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Castello di Vezio

Castello di Vezio

Castello di Vezio
4.5
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  • Charles M
    Virginia165 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Vigorous Hike with Rewarding Views of Lake Como, from the Castle Vezio, Varenna, Lake Como
    The Castle Vezio is the prize at the end of a vigorous trek up the mountain behind Varenna, Lake Como, where you can take in the expansive views over the lake and countryside. While not a long hike, the trail does tend to be vertical, so one needs to be in good shape to make the walk. Depending on weather, go early as it can be quite hot and humid some seasons. This is also a routine part of the longer hike to the Sorgente di Fiumelatte (Source of the Fiumelatte River), but check with the locals before extending your hike by another hour as the river can stop flowing in certain seasons (like late September when we were there). The views from the castle are stunning, there are chestnut trees everywhere, and there are examples of the local wildlife. Highly recommend, but be prepared for a workout. Enjoy!
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 27 October 2023
  • Dennis B
    Duluth, Georgia670 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It is worth the hike
    This castle is worth the hike. The hike starts in the town of Varenna, going uphill about 30 minutes walk. The pathway is rock cobblestone so wear good walking shoes. It can be a bit strenuous. There is a toilette, and concession area at the top where you purchase tickets for entry. The castle structure is well intact. You can climb to the top of the main tower, about eight flights of stairs. The views from there are especially spectacular. There are many viewing vantage points around the castle. The hike down is faster but the pathway can be tricky. Taking a walking stick would be advised.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 23 April 2024
  • GeneralShamu
    New York City, New York1,174 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Midday Visit
    Absolutely beautiful castle located alongside a hilltop. We drove to the top given certain limitations though there are hiking trail options that many others did (and all said was amazing). The drive up leads to a small parking lot, so good luck on a weekend, and is a pretty tight road. I.e. there are pull outs if you come up against a car coming down while you are going up, or vice-verse. Restrooms on site with a restaurant by the ticket booth as well.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 2 May 2024
  • Inajar
    Greater London, United Kingdom37 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth the climb up for the views!
    The spectacular views from above make the upward trail worth while. There is a water fountain at the bottom if needed and also a cafeteria at the too for additional drinks and snacks. The castle itself has different sections to view, so allow enough time to walk, tour and climb stairs to the top of the tower.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 27 May 2024
  • Anuj_Mithani
    Mumbai, India4,702 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Panoramic vista
    We climbed our way up (the rather steep path from near Villa Monastero) to Castle Vezio, exercising our legs and lungs in equal measure. The panoramic terrace and watchtower offered sweeping views over Varenna and the lake. It's a 5E admission ticket. We descended back to Varenna by the (better, but stony) path leading to the port.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 23 June 2024
  • Kristine W
    17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing views! Well, worth the commitment to the hike up and down, but take water!
    It is not overly advertised, but travelers should be wear that the hike up to the fortress requires a certain level of fitness. Any one with mobility issues could probably get a taxi or a ride up to the fortress. I have taken different routes up to, and down from the fortress. The stone path. (I think an old mule trail) seems doable for most people, but if you have leg or hip issues, I would not recommend. Sturdy and reliable shoes are definitely required. If there’s any moisture on the extremely smooth stones, they will be very slippery. Even dry, they are like ice in places because they are worn so smooth. Take plenty of water for each person, especially on warm days. my husband and I took a much rougher and trickier path back down, Sentiero del Viandante (da Varenna), but we were thrilled we accomplished it! I would not recommend this trail for anyone that is uncomfortable walking on a more primitive trail. The ascent we this trail would be much more difficult then the descent. Since I was there two years ago, they have done an amazing job enhancing and updating the gardens, concession area and trail leading up to the ticket area. It is a lovely place to relax before or after you visit the fortress.
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 7 September 2024
  • Cyndee172
    Dracut, Massachusetts36 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Family trip
    Quite the climb but beautiful views. Love the oldness of Varenna. The trail to the castle is steep and reviews say easy. I disagree, it was hard for me as a 69 year old woman. Bring lots of water and good gripped shoes. There is a snack bar at the top. Spectacular picturesque vantage point.
    Visited September 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 20 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles1,101 reviews
Excellent
561
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379
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100
Poor
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Suzanne
Aberdeen, UK48 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Couples
This is well worth the walk. We were planning our route on google maps and then when we arrived at Varenna saw a map which showed a small path that takes you right to the Castello Di Vezio and that was much faster than the way google maps was suggesting. There was a small fee to get into the castle area but it was so worth it and I recommend everyone to go up here if they are in Varenna. The view is simply magnificent.
Written 21 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

