If you’re planning a visit to Varenna on Lake Como, you won’t want to miss out on the stunning Vezio Castle. Perched high above the village, this historic fortress has incredible views of the mountains and lake. The only catch is it requires quite a hike to the top! Here’s what to know about Castello di Vezio, helpful tips, and all about our Vezio Castle hike.
About the Vezio Castle
The history of Castello di Vezio is long and mysterious. Humans have actually lived here since 6th century B.C. when there is said to have been a Celtic settlement.
The first fortifications date back to the Roman period, before larger additions were added in the 12th century. The castle even extended down to the town to protect the villagers during the Middle Ages.
Legend has it, Queen Theodelinda created it as a defense point to watch over Lake Como from. The Lombard queen was undoubtedly Vezio’s most famous resident and spent her final years here.
Over the centuries, many kingdoms would reign over the Lake Como area. There are placards around the interior of the castle that tell the story of Vezio Castle so you can learn all about it.
How to Hike to the Vezio Castle
Now that you know a little backstory about the Castle, it’s time the climb to the top! There are two ways to get here coming from the center of Varenna town.
Once you’ve went up one of the initial staircases to the upper part of the village, you can either go right or left.
The left will take you to the start of the first pathway known as the Scabium Trail. This is the route we went, and takes you up a steep path 30 minutes straight to the Vezio Castle.
We knew it would be a challenge, but we weren’t ready for how steep of an uphill it was! Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and not flip flops or sandals.
The other option to the right of upper town is a longer and more scenic route. Sentiero del Viandante is part of a trail network that goes back to ancient Roman times.
Alternatively, this will take you about 45-50 minutes. We chose to take the Scabium Trail on the way up, and Sentiero on the way down to get both perspectives.
Before you go, we recommend downloading maps.me to see all the hiking trails, rather than just the roads. You can also drive to the top of the Varenna Castle. Yet, know the road is very narrow and parking is limited.
Exploring Castello di Vezio
There is plenty to see once you get to the actual castle from Varenna. You should plan for at least an hour (if not more) to explore the fortress grounds.
It’s also a good idea to get there early right when they open. The castle can get very crowded in mid-afternoon, especially during the summer season.
Gardens & Olive Trees: Did you know Lake Como produces some of the northernmost grown olives in the world? That’s right! There are beautiful gardens with Mediterranean plants and olive grows all throughout the castle.
Ghost Sculptures: One of the most unique aspects of the Vezio Castle is the sculptures of ghosts around the grounds. They are made of plaster and redone by volunteers every year, putting a spooky vibe throughout the fortress.
Watchtower: After you’ve explored the lower level, be sure to cross the drawbridge and climb up to the highest point. From the watchtower, you can see both sides of Lake Como (Lecco & Como) and many gorgeous towns in the distance.
Lariosaurus: There is an interesting exhibit dedicated to an extinct reptile. Its fossils were found in nearby Perledo and serve as another reminder of the ancient history of the region.
Epic Views: Aside from all the spectacular history, the best part of Vezio Castle is definitely the views! Take your time enjoying the views on both the hike and from atop the castle. If you walk down a staircase just past the restaurant, you can also get a fabulous picture of Varenna below.
Grab a Drink: There is a small cafe near the entrance when you get thirsty. It’s a nice place to grab a coffee or cold beer on a hot summer day. This is also where you buy your tickets to go inside, which were 7 euros at the time of our visit.
More Things to do in Varenna Italy
After you’ve made the Vezio Castle hike, there’s so much more to see in Varenna! Taking the ferry over from one of the other Lake Como towns is an adventure in itself. You’ll have an incredible view of the Varenna as the boat pulls in and out.
From the port, take the “Lover’s walk” along the water into the scenic old town. Here you’ll find many nice restaurants and cafes to check out.
Eventually, you’ll make your way up one of the long staircases into the upper town of Varenna. Stop into the local bakery for breakfast, and grab a pizza to take with you to the beach for lunch.
Don’t miss out on the villas of Monastereo & Cipressi and their botanical gardens in this famous Como town. Make sure to read more of the best things to do in Varenna Italy before your visit!
Is the Vezio Castle Hike Worth It?
Absolutely! This was one of our favorite experiences on Lake Como. Not only will you learn about the fascinating history of the Vezio Castle, but the views from the top are breathtaking!
As we’ve mentioned, the hike is very steep from Varenna. Be prepared for a climb and bring plenty of water with you in the summertime.
Have any questions about this article or want to share more tips for Castello di Vezio? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
