The Castello di Vezio stands on a promontory of Monte Fopp, above the village of Varenna. It lies almost entirely within the territory of Varenna and, for a small part, within that of Perledo. It is the point where the stretch of the Sentiero del Viandante coming from Bellano descends towards Varenna, at Vezio, at around 358 metres of elevation.
History
The castle dates to the 11th century and was remodelled several times over the centuries. Tradition attributes its foundation to the Lombard queen Teodolinda. It was partially restored in the mid-20th century.
What to see
- The square-based watchtower, reached by a small drawbridge and open to the top, surrounded by a first quadrangular ring of walls.
- The view over Lake Como from the top of the tower and from the garden.
- The permanent exhibition on the Lariosauro, a prehistoric reptile whose fossils have been found in the Lario area.
- The statues depicting ghosts placed in the garden.
- The olive grove around the castle, described as one of the northernmost in the world.
Falconry displays, for a long time among the activities on offer, have been suspended since 2022: for the current programme please refer to the official website, castellodivezio.it.
Getting there
From Varenna a stepped mule track climbs to Vezio and the castle; the entrance can also be reached from Perledo. From the castle the Sentiero del Viandante continues north, towards Regoledo and Bellano.
Practical information
Opening is seasonal, roughly from early March to early November, and visits may be suspended in bad weather. For hours, tickets and access rules (including dogs), please refer to the official website castellodivezio.it.