Location
Perledo is a comune on the eastern shore of the lake, at the mouth of the Val d’Esino, once called “monte di Varenna”. The municipal territory ranges from 199 to 1,350 metres altitude.
History
The area was already inhabited in pre-Roman times and for centuries was a fief of the Archbishop of Milan. It was a beloved holiday destination for figures like Ippolito Nievo, Arturo Toscanini and Massimo d’Azeglio. Olive cultivation remains important to this day: Olio di Perledo is a recognized quality brand.
What to see
- Vezio Castle, a fortification of the 11th-12th centuries on a headland above Varenna (the hamlet of Vezio belongs to Perledo, the castle formally to Varenna): legend claims it was ordered by Queen Theodolinda. Gardens, underground chambers, defensive walls and a tower with a permanent exhibition on the Lariosauro, the prehistoric reptile found in the lake, along with a 360-degree view.
- The Church of San Martino, a Romanesque pieve.
- The Church of Regoledo, with a 17th-century altarpiece.
- The ancient mill of Campallo, revived from a tourism perspective.
What to do and excursions
The hamlets, with their well-preserved historic washing places, lend themselves to pleasant walks. Perledo connects to the Sentiero del Viandante — the same one described in the dedicated itinerary linked to this page — and offers climbs to the Passo Agueglio, Monte San Defendente or Monte Albiga. “Bau Bau Beach” is the only beach on Lake Como authorized for unleashed dogs.
Getting there
By train, Varenna-Esino-Perledo station (Tirano-Lecco line) is actually closer to Perledo than to Varenna’s lakefront (15-20 minutes on foot). By ferry, Navigazione connects Varenna with Bellagio (38 minutes), Menaggio and Cadenabbia.
Festivities
11 November, Saint Martin, patron saint of Perledo.