After you have paid the entrance ticket, you walk along the gravel path that skirts the Northern part of the castle. In Spring the wall you see on the left colors thanks to thousands beautiful flowers. As you reach the gate, you will admire an amazing view upon the lake of Como. As you get up to the fence, you will realize to be sheer to Varenna. On the left an uphill flight of steps will lead you to the garden of olives, and if you show yourself towards the lake, you can meet the "Falconer of the castle". He wears contemporary dress and he will be glad to show you the birds of prey living in the castle: barn owls, owls, buzzards, hawks and others. At some hours you can admire astonishing flights. As you enter the walls surrounding the tower, you will see the remains of this military fortress, which was used as sighting tower from the days of Queen Teodolinda. The stony flight of steps will let you go into the tower and reach its top through the drawbridge. From here the 360¡ view upon the lake of Como is without equal. As you go back to the garden of olives, you will find a downhill path on the left, that will lead you to the Southern part of the castle, used as a place of rest for the birds of prey. As you keep going along the path, you reach the access to the vaults, an outpost of Cadorna Defensive Line (1915-1918), which should have opposed a possible bid of German attack from the basin of Menaggio. As you go up from the vaults, you take the uphill flight of steps and you reach the gravel path again, that will lead you to the exit.

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By car: from Milan, SS36 direction Lecco. After Lecco, take the first exit for Abbadia Lariana, turn right for Varenna center and go through the village. At the bridge turn right for Esino Lario, and, after some hairpin bends, turn right again for Vezio/Castle of Vezio.

By train - foot : from Milan, direct train to Sondrio/ Tirano, stop Varenna/ Esino Lario. Go out from the train station and turn left. Near a telephone box you will find a flight of step leading to a carriage road. At the end of the steps turn right towards the road along the river. As you reach the bridge, you will find the Bar Beretta on your right, useful if you need a newspaper kiosk/cigar store (you will not find any others along the road). Go through the bridge (the road on the right compared to the road you came from) and keep going until the Hotel Restaurant Monte Codeno. On the left you will find the uphill path leading to the castle of Vezio. The rise is quite steep, but short. You will be in Vezio in less than 15 minutes.

Last edited on Apr 18, 10 3:46 AM.
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Jeroen L.

Apr 18, 2010

Phenomenal castle and surroundings, the falcons are such magnificent creatures. Small kids will also enjoy the falcons and after climbing Castle Tower they'll be amazed by the Knights in shining armor who reside within.

Near the ticket office you'll find a little shop and restaurant with your basic needs, drinks, ice-cream and something to eat.

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Dani G.

Sep 12, 2010

The hike up is a bit tough, but the views of the Lake are WELL worth it

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