Varenna (Italy) is a small resort town and commune located on the shores of Lake Como in the province of Lecco. Picturesque mountain landscapes, ancient castles and fortresses, a beautiful lake - this is what attracts tourists from all over the world.
History of the Commune
The small town of Varenna in Italy (photo below) is located 60 km north of Milan (the train takes almost 1 hour) on the shores of Lake Como. Previously, there was a small fishing village. According to 2008 data, less than 1 thousand people lived here. Locals continue to fish, as well as barrels and black marble.
Starting from the 16th century in the villages around Lake Como, they were engaged in the production of multi-colored silk: before World War II, there were planted mulberry trees on which silkworm caterpillars lived. The old European trade silk road ran through the canal between Varena and Lecco. Now these landings no longer exist, but silk processing plants have been preserved and are working.
The main attraction of Varenna (Italy) is the castle of Castello di Vecio, built in 11 st. Many houses stand near the water, and sailing boats can dock right on the porch of the building.
The shortest river in the country flows through the commune - Fumelatte (trans. From Italian. Fiumelatte - “milk river”), which has a length of only 250 m. It got its name for the unique color of water in the summer months, and in winter it disappears.
Lake Como
Lake Como is a mountain pond at the foot of the Italian Alps, surrounded by peaks: in the south - 800 meters, and in the north - a mountain 2400 m high. It consists of 3 gorges filled with water that converge at a single point. Each of the parts stretches for 26 km.
Picturesque small towns are scattered along the shores of the lake: Como, Varenna, Bellagio and Menaggio. All of them are connected by ferry or boats, cruising through Como from early morning to night. A map of Varenna's attractions is shown below.
On the shore of the lake is the promenade, which has many small cafes, restaurants and shops. Here you can enjoy coffee and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
central square
In the town there is a main square, from which narrow ancient streets diverge in a fan. Around - calm and majestic nature and tranquility. Like all small settlements, Varenna has its own face and original atmosphere.
On the central square of Varenna (Italy) there are 3 churches:
- San Giorgio and the bell tower (1313) are examples of Lombard Gothic architecture; medieval frescoes, furniture and statues have been preserved inside the temple;
- Santi Nazaro Chelso;
- San Giovanni Battista (11th c.) - Located in the lower part of the square and turned back, its interior has preserved frescoes painted by medieval artists in the 16th century.
However, lovely churches are not all that tourists can see in Varenna (Italy).
Castello Castle
Castle Castello di Vesio is an ancient fortification, standing on a high mountain above the city. Over the past centuries, it was rebuilt several times. Now all that remains of it is the observation tower and part of the wall. During the First World War, underground punishment cells were completed here, and in 1999 they were open to tourists.
The main tower of the castle can only be accessed via a suspension bridge. Having risen to its peak, admire the beautiful view of the lake and the town houses. A gravel path runs along the north wall, drowning in spring in wonderful colors. Below, an incredible view of Varenna opens.
Next you can go to the olive grove. The castle houses a falconry, on the territory of which costumed performances take place. It is engaged in breeding birds (buzzards, falcons, eared owls, etc.) for hunting. For tourists visiting the castle is open from March to October.
Villa Monastero
The beautiful Villa Monastero, whose walls are almost completely covered with winding stems of grapes, is a former Cisterian monastery. It was built in 1208 by the monks who fled from Fr. Komachina (on Lake Como) during the war with Milan, and is dedicated to Mary Magdalene.
In 1567 the monastery was abolished, and the building and land were bought by the Morniko family. After 100 years, one of its representatives, Lelio Mornico, made a reconstruction, turning the building into a chic and beautiful shelter. Here, ceremonial halls were arranged, and the facade of the building was rebuilt again.
For several centuries, the villa passed from one owner to another until it was acquired by Marco de Marci. He transferred the building to the Hydrobiological and Limnological Institute of Varenna (Italy). Since 1963, Monastero acquired the status of an international cultural and scientific center.
In the interior of the villa, which is now open to visitors, you can see the medieval atmosphere in the rooms and halls, many frescoes and bas-reliefs. Of particular note is the chic bathroom, decorated in a lush oriental style with a pool.
Monastero occupies a steep section of a mountain slope. Around the villa there is a beautiful garden with citrus trees, pines, cypresses and agaves. Alleys of the garden are decorated with bas-reliefs and statues.
Villa Chipressi
A beautiful Italian villa was built in 1400 in the style of ancient architecture, but was later rebuilt several times. In 1980, the city hall bought Chipressi from the ancient Serpontis family and carried out restoration, after which the Hotel Villa Cipressi hotel was built here.
Around the villa there is a beautiful park with old cypress trees, in honor of which it got its name. Having paid 4 euros, tourists have the opportunity to inspect it, going through the reception.
How to get there
The city of Varenna Italy is a wonderful and picturesque settlement, in which there are many quiet places where you can relax from the bustle of large megacities. Here you can admire the beautiful mountains, the lake and visit the medieval castle, villas.
You can get to the town by train, traveling from Milan from Milano Centrale (Central) station from Milano Centrale station to Varenna-Esimo, with trains running every 1-2 hours. It is best to buy a ticket for the return trip, as there are There are no ticket offices at the station in Varenna.
Another transport is the Mid-lake Shuttle, which runs between towns on the lake. Walking distance to the pier from the railway station can be reached in 10 minutes. In addition, small boats and ferries depart from the embankment and port.