The Civic Archaeological Museum, housed in the 15th-century Palazzo del Pretorio (site no. 1 of the Widespread Museum), is divided into several sections that guide visitors through the history of Angera from Prehistory to the end of the Roman period. The first room houses the Prehistoric section and preserves the oldest artifacts in the Varese area, dating back approximately 15,000 years. A tactile table allows visitors to handle various raw materials and observe their different stages of processing. The second room offers a journey into the Roman era, displaying jewelry, coins, oil lamps, ceramics, and imported glassware. Not to be missed are the organic and food remains preserved in the museum, including the millennia-old bread rolls, funeral offerings perfectly preserved from the tombs of the city’s Roman necropolis. Also on display is the Cislago pot containing 10 liters of ancient wheat, rye, and chestnut seeds. The museum offer a baby changing and nursing corner.
MABA – Children’s Archaeological Museum
The MABA Children’s Archaeological Museum is a welcoming and accessible space where young visitors can discover archaeology through illustrated explanations, use small steps to get a better view of higher display cases, explore a small archaeological library, and enjoy thematic games dedicated to history. The cultural site on the ground floor also includes: the lapidarium with Braille captions next to statues, urns, and altars, a classroom, and a conference room. The museum is equipped with an elevator and restrooms accessible to people with disabilities.
In 2025, the Civic Archaeological Museum, thanks to funding from the European Union, the Italian State, and the Lombardy Region (public funding call Innovacultura), took part to MELA project (Accessible Educational and Playful Museums). Through this project, Angera aims to become a model of sustainable and participatory tourism, highlighting local stories, traditions, and creativity.
Contact: museo@comune.angera.it – Mobile +39 3204653416
Autumn-Winter Opening Hours: Wed–Thu 10am–1pm / Sun 2.30 pm – 6.30 pm
Spring-Summer Opening Hours: Thu 10am–1pm / Sat–Sun 2.30pm – 6.30pm
