Torba Monastery
Gornate Olona, Varese
Donated by Giulia Maria Mozzoni Crespi, 1977

Torba Monastery

The monumental coplex nestled in an untouched Pre-Alpine landscape, on the banks of Olona river.
(Ph. © Giorgio Majno)

Photogallery

Set in the green woods near Varese, at the feet of the Castelseprio Archaeological Park, this monumental complex in Torba bears witness to history going back more than a millennium. An outpost of the late Roman Empire, and later under the Goths and Longobards (with a tower and defensive walls dating back to the V and VI centuries), Torba later became a pious place of prayer and work for Benedictine nuns (with a church dating to the VIII-XIII centuries and monastic centre). Abandoned by the nuns in 1453, it was later used as a farm. The tower boasts rare and important frescoes from the end of the VIII century.

Slideshow by G. Basso photographer

	Events	Shows, events and animations for adults and children. See the calendar of events.
	Information	TORBA MONASTERY, Gornate Olona (Varese). Ph.& Fax +39 0331 820301. E-mail: faitorba@fondoambiente.it
	Opening times	MARCH - SEPTEMBER: 10 am - 6 pm. OCTOBER - NOVEMBER and second half of FEBRUARY: 10 am - 5 pm. Open every day except Mondays and Tuesdays. LAST ENTRANCE TIME: half an hour before closing.
	Travel information	The Monastery is situated 15 km south of Varese and 40 km north of Milan. Milan-Varese A8 "Laghi" motorway, Solbiate Arno exit, then follow the sign posts for Castelseprio and Torba. FAI properties in the vicinity: Velate tower, Velate (Varese) Villa Panza and Panza Collection, Varese Villa del Balbianello, Lenno (Como) Villa Della Porta Bozzolo, Casalzuigno (Varese)
	Entrance ticket	Adults: 4,00 € Children (4-12 years): 2,50 € FAI Members, National Trust Members and Residents: free entrance. Prices may vary if special activities or events are held.
	Parking	Parking for cars and buses close to the Monastery.
	Shop	On sale - publications, postcards and giftware.
	Bar/Refreshments	Restaurant "Il refettorio" c/o Monastero di Torba Mobile. +39 335-1689902 E-mail: faitorba@fondoambiente.it
	Guided visits	Guided Visits on prior booking (Group: max 25 people) Guided tours € 60.00 Guided tours in a foreign language € 90.00 Educational tour € 50.00 Animated tour or visitattiva (half day) € 80.00 Animated tour or visitattiva (full day) € 150.00
	School specials	Groups and school visits are also welcomed on Tuesdays with prior booking.
	Receptions	Certain facilities and areas of the Monastery may be hired for private functions by Benefactors, Corporate Golden Donors and sponsors only. For more information: Properties Office Ph. +39 02 467615282 Fax +39 02 467615269. E-mail: proprieta@fondoambiente.it