Loop' or the 'Lakes Varese and Comabbio Cycle Loop' available in the road cycling guide.
Can I find trails with scenic views near Gallarate?
Absolutely. For scenic views, visit Crenna, a charming hilltop neighborhood offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, especially at sunset. The Iron Bridge Over the Villoresi Canal also provides a noteworthy panorama of the valley, where the Ticino River borders Lombardy and Piedmont, with the Monte Rosa massif and Monviso visible in the background at sunset.
What is the best time of year to visit Gallarate for outdoor activities?
The best time to visit Gallarate for outdoor activities is generally during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these seasons, the weather is mild and pleasant, ideal for cycling, hiking, and exploring the parks and natural features without the intense heat of summer or the chill of winter. The natural landscapes, especially in Ticino Park, are particularly vibrant during these months.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Gallarate?
Visitors frequently praise the blend of historical and natural beauty. The Panperduto Dam is appreciated as an iconic place to witness the origin of the Naviglio and Villoresi canals. Lake Comabbio is often described as an 'oasis of beauty and peace.' The Valmorea Railway Cycle Path is enjoyed for its unique journey through industrial heritage and scenic sections.
Is there a place to learn about aviation near Gallarate?
Yes, aviation enthusiasts should visit Volandia Parco e Museo del Volo Malpensa. Located a short distance from Malpensa Airport, this extensive museum features a wide collection of aircraft, helicopters, cars, and model aircraft, offering a fascinating insight into the history of flight.
Are there opportunities for running or walking trails around Gallarate?
Yes, there are several options for running and walking. You can find various running trails, including the 'Trail in the Boia Valley – Fontanili Trail loop' and the 'Castello di Crenna loop'. These routes offer a chance to explore the local landscape and historical areas on foot.
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