Rocca Borromeo di Angera

About the museum

The Rocca stands on a rocky spur overlooking the southern end of Lake Maggiore. The first references date back to 1066, when it belonged to the archbishops of Milan; the oldest nucleus, with the square tower to the west, is however earlier. After the battle of Desio of 1277, which established the Visconti over the Della Torre, the fortress was enlarged and decorated: the frescoes of the Sala di Giustizia, dedicated to those events, bear witness to this.

In 1449 Vitaliano I Borromeo bought it and made it his residence. Together with the Rocca di Arona, on the opposite shore, it formed a hinge of the Lombard defensive system against Swiss and imperial incursions. After a long dispute with the Sforza, at the end of the 15th century the Borromeo family became its permanent owner. In the 17th century, under Giulio Cesare III and Antonio Renato Borromeo, the main restorations were carried out and many rooms were redecorated by painters such as the brothers Santagostino, Antonio Busca and Filippo Abbiati.

Today the complex, organised in several building bodies of different periods, houses historic rooms, towers and courtyards, the Museo della Bambola e del Giocattolo, which documents the history of childhood from the 18th century to today, and a medieval garden of about two thousand square metres rebuilt on the basis of codices and documents of the period. The Rocca is managed within Terre Borromeo.

Highlights

• Sala di Giustizia with frescoes on the battle of Desio
• Curtain wall with swallowtail merlons and views over Lake Maggiore
• Museo della Bambola e del Giocattolo, from the 18th century to today
• Medieval garden of about 2,000 m²
• Inner courtyard with the original paving

Permanent exhibitions

• Castello e sale storiche – Route through the inner courtyard, towers and frescoed rooms, including the Sala di Giustizia.
• Museo della Bambola e del Giocattolo – Collection documenting the history of childhood from the 18th century to the present through dolls and toys.
• Giardino Medievale – Garden of about 2,000 m² between the vineyard and the crenellated walls, overlooking the lake.

Operated by

Terre Borromeo (Kaleon S.p.A.) – famiglia Borromeo

Admission & discounts

The admission ticket includes the castle with the historic rooms, the Museo della Bambola e del Giocattolo and the Medieval Garden. Prices may vary according to the date of visit, the type of ticket and the purchase channel. Guided tours of the historic rooms, the audio guide and exclusive visits are also available.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Because of the morphology of the site and the constraints of the Soprintendenza, access to the castle can be difficult for people with motor disabilities; for information on access arrangements it is advisable to contact the call centre of Terre Borromeo. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are admitted.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Stroller-friendly: not available

The Museo della Bambola e del Giocattolo tells the story of childhood from the 18th century to today and is of interest to families; proposals are available for schools. Pushchairs are not admitted in the castle rooms.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Caffetteria Belvedere. Bulky backpacks, umbrellas and pushchairs are not admitted in the castle rooms.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit