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What to expect
Vezio Castle in Varenna
In the heart of the suggestive Lake Como, on an overlooking promontory Varenna, stands the Vezio Castle, a thousand-year-old fortress built more than a thousand years ago. Originally a defensive outpost from the medieval era, the castle was commissioned by the Lombard queen Theodolinda to protect the lake and surrounding villages.
Located in a position of great strategic importance, the Vezio Castle dominates the entire center of Lake Como. Its history dates back to the Iron Age, making it a place inhabited since ancient times. During the Middle Ages, the castle played a fundamental role in defending the town of Varenna and its inhabitants during the frequent wars and looting that characterized that period.
Today, immersed in the greenery of one of the oliveti northernmost in the world and surrounded by a suggestive Mediterranean garden, Vezio Castle offers not only a fascinating overview of Alps, but also the possibility of visiting art exhibitions and a permanent exhibition dedicated to Lariosaurus. With his accessible basements, the furnished tower, Botanical Garden and statues scattered among the greenery, the castle blends harmoniously with the extraordinary natural beauty of the area.
We hope you enjoy your visit to Vezio Castle can give you a pleasant break of relaxation and harmony, allowing you to come into contact with the history, art and culture of this fascinating corner of nature in the context of Lake Como.
Vezio Castle: opening hours and prices
OPENING HOURS: Last access allowed 20 minutes before closing. Closed in case of heavy rain or extreme weather events. Dogs allowed only in carrier or in arms; please keep a safe distance from the owl.
VISITING HOURS:
- MARCH: Monday - Friday: 10.00 - 17.00 / Saturday - Sunday: 10.00 - 18.00
- APRIL: Monday - Friday: 10.00 - 18.00 / Saturday - Sunday: 10.00 - 19.00
- MAY: Monday - Friday: 10.00 - 18.00 / Saturday - Sunday: 10.00 - 19.00
- JUNE: Monday - Friday: 10.00 - 19.00 / Saturday - Sunday: 10.00 - 20.00
- JULY: Monday - Friday: 10.00 - 19.00 / Saturday - Sunday: 10.00 - 20.00
- AUGUST: Monday - Friday: 10.00 - 19.00 / Saturday - Sunday: 10.00 - 20.00
- SEPTEMBER: Monday - Friday: 10.00 - 18.00 / Saturday - Sunday: 10.00 - 19.00
- OCTOBER: Monday - Friday: 10.00 - 17.00 / Saturday - Sunday: 10.00 - 18.00
- NOVEMBER, DECEMBER, JANUARY and FEBRUARY: Open only on good weather days, Saturday and Sunday, from 10.00 to 17.00.
PRICES AND REDUCTIONS
Entrance tickets can be purchased on site with cash or debit/credit card or via online presale: Tickets for CASTLE DI VEZIO (liveticket.it)
FULL: €5,00
REDUCED: €3,00 (Over 65 years, groups of over 12 people - 1 free companion per companion for every 12 paying people, children aged 7 to 18)
FREE:
- Residents in the municipalities of Varenna and Perledo with an identity card
- Disabled people with a disability greater than 67% with a disability card
- Children up to 6 years old
Type of place
Location
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Castello di Vezio, Frazione Vezio, Varenna, Lecco 23829, Italy
How to get there
Vezio Castle: how to get there
By Train or Ferry
From Milan, take the direct train to Sondrio/Tirano stopping at Varenna/Esino Lario. Exit the train station and, turning left, follow a staircase that will lead you onto the carriage road.
Continue along the river downhill until the stop sign, cross the bridge turning left and continue until the Montecodeno restaurant.
If you arrive by ferry, from the pier of Varenna, head straight between the “Cavallino” restaurant and the “L'orso” pub to find a district that will quickly lead you to the Montecodeno restaurant.
Next to the restaurant, on the left, you will find the path to climb up to Vezio Castle, a short, steep walk of around 20 minutes (or 30 minutes for those who prefer a more leisurely pace). We recommend the use of appropriate shoes and breaks in the shade on the hottest summer days.
Once you arrive in Vezio, follow the signs, pass the "Le ceramiche di Vezio" shop and, in the church square, you will find the entrance to the Castle to the left of the small cemetery.
Alternatively, from Varenna, you can take the path called “Scabium” on the opposite side of the town, in front of Villa Monastero. This route is slightly longer (40 minutes), but offers better views, even if it is completely exposed to the sun.
In Car
From Milan, follow the SS36 towards Sondrio. After Lecco, take the first exit for Abbadia Lariana and follow the road along the lake. Arrived at Varenna, turn left towards Varenna center and cross the town.
From Valchiavenna/Valtellina, take the SS36 towards Milan, exit at Bellano and follow the signs for Varenna.
At the bridge at the entrance to Varenna, turn for Esino Lario and, after a few hairpin bends, turn right to Vezio/Vezio Castle.
Continue to the end of the road and park. Then head towards the town on foot, following the porphyry road downhill. At the end of this street, turn right and immediately left (you will find yourself in Piazzetta Belvedere).
Continue straight into the narrow street that leads to the Castle; on your right you will find the "Le Ceramiche di Vezio" shop and, once you reach the church square, you will find the entrance to the Castle to the left of the small cemetery.
