Vezio Castle – Il Castello di Vezio in Varenna, Lecco

Overlooking Varenna, on the eastern shore of Lake Como is an ancient Ligurian-Celtic castle built in the late 11th to early 12th century. From below it looks as if it is only ruins, but the shell of it has been preserved and tourists are invited to visit the grounds, garden, and the tower. There was once a Falconer with birds of prey on show, but sadly in 2022 vandals destroyed the sanctuary and the birds have been relocated.

Getting there: there’s a stone staircase leading up to the castle, you can get to it outside the station as well as from the town of Varenna, follow the signs. You can also drive up, but there is still a little bit of an uphill climb.

Follow the stone and rocky path up the hill. It’s a bit steep but quite short. There is a road you can take to go up by car, see the website for details (link below)

Once you get up to the grounds, pay your entrance ticket, and you can then visit the grounds and castle

You can visit the tower and explore the castle grounds, there’s also a small cafe to get a drink or snack.

The view from the top is said to be a complete view of Lake Como and Lake Lecco, below you can see the charming village of Varenna.

Visiting Castello Vezio in Varenna is a great day trip from Como, Lecco or Milan

Vezio Castle

OPENING HOURS
from March 1 to Nov 2
open every day.

Genral hours, see official website for more info
Monday-Friday: 10 am-5 pm
Saturday-Sunday: 10 am-6 pm

The Castle is closed during rainy weather.

Pets are not admitted.

Article by Celia Abernethy,