I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the one Longobard site I visited so far (Castelseprio-Torba), partly due to apprehension from reading some of the previous reviews, but also because I don't think I could have chosen a day with worse weather. One benefit of going on one of the rainiest days in May that anyone I spoke to could remember is that I was the only visitor in the park.

Thankfully, much has seemingly improved since Els's visit with regard to signage and navigation, as I began to see signage for the archeological park for several kilometers. I drove, and Google Maps had the correct location and a parking lot available next to the info point. In addition to pamphlets and booklets explaining the site in multiple language, there were several staffers at the info office that were happy to provide assistance in multiple languages. Also, entrance is free.

This is where I come to what made my visit so much better than I expected. Not only did the staff direct me on where to visit, but two of the English speaking guides took me on a tour of the archeological park and to the small but well laid out museum (antiquarium) as well. I started with one of the guides taking me to the church of Santa Maria Foris Portas (despite signs indicating the church was closed at the time of my visit, my guide unlocked it for me) and explaining the history of the site, the church, and excavation and restoration activities.

We returned to the info point to collect the other guide to join us as we walked around the rest of the archeological park. It wasn't quite as nice out in the rain, but if it kept the crowds away, it felt worthwhile. My guides advised me the Monastery of Torba probably wasn't worth the entrance fee of 8 Euros, and I happily skipped it since I had a couple other WHS to visit today.