Mesenzana rises on the Margorabbia valley, a few kilometers from Luino.
The origin of the name is not clear: it was decided to associate it with the name “Maxentius”, but it is more likely a reference to “massa”, that is a farm.
The town was able to distinguish itself from the others in the valley thanks to the Da Mesenzana family, owners of the castle. Today the tower remains the only visible testimony of the castle.
This family was given the task of administering the territory in the name of the Lords of Milan and from 1224 was given the title of dominus and ser, that denotes having acquired considerable prestige and power.
The castle already existed with certainty in the 12th century, because it is mentioned in ancient documents.
Now Mesenzana is a small village with a medieval centre in the Province of Varese in the Italian region Lombardy, located about 60 kilometres (37 mi) northwest of Milan and about 15 kilometres (9 mi) northwest of Varese. It’s popular bikiing and hiking place.