3rd stage of the Via Francisca del Lucomagno

The third stage of the Via Francisca del Lucomagno starts from Sacro Monte di Varese, and it is always a pleasure for the eyes and the soul to descend along the Via delle cappelle and gradually enter the historic centre of Varese.
We cross Corso Matteotti, and then make a small diversions to the Giardini Estensi to enjoy the beauty of this park. Outside the gardens we rejoin the marked path, which continues to Casbeno, along a cycle path to Capolago. Once near the lake, we climb up towards Gazzada and ride through a section of woodland that leads us to the plain of Caronno di Corbellaro, one of the most evocative places on the entire route, where there is a small chapel and agricultural fields reminiscent of the Tuscan countryside. As we descend towards Castiglione we come across a washhouse and a shooting range, in a magnificent natural setting.
We are only a short distance from here. Once in the historic centre of Castiglione Olona, we enter the Cardinal Branda house museum, where the customary stamp awaits us. Visits to the museum and the Collegiate Church, which is just a short walk up a hill, are a must.
Our accommodation is the Ostello de pellegrino (pilgrim’s hostel) in Gornate Olona, which is not far away, crossing the Olona river.