The ancient town of Chiusanico lies on a ridge, where oak and chestnut woods alternate with hills covered with olive groves. According to a tradition that is corroborated by some researchers, this was the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, although there is no general agreement among historians.



During mediaeval times, Chiusanico was the main centre in the Monte Arosio territory, which was dominated by the Clavesana family. Some portals and buildings at Castello date back to the thirteenth century, such as the single-nave church of San Lorenzo. The church of Santo Stefano dates from later times and still has some splendid eighteenth-century polychrome marble work; it was rebuilt in neo-classical style by the architect Gaetano Cantoni. Inside the church, you can admire a painting of Santo Stefano by Giulio De Rossi (1579).



The masterpiece of Chiusanico, however, is to be found in the parish church of Gazzelli: this is a priceless painting attributed to Domenico Piola showing the Virgin Mary visiting Elisabeth (early seventeenth century).



Torria also offers some works of art that are well worth seeing: the drinking-trough beneath a sixteenth-century loggia, a bas-relief dated 1477 in the parish church of San Martino, the oratory of the Disciplinati della Santissima Annunziata and the sanctuary of the Madonna della Neve. This district is the venue for a biennial photography competition; the sports complex is equipped for fencing competitions. You can take the path leading from an ancient stone wash-house in Torria and make your way up to the sanctuary of the Madonna della Neve and, passing through the woods, continue on to the San Giacomo pass and Monte Arosio. The industrial and commercial municipality of Chiusanico is well known for its superior quality olive oil and its classic Pigato and Vermentino wines.