Castello di Vezio, Lake Como, Italy, 9/22/2011

The hike started with two ferry rides and a stroll thru the streets of Bellagio and Varenna, followed by a steep climb on a narrow stone path up to the small town of Vezio.

Having a views over both sides of the lake (the Como side and the Lecco side), the castle was a strategic military point starting in the IV century and probably of Roman origin. It was destroyed and rebuilt a number of times and was used as a hiding place for the population of Varenna in the low middle ages. Having lost its military importance in the 1800's, it is now a tourist attraction and falconry center, and of course, a great hiking spot.

View from the Lecco side of Lake Como. Notice the olive grove. The castle information stated that this is probably the most northern olive grove in the world and produce very fine, low acidity olive oil.

We did not return to Varenna by the steep and dark stone road. Instead we meandered down an open hiking path on the lake side of Vezio, thru the olive groves and lake path.