Stories from Lake Como
Castello di Vezio: ghosts, history, and panorama
On a promontory above Varenna, Castello di Vezio guards walls, underground passages, and a panoramic tower overlooking the center of Lake Como.
A sentinel on the lake
The current structure is of medieval origin, perhaps built on a previous Roman outpost. Its position allowed control over waterways and passage along the eastern shore. Tradition links it to the Lombard queen Theodelinda, but this story belongs to local legend and is not a historically proven fact.
In the underground passages, defensive works dating back to the First World War are found. From the tower and the garden, the view reaches Bellagio, Menaggio, and the mountains that divide the three branches of the lake.
The ghost statues
The white figures scattered in the garden are plaster casts made from people posing. They remain exposed to the elements until they transform into silent presences: a contemporary installation that fuels the castle's legendary atmosphere.
The historic falconry activity was definitively suspended in October 2022. The castle remains open for seasonal visits, to be checked on the official website before ascending.
