ROCCA BORROMEO
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Rare example of a perfectly preserved medieval fortified building in Angera.
A rare example of a perfectly preserved medieval fortified building, the 11th-century Borromeo castle or fortress of Angera stands on a limestone spur that has always dominated the southern part of Lake Maggiore. Its strategic position enabled its occupants to control freight traffic on the lake's waters. Owned by the Visconti family, lords of Milan, it passed into the hands of the Borromeo family in 1449, who still own it today.
Among the ancient halls, the most impressive for its vivid colors and precise rendering remains the Hall of Justice, decorated with a cycle of 13th-century frescoes by an unknown artist known as the "Maestro di Angera". The depiction depicts scenes from the life of Archbishop Ottone Visconti, in particular his victory over the Torriani in the Battle of Desio in 1227. The visit continues in the Hall of Mythology, with a majolica exhibition featuring over 300 pieces from all over Europe.
Last but not least, the Doll and Toy Museum will surprise adults and children alike. Twelve rooms filled with over 1,000 dolls made from a variety of materials in the 19th and 20th centuries will take you back to childhood. One room is dedicated to toys from faraway lands, another to the collection of the Petit Musée du Costume de Tours, and there's an extraordinary collection of 19th-century French and German automata.
Finally, the Rocca is surrounded by a sophisticated medieval garden.
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