Sesto Calende dates from ancient times being well positioned for natural protection and the fruits of the Lake and surrounding countryside.

Sesto Calende has a museum dedicated to the culture of Golasecca (a proto-historic pre-Celtic culture in northern Italy) supported by the local churches and late-medieval ruins and dating to the Romanesque period.

Sesto Calende's view is framed by the Monte Rosa with the Ticino the valley, part of a National providning natural riches.

Sesto Calende used to have various industries: glass factories and aircraft amnaufacture with associated trades. These are now just a memory and the the town is more focused on tourism from around the globe. Despite this, the region and its people do try to maintain their heritage and keep identity with their roots.