The village of Castiglione Olona was founded in 401 BC by a Roman general, subsequently becoming a “castrum” or stronghold. Right up until the Middle Ages it was the site of numerous battles, only going on to achieve maximum splendor during the Renaissance period when it was transformed, with the addition of buildings and churches, by the art Patron, Cardinal Branda Castiglioni, one of the most influential people of his times. Worth particular note is a visit to the Palazzo Branda Castiglioni (today a Museum of Plastic Art with rooms featuring magnificent 15th century frescos by Lombard and Tuscan masters) and the Church, with its walls and vaults, painted entirely “al fresco” by Masolino da Panicale (1435).