Comerio

Access

Comerio is easily reached from Varese, some 7 kilometres away, via the provincial road leading to Gavirate and Valcuvia. The nearest railway station is Barasso-Comerio, on the line connecting Laveno to Varese, with frequent connections to Milan. The A8 Milan-Varese motorway provides quick access to the main network, while Milan Malpensa airport is about 40 minutes away by car.

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Introduction

Comerio is a small municipality located in the province of Varese, in the Lombardy region, lying on the slopes of the hills separating Lake Varese from the Valcuvia. Its territory extends between wooded areas, meadows and inhabited areas, offering a harmonious landscape where the presence of water and the view of the Lombardy Pre-Alps contribute to create an environmental context of particular interest. Its panoramic position and proximity to the Lombard lakes make Comerio an ideal place for those who wish to alternate tranquillity and contact with nature.

Description

The town lies at an average altitude of about 380 metres above sea level, and is characterised by a typically hilly urban structure, with well-preserved historic nuclei and villas dating back to the 19th century, many of which were built as summer residences for the Varese and Milanese bourgeoisie. In the heart of the town are the parish church of San Celso and Giuliano, built in the 19th century on the remains of an older building, and several fine civic buildings, including Villa Tatti Tallachini, now the town hall, set in a park offering evocative views of Lake Varese.
The history of Comerio has very ancient origins, as testified by archaeological finds indicating human presence in the area since the Bronze Age. In the Middle Ages it was part of the domains of the Visconti family and subsequently passed under several local lordships. In modern times, the village developed as a rural and craft centre, flanked by local stone quarrying activities linked to the quarries in the surrounding area. The 19th century saw the birth of numerous villas and the establishment of small factories, a prelude to the municipality's inclusion in the Varese industrial network in the 20th century.
Today, Comerio's economy is based on the tertiary sector, with a significant presence of small local businesses and activities related to local tourism. The municipality maintains a strong residential identity, favoured by its quiet location and good accessibility to major centres such as Varese and Gavirate. In the past, it was the historic headquarters of Whirlpool Italia, whose industrial presence has been an important economic reference point for the area.
From a cultural and traditional point of view, Comerio retains several festivities linked to popular religiosity and the agricultural rhythm of the seasons. One of the main events is the patronal festival dedicated to San Celso and Giuliano, celebrated with processions, music and community gatherings. The cuisine reflects the traditions of Lombardy, with simple, seasonal dishes, including polenta seasoned with local produce, cured meats and cheeses from the valley.
The surrounding natural landscape offers ample hiking opportunities. Several trails lead from the village into the hilly forests and to vantage points with open views of the Lombard lakes and the mountains of the Campo dei Fiori massif. The green areas of the Campo dei Fiori Regional Park are easily accessible and are a valuable resource for those who enjoy trekking and nature observation. Along the route, there are also minor historical testimonies, such as old mule tracks, votive chapels and the remains of ancient quarries.

Information

Area: 5.55 km²
Altitude: 380 m a.s.l.
Number of inhabitants: approx. 2,500 (2025)
Name of inhabitants: Comeriesi
Patron Saint: SS. Celso and Giuliano
Border municipalities: Barasso, Gavirate, Luvinate, Cuvio, Besozzo
Official website: www.comune.comerio.va.it