Town in the province of Varese, near the border with Switzerland, Luino lies on the gentle slopes that surround pre-alpine Lake Maggiore, on the inland of the a large gulf, where the river Tresa unites Ceresio with Verbano. It was inhabited since ancient times, as evidenced by several rock carvings found in the area. The town's name probably derives from the proper name of person or "Luvinum" or "lupine" (small wolf), or even from "Luina" (landslide, landfall).
In the Middle Ages it was the subject of bitter disputes between the powerful families of Milan and Como, without ever losing its autonomy. In 1512 it was occupied by the Swiss and later conquered back by Filippo Maria Visconti. In 1541 Charles V granted the city the right to market, a tradition still held every Wednesday and that, especially in Summer, attracts visitors from all over Europe.
Of considerable charm is the walk along the lake and the visit of the old village, which features the remains of ancient buildings and convents such as:
- the Church of Our Lady del Carmine, built in the XV century. Inside it preserves frescoes and murals of the same period;
- the Church of San Pietro in the Countryside, flanked by a XI century Bell tower and preserves inside a famous artwork "The Adoration of the Magi", attributed to Bernardino Luini;
- the Church of St. Joseph (XVII century);
- Palazzo Crivelli-Serbelloni, today seat of the Town Hall.