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Parks
and Recreation Areas
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COMO
The Como Lake is the third-largest lake in Italy,
after Lake Garda and Lake Verbano. Shaped like a Y turned upside
down, Como lies on the south west branch. Along the banks of the
Como river lie countless 18th century villas surrounded by luxurious
gardens. On the western perimeter of the lake, one can see some
spectacular sites such as the Tempio Voltiano, a classic temple
with marble columns and mosaic floors, housing the apparatus of
Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the battery (see Museums
and Historical Sites). Further on is the beautiful gardens and
wildlife park of Villa dell’Olmo.
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MONZA
Parco
di Monza
With a 14 Km wall sorrounding it, Parco di Monza is the biggest
park in Europe. Inside the park people can go skating, rent bikes
as well as swim.
Inside the park the famous “Autodromo” can also be found, where motor race competions such as the Italian Grand Prix F1 are held. A golf clu is also situated inside the park.
The park also is home to the enormous Villa Reale, built between 1776 and 1780 by G. Piermarini and was modeled on Schoenbrunn’s Viennese Villa. The park is open between 07:30 and 20:00.
VARESE
Famous for its many public gardens, Varese is known the “Garden
city”. The many gardens include the Estensi garden and the
park of Villa Mirabello.
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The Estensi garden is one of the most spectacular gardens in Europe. The Estense Palace, which was built in 1760 is located in side the garden. The palace was a former summer residence of Duke of Modena Francesco III d’Este, who in the second half of the eighteenth century became Lord of Varese and Governor of Lombardy. Today the palace is the headquarters of the Town Council. Behind the palace is a square with a large fountain, which shapes the landscape of the garden, with its relieves, walkways, paths, flower beds, and lawns.
Villa Mirabello and its surrounding park is situated on the hill of the same name. Just like the Estensi Garden, the 18th century Villa Mirabello has an English style garden. Today, the villa houses the Civic Museum with an interesting archeological collection.
