Gallarate is a vibrant city with a passion for art, food and fashion. Visit one of the top contemporary galleries in Italy and admire centuries-old churches and beautiful Neoclassical buildings in the historic district. Cafes and trattorias spill onto the cobbled streets and are perfect for enjoying charcuterie and sparkling wine.
Things to do in Gallarate
Admire a treasure trove of modern art at Museo MAGA. The museum occupies a striking contemporary building with an enormous, curved façade. Inside are paintings, sculptures, photographs and larger-than-life art installations. The collection includes works by modern masters like Carlo Carrà, Mario Bardi, Bruno Munari and Lucio Fontana.
The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption towers over the main square and features a beautiful Neoclassical façade. The interior is decorated with soaring pink granite pillars and colourful frescoes. Built in the 11th century, the Romanesque-style Church of Saint Peter is the oldest in the city and features fortress-like stone walls.
Local trattorias are the best places to try traditional cuisine from the Lombardy region. You’ll love dishes like “ravioli di magro” pasta stuffed with spinach, ricotta and wild herbs, “risotto alla Milanese” seasoned with saffron and “zuppa alla pavese” soup made with a rich meat broth. Bakeries will tempt you with chewy nougat and crispy “amaretti” biscuits made with almond flour.
You can use Gallarate as a base to sightsee in Milan. Marvel at the magnificent Gothic cathedral that took almost 600 years to complete and visit museums and galleries housed at the enormous Sforzesco Castle. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II arcade is lined with designer boutiques by iconic Italian brands like Prada and Gucci.
Getting around Gallarate
Gallarate is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The city is in the Lombardy region, 40 minutes from Milan by car or train. Milan Malpensa Airport is a 15-minute drive away.