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Located in the Palazzo dei Musei (via Pio Franzani 2), the Varallo Pinacoteca is one of the oldest art collections in Piedmont. It reflects the rich artistic heritage of Valsesia, closely tied to the nearby Sacro Monte.
Founded in 1886 by two cultural societies (later merged), the museum aims to preserve and promote Valsesia's artistic legacy from the 15th to the 19th century. The first curator, painter Giulio Arienta, compiled its initial catalog in 1902. The collection grew through donations and acquisitions, including major contributions like Bartolomeo Avondo’s 1915 bequest.
The museum houses over 3,300 pieces including paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, and decorative art. Noteworthy are the life-sized wooden sculptures from the late 15th–early 16th centuries, especially a dramatic Lamentation over Christ by the De Donati workshop. Also notable are a Crucifix once attributed to a young Gaudenzio Ferrari and a 16th-century Flagellated Christ from Sacro Monte.
Highlights from the 15th century include frescoes and polyptychs attributed to the Master of Crea and artists close to Gaudenzio Ferrari, such as Stefano Scotto and Giovanni de Campo.
Works influenced by Northern Gothic styles, like busts of saints from Alagna and an altar piece by Niklaus Weckmann, show the region’s links to the Walser culture.
A large hall is dedicated to Gaudenzio Ferrari and Tanzio da Varallo, two major Valsesian artists. Ferrari’s works include a Crucifixion, St. Francis Receiving the Stigmata, and panels of church doctors. Tanzio’s masterpieces include David and Goliath, devotional paintings, and works from the Sacro Monte.
Other artists represented include Bernardino Lanino, Melchiorre d’Enrico, Cerano, Morazzone, Daniele Crespi, Francesco Cairo, and Luigi Reali. The gallery also holds 18th- and 19th-century works, sculptures, and a valuable drawing and sketch collection spanning from the 16th to 20th century.
Duino Castle was built by the Wallsee family in 1389 on the cliffs overlooking the Gulf of Trieste. It replaced an older castle from the 11th century. Over time, the Wallsee family disappeared and the castle, after having been used as a prison, became the residence of the Luogar and Hofer.
At the end of the 19th century it became the property of Prince Alexander von Thurn und Taxis from the Czech branch of the House of Thurn and Taxis. It remains with the family to this day with his great-grandson Prince Carlo Alessandro della Torre e Tasso, Duke of Castel Duino the current owner. The castle has been opened to the public as a museum and park.