Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 24, 2026

Velate

Velate is a frazione of Varese located to the north of the city centre. Velate is situated along the base of the Campo dei Fiori mountain.

Last revised
Jul 24, 2026
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Wikipedia ↗

Velate (Velaa in the Varesino dialect) is a frazione of Varese located to the north of the city centre. Velate is situated along the base of the Campo dei Fiori mountain.1

The Tower of Velate source ↗

History

The town dates back to the early medieval period due to the presence of several fortifications and towers. The name ‘Velate’ can be attested since the 12th century. Velate was an independent comune until 1927, when the fascist government decided to annex it to Varese, so that the population of the town would increase. In 1751, the population of the town was roughly 316, and in 1786 Velate and nearby Fogliaro joined the Province of Varese, to then leave and rejoin in the years 1791, 1798, and 1799. With the founding of the Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy in 1805, the town was registered to have a population of 630 people. In 1809, following a decree by Napoleon, Velate increased in size and annexed the nearby Santa Maria del Monte and Sant’Ambrogio Olona. The new comune was granted permission to create a Communal Council, and in 1853, Velate had a population of 1137 people. By 1871, the population had increased to 1247 and by the time it was annexed by Varese, Velate had a population of 2450 people.2

Monuments

Religious Architecture

The Church of Saints Cassiano and Ippolito source ↗
  • The church of Saints Cassiano and Ippolito: One of the oldest churches in Varese, and the oldest in Velate, the church was constructed in the 10th century.3
  • The Church of Santo Stefano and the Oratory of San Domenico: The original structure dates back to 1190, but has since been reconstructed numerous times. The façade was built in 1887. The church has a rectangular structure and 8 chapels separated by a central nave. The church is decorated with several frescoes which date back to the 15th century. The oratory is located next to the church and is now a baptistery.4
  • Convent of San Francesco in Pertica: Located on the Campo dei Fiori mountain, the convent was first mentioned in a document from 1228. The convent was visited by Charles Borromeo in 1574 during his pastoral visit to Varese. After the visit, the convent was gradually abandoned, and now only the ruined structure remains.56

Civil Architecture

  • The Tower of Velate: The Velate Tower is a medieval watchtower built between the 10th and 11th centuries. It is now in a state of ruin.78

Notable Residents

References

References

  1. "Frazioni del Comune di Varese". Comune di Varese. Retrieved 18 May 2026.
  2. "Comune di Velate, 1859–1927". Lombardia Beni Culturali. Regione Lombardia. Retrieved 18 May 2026.
  3. "Chiesa dei Santi Cassiano e Ippolito – Velate". Lombardia Beni Culturali. Retrieved 18 May 2026.
  4. "Chiesa di Santo Stefano e oratorio di San Domenico – Velate". Lombardia Beni Culturali. Retrieved 18 May 2026.
  5. "Visita pastorale di San Carlo Borromeo nella zona del Varesotto". Lombardia Beni Culturali. Retrieved 18 May 2026.
  6. "Convento di San Francesco in Pertica". Lombardia Beni Culturali. Retrieved 18 May 2026.
  7. "Velate e il sistema fortificato del Campo dei Fiori". Lombardia Beni Culturali. Retrieved 18 May 2026.
  8. "Torre di Velate". Lombardia Beni Culturali. Retrieved 18 May 2026.
  9. "Castelli, Bernardino". Enciclopedia Italiana – Treccani. Istituto dell’Enciclopedia Italiana. Retrieved 18 May 2026.
  10. "Guido da Velate". Enciclopedia Italiana – Treccani. Istituto dell’Enciclopedia Italiana. Retrieved 18 May 2026.

45°50′45″N 8°47′30″E / 45.8457°N 8.7916°E / 45.8457; 8.7916