dlink
Boston, MA106 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022
The Vezio castle sits at the top of the mountain and the vistas are well worth the hike up. Medieval castle dating to Roman times worth the visit. The tourist office in Varenna was helpful in pointing out that there are two trails to the top. One that is in the sun, and one that is in the shade, but steeper. We chose the steep trail to avoid the hot sun. It’s not an easy hike, but if you are used to hiking, it's not that bad. Go early in the morning before the temperature climbs. Great view from the very top of the castle, it’s worth the extra 5 flights of stairs. the ruins still preserve a tower and several walls. Inside the grounds, they had a couple of cages with an eagle owl, Artu, and a black kite (bird of prey) Breva. Sad to see them in small cages. All along the walls and placed strategically, stood sculptures of ghosts made with casts of real people who stood wrapped in bands for an hour until the casts dried. Very clever and effective.
Written 1 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sherpa19160888784
27 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Family
It's actually the ruins of the castle but it's still nice to see!
The view is truly breathtaking and the idea of the dungeons as well as the plaster statues placed at the entrance is nice.
It is also worth visiting because the cost is not excessive and, if you park the car in Vezio, the walk in the undergrowth which takes you to the castle in 10 - 15 minutes is pleasant...
Google
Written 17 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Charles M
Virginia165 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Solo
The Castle Vezio is the prize at the end of a vigorous trek up the mountain behind Varenna, Lake Como, where you can take in the expansive views over the lake and countryside. While not a long hike, the trail does tend to be vertical, so one needs to be in good shape to make the walk. Depending on weather, go early as it can be quite hot and humid some seasons. This is also a routine part of the longer hike to the Sorgente di Fiumelatte (Source of the Fiumelatte River), but check with the locals before extending your hike by another hour as the river can stop flowing in certain seasons (like late September when we were there). The views from the castle are stunning, there are chestnut trees everywhere, and there are examples of the local wildlife. Highly recommend, but be prepared for a workout. Enjoy!
Written 27 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Einat Grossman
Petah Tiqwa, Israel90 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021
The castle is actually totally ruined, there're about wall and a half, and a little exposition on the top of the wall.
The big disappointment was lack of the birds of prey.
The view from the castle to the lake is absolutely stunning, and overall experience was very positive.
The parking fee and the entrance fee are not expensive.
Written 18 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Federica
Como, Italy729 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2024 • Friends
From May to September the castle gives the opportunity to have an aperitif overlooking the lake on a terrace of the castle.
The aperitif includes a visit to the castle at sunset, a bottle of wine for two, a bottle of water and a very rich cutting board. The staff is very attentive and helpful to customer requests and what about the atmosphere .. something that comes very close to magic!! Super recommended
Automatically translated
Written 7 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

GaryAllason
5 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022
Well worth a visit...There is a "Birds of Prey" show (weekends and height of the summer...was not on when we visited) There are curious statues and great views of lake Como. We discovered some WW1/2 tunnels beneath which were very interesting
Written 25 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JAW
41 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Family
A castle with a view - set high above Varenna. If you are calling in to explore Varenna and its beautiful villas which I've reviewed separately, why not walk up to see the remains of the castle also? There's a small cafe where you can rest after your uphill trek and then you can explore the grounds and gardens as well as see the castle. Beautiful view but only go if you are reasonably fit - it's a long walk!
Written 26 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Anuj_Mithani
Mumbai, India4,702 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 • Couples
We climbed our way up (the rather steep path from near Villa Monastero) to Castle Vezio, exercising our legs and lungs in equal measure. The panoramic terrace and watchtower offered sweeping views over Varenna and the lake. It's a 5E admission ticket. We descended back to Varenna by the (better, but stony) path leading to the port.
Written 24 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dennis B
Duluth, GA670 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • Solo
This castle is worth the hike. The hike starts in the town of Varenna, going uphill about 30 minutes walk. The pathway is rock cobblestone so wear good walking shoes. It can be a bit strenuous. There is a toilette, and concession area at the top where you purchase tickets for entry. The castle structure is well intact. You can climb to the top of the main tower, about eight flights of stairs. The views from there are especially spectacular. There are many viewing vantage points around the castle. The hike down is faster but the pathway can be tricky. Taking a walking stick would be advised.
Written 23 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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CASTELLO DI VEZIO (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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