Excursion tips

Fortresses & Castles on Lake Como

There are many old fortresses and castles around Lake Como, scattered around the lake and always worth a visit. Every castle complex tells its own story and can look back on a long history. Let yourself be captivated by these imposing structures and experience an adventure in the fortresses and castles on Lake Como.

Varenna Castello di Vezio – Castle of Vezio

The Castello di Vezio, as we know it today, was built in the 14th century and is still very well preserved. It is well worth seeing, especially because of Luca Castiglioni’s regular bird of prey show featuring forest owls, buzzards, barn owls, falcons, and other birds of prey. Actors are also part of this show, transporting their audience back in time.

The Castello di Vezio was already a military fortification in the 6th century during the reign of the Lombard queen Theudelinde. During World War I from 1915 to 1918, it served as a defensive post against German attacks from the lake or from nearby towns. In the center of the complex is the 20-meter-high observation tower, which can only be reached by a drawbridge. Once you have climbed the steep stairs to the top, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of Lake Como.

Activities on Lake Como with children

Die Falkenschau, deren Hauptdarsteller nicht nur Falken sondern auch andere Greifvögel sind, findet in der Burg jeden Tag von 10 Uhr bis 18 Uhr statt. In dieser Zeit bietet Ihnen das Castello di Vezio eine Vielzahl an Unterhaltungsmöglichkeiten wie z. B. Ausstellungen und Shows.

On the outskirts of Varenna (towards Dervio), a very idyllic path leads partly via steps up to the castle (ascent approx. 30 min).

Opening hours:

April to October daily from 10:00 a.m. until sunset, November to March only Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. until sunset.

Fortezza di Montecchio – Montecchio Fortress in Colico

There are many different forts and castles on Lake Como, but a visit to this former fort is particularly interesting. It was built between 1911 and 1915, but only saw modest use at the end of World War II. The fortress is still preserved today as it was built over 100 years ago, as no fighting ever took place here. However, the fortress also has a great historical significance: on April 26, 1945, shots were fired from there across Lake Como to stop a convoy carrying the fleeing Benito Mussolini and thus prevent him from going into hiding.

A guided tour in Italian (and a little English) is offered, and a handout with a German translation is provided. The fortress can be reached by taking the main road from Colico towards Sondrio, turning left at the sign, crossing the railroad tracks, then continuing left and up the small hill.

Corenno Plinio

Corenno Plinio is a small medieval village in Dervio. With its closely packed houses, narrow winding streets, and many hidden paths, this picturesque village transports visitors back to another era. Originally built around the castle walls, Corenno Plinio offers breathtaking views in an enchanting atmosphere. According to the first official documents, the village dates back to the 13th century.

The castle of Corenno Plinio was originally built as a defensive structure and has two towers. One exit from the castle leads directly to the piazza of Corenno. Adjacent to the wall is the church of St. Thomas of Canterbury, which was probably built between the 12th and 13th centuries. Particularly worth seeing are the exposed wall frescoes in the church, which date from the 14th and 15th centuries. In the church square there are three tombs belonging to the Andreani princes.

The path up to the castle is lined with ancient patrician villas and steep staircases, whose steps are characteristically carved directly into the rock, forming a large part of the path. Visiting the medieval fortress and the village is free of charge. There are no guided tours.

Castello di Rezzonico

In Santa Maria Rezzonico lies the picturesque Castello di Rezzonico, on a promontory jutting out into Lake Como. This remarkable 13th-century monument was reportedly built by the della Torre family on the site of a former fortress and is surrounded by beautiful walking trails.

The paths on the left lead to a small bay, while those on the right take you to the fortified shore area of Rezzonico. From there, you can enjoy a fantastic view of Lake Como. South of the castle lies the small fishing port of Rezzonico.

The castle itself is rarely open to the public, as it has been privately owned by a French family for almost a century.