Title: Estense Palace in Downtown Varese - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca

  

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# Estense Palace Tours and Activities

![Estense Palace featuring landscape views, a small town or village and a square or plaza](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/80000/80662-Varese.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Estense Palace featuring a garden](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/80000/80839-Estense-Palace.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Estense Palace showing street scenes and a house](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/80000/80837-Estense-Palace.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Estense Palace featuring a park and a fountain](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/80000/80841-Estense-Palace.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Estense Palace](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/80000/80836-Estense-Palace.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit Estense Palace

Activities

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#### One of the city’s most important public buildings is a stately Baroque palace nicknamed the Versailles of Milan for its grandeur.

From its eye-catching pink façade to the dramatic staircases of its lavish interior, Estense Palace is an impressive sight inside and out. This 18th-century architectural masterpiece once served as the summer residence and court of Francesco III d’Este, Duke of Modena and Lord of Varese. Today, it is open to the public as well as being the home of Varese’s city council and civic library. 

The palace’s design was inspired by other grand European buildings of the time. As you approach the building, pause to study the vast exterior and extensive wings. The neoclassical style of the façade has a relatively simple design compared to the Baroque touches of the inner façade.

Although some parts of the palace are reserved for city council departments, it is possible to visit a few of the interior rooms. Head inside and explore the Salone Estense, the palace’s vast reception hall. Appreciate the beauty of the multi-colored marble fireplace as well as the stunning central fresco painted by artist Giovan Battista Ronchelli. This magnificent space is now the city council’s meeting room and is also often used for conferences. 

Visit the Aldo Montoli room on the first floor for its 18th-century frescoes. This room was once a chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptist. Follow the splendid staircase up to the ballroom on the upper floor. On your way up, see several niches holding ornately carved busts from the18th century. Look at the little angels made of stucco holding up the main lamp and view the ceiling medallion by Ronchelli. It features the god Mars surrendering to Peace. Take your time exploring the ballroom, which is home to a number of beautiful 16th- and 17th-century canvases.

Estense Palace is located on Via Sacco, a 5-minute walk from Varese’s city center. The palace is open throughout the year and admission is free. After your tour, relax among the flowers and trees of its beautiful gardens.

## Plan a trip to see Estense Palace

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

![Hotel Brunelleschi](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/14300/14220/d215030e_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Hotel Brunelleschi

Milan Centre

CA $1,687

per person

Nov 28 - Dec 4

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Toronto (YTO) to Milan (LIN)

8.8/10 Excellent! (1,259 reviews)

Our room was spacious and clean. Some new gadgets are missing,, no everyday iron.. the hairdryer was weak.. We couldn’t find the front desk extension on the room phone. it wasn’t zero! Breakfast was excellent.

Reviewed on Oct 17, 2025

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### Hotel Gran Roc

CA $4,005

per person

Dec 29 - Jan 3

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Toronto (YTO) to Milan (MXP)

8.2/10 Very Good! (25 reviews)

[](https://expedia.ca/go/package/search/FlightHotel/2025-12-29/2026-01-03/?FromAirport=YTO&Destination=MXP&NumRoom=1&NumAdult=2&NumChild=0&hotelId=42265659&paandie=true&dealMarker=nnIM2rBxc1nund62_VkRBAm-PF-oAmOgrUG2DCeYhrSqp8D_4AQfiet7AnjTHK8j)

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### Hotel Alaska Cortina

CA $3,053

per person

Dec 26 - Dec 30

found 9 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Toronto (YYZ) to Milan (MXP)

7.6/10 Good! (268 reviews)

Good size suite room, clean, excellent breakfast, no air-con, central location, friendly staff.

Reviewed on Sep 9, 2025

[](https://expedia.ca/go/package/search/FlightHotel/2025-12-26/2025-12-30/?FromAirport=YYZ&Destination=MXP&NumRoom=1&NumAdult=2&NumChild=0&hotelId=1107863&paandie=true&dealMarker=8TVZwblrm_3glH4dnQ-Zys-juyd9YB4veYh3x1CAtA6ad5ovsRD1l4lyOB4y08zv)

### Popular places to visit

![Estense Palace featuring a garden](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/80000/80839-Estense-Palace.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Estensi Gardens

One of the city’s most important public buildings is a stately baroque palace nicknamed the Versailles of Milan for its grandeur.

[](https://expedia.ca/Estensi-Gardens-Varese.d6166424.Vacation-Attraction)

![Corso Matteotti](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/80000/80789-Basilica-Di-San-Vittore.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Corso Matteotti

During your trip to Varese, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Corso Matteotti.

[](https://expedia.ca/Corso-Matteotti-Varese.d6222438.Vacation-Attraction)

![San Vittore Basilica showing interior views, religious aspects and a church or cathedral](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/80000/80786-Basilica-Di-San-Vittore.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### San Vittore Basilica

Beautiful frescos, Baroque architecture and a huge bell tower are some of the charms of this church dedicated to Varese's patron saint.

[](https://expedia.ca/San-Vittore-Basilica-Downtown-Varese.d6076908.Vacation-Attraction)

![Lake Varese bicycle trail](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/f1a236ba250b7e95b1e4a8bb214b18d1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Lake Varese bicycle trail

You can take time to visit Lake Varese bicycle trail during your travels to Varese. Wander the lakeside in this culturally rich area.

[](https://expedia.ca/Lake-Varese-Bicycle-Trail-Varese.d553248621532506105.Vacation-Attraction)

![Masnago Castle which includes art, a castle and interior views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/80000/80850-Masnago-Castle.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Masnago Castle

Set on a hillside overlooking Lake Varese is a historic castle that showcases frescos and paintings from the 15th century to the present day.

[](https://expedia.ca/Masnago-Castle-Varese.d6166308.Vacation-Attraction)

#### Broletto Courtyard

Find out about the history of Varese when you take a trip to Broletto Courtyard. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

[](https://expedia.ca/Broletto-Courtyard-Varese.d6222444.Vacation-Attraction)

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## Best Lodging Options Near Estense Palace

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Palace Grand Hotel Varese

Via Luciano Manara, 11, Varese, VA

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Hotel Europa

Piazza Beccaria 1, Varese, VA

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Crystal Hotel Varese

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Hotel Mira

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Frida Apartment

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Art Hotel Varese

Via Giuseppe Bertini 3, Varese, VA

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[See all 1,785 properties in Estense Palace](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package&regionId=6076956)

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.