Varenna: A Medieval Village in Lombardy
Varenna, an Italian municipality of 641 inhabitants, is located on the eastern shore of Lake Como and is famous for its historical-architectural heritage and its medieval history. The locality is attested as a fishing village as early as 769 and was destroyed in 1126 to be an ally of Milan.
History and identity
Varenna was founded by the Gauls and reorganized in Roman times as a castrum with a checkerboard urban layout. In 1126 it was destroyed to be an ally of Milan, and in 1169 the devastation of the Comacina island led to the destruction of the castle and churches of the town. The neighborhood built to host the exiles was called Insula nova, and in the Middle Ages it defined itself as the seat of a civil parish church. After passing under the control of the Torriani, Varenna entered the dominions of the Viscontis and, in 1480, was granted as a fief to Pietro II Dal Verme.
What to see
The Vezio Castle dominates the town and stands alongside historic villas and religious buildings of medieval origin. The nucleus preserves the memory of the fishing village attested in 769, of the destruction of 1126 and of the Insula nova district, created to welcome the exiles from the Comacina Island.
Understand the place
To visit Varenna, it is advisable to check the current access to the village and plan the trip based on historical dates. The locality is famous for its historical-architectural heritage and its medieval history.
Where to stay
A hotel in the center of Varenna facilitates visits to the village, the churches and the routes to the lake. The hamlet of Fiumelatte constitutes another possibility; compare distance from the station, differences in altitude, transport and access to Castello di Vezio before booking.
Prepare the visit
Times, access conditions and transportation may change. Before the trip, check the official pages linked from the source, protect the heritage and leave the entrances to the homes free. Source in local language.