Monastero di Torba

About the museum

The Monastero di Torba lies a few kilometres from Varese, on the edge of the Olona valley and a dense wood, in the area of the ancient Roman castrum of Castelseprio, later a Lombard town. The tower, a rare example of late antique defensive architecture, recalls the building's original function, which was kept up by the Goths, Byzantines and Lombards before it changed over time.

From a fortress, Torba became a religious centre: in the 8th century a group of Benedictine nuns converted the tower into an oratory and founded a church and monastery using reused materials. The nuns lived here for more than seven centuries and left the frescoes on the tower's second floor, showing Christ blessing among angels, the Virgin and Child, a group of saints and a row of nuns in prayer. The restoration, begun in 1978, was supervised by Pinin Brambilla Barcilon until 2019.

After the nuns left in 1799 the complex fell into decline: the monastery became a farm and the church was used as a stable and hayloft. In 1976 Giulia Maria Mozzoni Crespi bought the site and donated it to the FAI, making it the organisation's first property; it has been open to the public since 1986. Since 2011, together with Castelseprio, it has been part of the serial UNESCO site “I Longobardi in Italia”. Excavations carried out with the University of Padua have brought to light, among other things, a 6th-century horse burial at the entrance to the tower and the so-called Casa del fabbro (the Blacksmith's House). Since 2025 the church of Santa Maria has a new altar, inspired by a design donated by the architect Mario Botta.

Highlights

• Late antique tower with early medieval frescoes on the second floor
• Church of Santa Maria with the new altar designed by Mario Botta
• UNESCO site “I Longobardi in Italia”, together with Castelseprio
• Archaeological remains, including the Casa del fabbro
• Park with a picnic area along the Via Francisca del Lucomagno

Permanent exhibition

• Monastero, torre e chiesa – Visit to the tower with the second-floor frescoes, the church of Santa Maria, the monastery rooms and the excavation areas.

Founded

1986

Operated by

FAI – Fondo Ambiente Italiano

Visitors per year

approx. 21,535

Admission & discounts

Free admission for FAI members, members of INTO, Mécènes and Bienfaiteurs Amis du Louvre, residents of Gornate Olona and Castelseprio and accredited journalists; for specific events, only an event contribution may be charged. Discounts for holders of the Abbonamento Musei Lombardia. Prices may vary during special events.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Due to its nature, the complex presents difficulties for people with reduced mobility or using a wheelchair: the floors of the tower and the church can only be reached by stairs, the route from the car park to the ticket office is gravel with a short flight of steps at the end, and the outdoor areas have gravel or earth surfaces. The restaurant has no changes in level. With prior notice it is possible to drive into the entrance courtyard. Guided tours in LIS (Italian Sign Language) are available by booking, as are video guides in LIS and visual-tactile aids with audio pens. Dogs are admitted to the outdoor areas; indoors only guide dogs and assistance dogs are allowed.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The “FAIr Play Family” project offers children aged 5 to 12 60 play and discovery activities inside and outside the monastery.

Getting there & parking

By car from the A8 Autostrada dei Laghi (Milano–Varese), exit Solbiate Arno, then follow the signs for Castelseprio and Torba. On foot, the monastery is a stop on the Via Francisca del Lucomagno.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Restaurant Antica Torre in the monastery's former refectory, open on the same days and hours as the site (on Saturday evenings by reservation); picnic baskets on request. There is an unequipped picnic area in the park. FAI bookshop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The FAI website has a section on private events at the site.

Plan your visit