Grand Hotel Campo dei Fiori Sommaruga
A magnificent Art Nouveau hotel in Varese, a symbol of past tourism grandeur, now a poignant, semi-abandoned architectural marvel.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Grand Hotel Campo dei Fiori Sommaruga
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent Art Nouveau hotel in Varese, a symbol of past tourism grandeur, now a poignant, semi-abandoned architectural marvel.
"Splendore e decadenza Liberty al Grand hotel a Campo dei Fiori (Varese), arch. Giuseppe Sommaruga."
📸 Capture the Details
Focus on the intricate Art Nouveau elements; even in its current state, the architecture is stunning. :camerawithflash:
🚶♂️ Explore the Surroundings
The area around the hotel offers beautiful views and a sense of its former grandeur. :hiking_boot:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Art Nouveau Architecture
Exterior and interior glimpses
Marvel at the exquisite Art Nouveau (Liberty) style, a signature of architect Giuseppe Sommaruga, showcasing intricate details and a grand design.
The Abandoned Cable Car Station
Near the hotel
A poignant symbol of past accessibility, the derelict cable car station adds a layer of melancholic charm to the site.
Echoes of a Golden Era
The hotel grounds
Imagine the bustling summer resort days of the early 20th century, a time when this hotel was a prestigious destination.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Glimpse into Grandeur
Restoration Hopes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Details
Focus on the intricate Art Nouveau elements; even in its current state, the architecture is stunning. :camerawithflash:
🚶♂️ Explore the Surroundings
The area around the hotel offers beautiful views and a sense of its former grandeur. :hiking_boot:
🤔 Reflect on History
Consider the hotel's past as a prestigious resort and its current state of neglect. :thought_balloon:
🙏 Hope for Restoration
Many visitors wish for its restoration, a sentiment you'll likely share. :pray:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Details
Focus on the intricate Art Nouveau elements; even in its current state, the architecture is stunning. :camerawithflash:
🚶♂️ Explore the Surroundings
The area around the hotel offers beautiful views and a sense of its former grandeur. :hiking_boot:
🤔 Reflect on History
Consider the hotel's past as a prestigious resort and its current state of neglect. :thought_balloon:
🙏 Hope for Restoration
Many visitors wish for its restoration, a sentiment you'll likely share. :pray:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Grand Hotel Campo dei Fiori a bizarre yet beautiful place, a striking example of Art Nouveau architecture that evokes a sense of past grandeur. While many lament its neglected state and the lack of restoration efforts, its aesthetic appeal and historical significance continue to draw admiration and a desire to see it revitalized.
"It's a bizarre place. The cable car station is abandoned, and the enormous hotel is completely neglected. I saw in photos that it's still very beautiful inside. I would have loved to wander around there. I don't understand why the hotel isn't being restored. There are plenty of tourists these days."
Letty Ranshuysen
"SYMBOL OF VARESINO TOURISM, DURING THE "GOLDEN YEARS""
Marco Cau
"It's always a great shame to see our places left to die like this. Places with a prestigious history and strong footfall.
Calling it a shame is an understatement. 🥹😔"
Sara B.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Grand Hotel Campo dei Fiori is located on Monte Tre Croci in Varese. Historically, it was easily accessible via a funicular, though its current operational status may vary. Driving or taking a taxi to the base and then potentially hiking or arranging local transport is advisable. Check local Varese tourism resources for the most up-to-date access information.
While the funicular that once served the hotel is no longer active, Varese has a bus network. Researching bus routes that go towards the Campo dei Fiori area or nearby viewpoints would be the best approach for public transport options.
Access by car might be possible to a certain point on Monte Tre Croci, but the final approach to the hotel itself may be restricted or require walking. Parking availability can be limited, especially during peak times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Currently, the Grand Hotel Campo dei Fiori is largely neglected and not a formally ticketed attraction. Access to the grounds and exterior views is generally possible, but interior access is not guaranteed and may be restricted.
As the hotel is not actively operating as a hotel, there are no official opening hours. Visitors can typically access the exterior and surrounding areas during daylight hours.
There is no official entrance fee for viewing the exterior of the Grand Hotel Campo dei Fiori. However, any organized tours or specific access points might have associated costs.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the hotel, with its striking Art Nouveau facade, is a prime subject. Don't miss capturing the abandoned cable car station and the panoramic views from Monte Tre Croci. 
Interior access is often restricted due to the hotel's neglected state. If you manage to find a way in, be extremely cautious and respectful of the property.
Architectural photography focusing on the Liberty style, as well as atmospheric shots of the abandoned structures, are very popular.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
The Grand Hotel Campo dei Fiori was designed by the renowned Italian architect Giuseppe Sommaruga, a prominent figure in the Art Nouveau movement.
Construction began in 1908 and was completed in 1912. It operated as a prestigious summer resort until 1968.
The hotel is a prime example of the Italian Art Nouveau style, also known as Liberty style, characterized by its ornate decorations and flowing lines.
The hotel ceased operations in 1968 and has since fallen into disrepair due to a lack of investment and viable restoration projects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families looking for a more engaging outing, exploring the broader Varese region with its lakes and parks might be more suitable. The Grand Hotel Campo dei Fiori can be a brief stop to appreciate its unique architecture from the outside, perhaps sparking curiosity about history and old buildings, but it's best combined with other family-friendly activities in the area.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Don't overlook the abandoned cable car station, which adds a layer of atmospheric decay and historical narrative to your shots. The panoramic views from Monte Tre Croci also provide a stunning backdrop. While interior access is difficult and often prohibited, the exterior and surrounding grounds offer ample material for compelling photographic stories about a grand past meeting a neglected present.
🏛️ History & Architecture Buffs
+1Reflect on the hotel's operational history from 1912 to 1968 and the reasons behind its decline. The discussions surrounding its potential restoration highlight the ongoing debate about preserving historical landmarks. The site serves as a powerful case study in the challenges of heritage management and the enduring appeal of grand, albeit decaying, structures.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Legacy of Giuseppe Sommaruga
+1Visitors often marvel at the splendor and decadence of its Liberty design, lamenting that such a significant piece of architectural heritage is not better preserved. The hotel's design reflects the era's fascination with nature-inspired motifs and a desire to create spaces that were both aesthetically pleasing and functional for leisure. The ambition behind its creation speaks volumes about Varese's status as a desirable tourist destination during the early 20th century.
Despite its current semi-abandoned state, the hotel continues to captivate photographers and history enthusiasts. The Grand Hotel Campo dei Fiori serves as a poignant reminder of the architectural achievements of the Liberty period and the potential for revitalizing historical sites. The hope for its restoration is a recurring sentiment among those who visit, underscoring its cultural and aesthetic value.
A Symbol of Varese's Tourism Past
Operating from 1912 until 1968, the hotel witnessed Varese's 'golden years' of tourism. Its closure marked the end of an era, and its subsequent neglect has turned it into a symbol of lost grandeur. Many locals and visitors express deep regret over its current condition, seeing it as a missed opportunity to leverage a significant historical and architectural asset. The sentiment of 'shame' is often expressed when discussing its state of disrepair.
Today, the Grand Hotel Campo dei Fiori stands as a melancholic yet beautiful monument to Varese's past. It draws those interested in industrial archaeology, architectural history, and the poignant beauty of abandoned places. The ongoing discussions about its potential restoration highlight its enduring significance to the region's identity and its potential to once again become a vibrant part of Varese's tourism landscape.
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