Province of Varese facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Province of Varese
Varese
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| Country |  Italy |
| Region | Lombardy |
| Capital | Varese |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1,199 km2 (463 sq mi) |
| Population
(2001)
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| • Total | 812,934 |
| • Density | 678/km2 (1,760/sq mi) |
| Postal Code |
210xx, 21100
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| Telephone prefix |
02, 0331, 0332
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| ISTAT | 012 |
| Vehicle registration | VA |
| No. of communes | 141 |
The Province of Varese is a special area, or province, located in the Lombardy region of Italy. Its main city is Varese, which is also its capital. Even though Varese is the capital, the city of Busto Arsizio is actually the largest city in the province.
This province is also home to a very important company called Leonardo (which used to be AgustaWestland). This company, located in Samarate, is one of the biggest in the world for making helicopters! In 2015, about 889,410 people lived in the Province of Varese. It covers an area of about 1,198 square kilometers (463 square miles). The current leader of the province is President Marco Reguzzoni.
Contents
History of Varese Province
Ancient Times and Roman Influence
Long ago, during the time of the Romans, two important places in this area were the strong fort of Castelseprio and the port of Angera. These places were very important for trade and defense.
Visconti Family Rule
In the 1200s, a powerful family called the House of Visconti took control of the region. They completely destroyed Castelseprio. The Visconti family used the land mainly for farming and made it part of their larger territories around Milan. During their rule, Varese started to become richer because of a lot of trade, even though it stayed a small town.
Later History and Italian Unification
In the 1700s, before he became a duke, Francesco III d'Este, Duke of Modena lived in this area. Later, as Italy was becoming a united country, a famous Italian general named Giuseppe Garibaldi tried to set up groups against the Austrians in Varese. Because of this, the Austrians tried to invade in 1859, and a battle took place right in Varese.
Modern Political Movements
More recently, Umberto Bossi was born near Varese in 1941. He believed that the Lombardy region should have more independence. In 1986, he started a group called the Lombard League, which later became a big part of a larger political party known as the Lega Nord (North League).
Geography of Varese Province
Location and Borders
The Province of Varese is one of twelve provinces in the Lombardy region, which is in northern Italy. It is the most north-western province in Lombardy. Its northern edge forms the border with Switzerland. To the north-west, it borders the Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola in the Piedmont region. To the west, it borders the Province of Novara, also in Piedmont. South of Varese Province is the Metropolitan City of Milan, and to the east are the Province of Monza and Brianza and the Province of Como.
Natural Features
The main city, Varese, is located right next to Lake Varese. It sits at the bottom of the Sacro Monte di Varese, which is a part of the Campo dei Fiori di Varese mountain range. This area is known for its beautiful lakes and hills.
Economy and Local Products
The land here is in a sub-Alpine region, meaning it's near the Alps mountains. Farming in this area focuses on raising animals. The economy also relies a lot on tourism, as many people visit the beautiful lakes and mountains. Many people who live here also travel daily to Milan for work.
Local foods include cheeses made from goat's milk and traditional meat dishes. You can also find fresh fish caught from the many lakes. Other special products from the area are a local type of asparagus, chestnuts, berries, and honey. Grapes grown in the province are used to make traditional red and white wines.
See also
In Spanish: Provincia de Varese para niños
