Vezio Castle

Varenna, Italy

Castello di Vezio is a castle located nearby Varenna and Perledo. Characterized in the main tower by square merlons, similar to Cly Castle in Aosta Valley, it commands the Lake Como. It was once connected by walls to the village of Varenna below.

The castle was built in the late 11th-early 12th century and was restored several times in the following centuries. In the late 19th century and in 1956 remains of tombs from the Iron Age, as well as weapons and armors were found in the area.

The Castle also had dungeons built during the First World War, as part of the so-called linea Cadorna. It currently houses gardens and a group of birds of prey, raised by a local falconer.

It became open to the public in 1999. The tower houses a permanent exhibition dedicated to Lariosaurus, an extinct sea reptile from the Middle Triassic period, which takes its name from the lake after its discover in Perledo in 1830.

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Details

Founded: 11th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Michael Bowtell (9 months ago)
Great little place with a lot of information. Not much to do apart from walk up to the castle, go up inside, look at the view, and come back down, but a good way to waste of couple of hours. I did NOT enjoy seeing the majestic birds trapped in their tiny cages.
Jack Widmer (9 months ago)
The views were good, fair amount of people visit here, regardless of the season. It’s a decent trek up a fairly steep hill to get to. No taxis are willing to drive you to the location, so wear appropriate footwear unless driving a private vehicle. Also, google maps does not always show the correct walking path to start the hike.
Paige Tyson (11 months ago)
I enjoyed hiking up to the top of this castle.The views were amazing. To get there you begin on the path to the left of the Montecodeno restaurant and hotel, which is a short walk from the ferry. It is a steep stone path, with a resting spot and natural spring water fountain to drink from a little more than halfway up. we took the other path down that leaves you over by the monastery. That was also steep but was more stair like with the positioning of the rocks. Definitely wear sneakers. Suitable for kids that are accustomed to hiking over the age of 8.
Max J (12 months ago)
Amazing views of Lake Como from the top of the battlements. The hike from Varenna is lovely, and the reward is a magnificent vista. Check the website to see if and when the birds of prey shows take place.
Aron Stefansson (12 months ago)
If you are visiting Varenna, you HAVE to see this Castle. The walk to it was fun through the Italian stone streets. Me and the girlfriend had the best time. Many things to look at and the dungeon was very scary. Nice birds and swords.
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