Fortress of Angera

Consisting of a collection of buildings erected between the 11th and 17th centuries-the Castellana Tower, the Scaligera Wing, the Visconti Wing, the Giovanni Visconti Tower and the Borromeo Wing-the Rocca di Angera was originally owned by the archbishops of Milan. It later became the property of the Visconti family and then the Borromeos in 1449, who are still the owners today. It was restored and redecorated in the 17th century. In recent decades, after further restoration, the castle has been opened to the public with Europe's largest Museum of Dolls and Toys and with temporary exhibitions of contemporary art, organized in the Ala Scaligera. A project to recreate and revalorize the medieval gardens has also begun.

Inside, historic rooms can be visited, including the Hall of Justice, with splendid 13th-century frescoes depicting Ottone Visconti's victory in the Battle of Desio in 1277; the Borromeo Fasti Room, which houses a series of frescoes from the first half of the 15th century from the Borromeo Palace in Milan; and the Mythology Room, with its collection of majolica.

Opening times

Mid-March to early November with different hours:

• Mid-March to late October: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry at 5 p.m.)
• Late October to early November: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry at 4 p.m.)

Price:

Full: € 15 (online € 14.50)

Reduced kids (ages 6 to 15): € 10 (online € 9.50)

Groups (minimum 20 people): € 13.00 (online € 12.00) - reservation required

Children under 6 years: free