Passo del Cuvignone from Cittiglio

It is the iconic climb in the province of Varese, it must be done! It was the training route of Basso and Binda (originally from Cittiglio where there is also a museum)

Very beautiful ascent. Especially if you start from Laveno, you can cycle along the Torrente Boesla stream on a great cycle path for Italy. No view at the finish, but a finisher sign. Every kilometre with gradients. Lots of hairpin bends and a varied landscape. Gorges with streams, 2 villages, farmland and forest. Very beautiful.

A climb that has to be done in the Varese area. Very hard and long but well sheltered from sun and wind. Numerous hairpin bends. I recommend the ascent from Cittiglio and descent to Arcumeggia. From there there are beautiful views. We give it a 4/5 very close to 5/5. At the top there isn't a super view but from a cycling point of view a climb not to be missed.

For me, who is not a very well-trained cyclist, it was quite hard to get to the top of the Cuvignone, although once I got there, it was particularly gratifying to reach the halfway point. The route itself is surrounded by greenery, with few cars travelling along it. Also close to the route are several paths that lead to various beautiful views of Lake Maggiore. Recommended route

I read that the Cuvignone was one of the favourite climbs for training in heroic cycling times by the legendary Alfredo Binda and in more recent years by Ivan Basso. I enjoyed it very much, although the dense forest, which in summer shelters and refreshes, almost always prevents a view of Lake Maggiore. Arcumeggia, the "painted village" is worth a visit.