Torre di Velate

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The Tower of Velate is a tower dating back to the 11th century that was inserted into the ancient defensive structure of the Prealpine Limes. Its purpose was to serve as a military outpost for the road below leading to Angera and Lake Maggiore. The stone-built structure, with a quadrangular base, reaches a height of 33.5 meters, with five above-ground levels served by an articulated staircase on the eastern side. The powerful fortress, only two sides of which remain intact, was severely damaged at the end of the 12th century by victorious Milanese forces against the imperial militias and allies of Barbarossa, including the nobles of Velate. Today the tower, a fixed point in the hilly landscape around Varese, is owned by the Italian Environmental Fund. It can be found in Velate, a suburb of Varese.