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VARENNA, ITALY – THE BEST OF LAKE COMO
It is said that Bellagio is the Pearl of Italy’s Lake Como, but Varenna is the Diamond. The small village, once filled with fishermen, dates back to the 11th century. A thirty minute ferry ride from Bellagio brings you to Varenna which is the prettiest, most romantic town on the lake! Varenna can also be reached by train.
Varenna‘s famous Passerella is the perfect promenade from the ferry dock to the old part of town. It is lined with ornamental flowers and dreamy villas on one side and Lake Como on the other side.
Upon arrival at the small harbor, there are outdoor restaurants with people sitting at tables under umbrellas, enjoying the cuisine while people watching. There are no streets in the old part of the village but there are many alleys with narrow stone steps. They often have bright colored pillows upon which locals sit to watch the activities at the harbor. These steps lead up a steep hill to the Piazza San Giorgio.
The Church of St Giorgio, consecrated in 1313, is at the center of the Piazza. Beautiful old frescos, or images painted in the plaster, adorn the church. Another older and smaller church, St. John The Baptist, stands a few steps away. The walls still have 14th century frescos. It dates back to the 9th Century during Roman times, but it was expanded in 1151.
On a steep bluff above Varenna stands the Vezio Castle and Gardens which date back to the Iron Age. The breathtaking gardens are open to the public and there are scheduled demonstrations with Falcons. In the tower, there is an exhibition of the Lariosaurus, a prehistoric marine reptile which was first discovered near the castle. The beautiful statues in the lush garden make this a very romantic outing.
Many 18th Century Villas and Botanical Gardens can be admired, both at Varenna and in the surrounding lakeside towns. Two popular ones are Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta which are located just a short ferry ride away from Varenna.
Due to limited time, we chose to visit the Neoclassical Villa Carlotta and it’s vast Italianate Ornamental Gardens in the lakeside town of Tremessina. Built at the end of the 17th Century, this was the home of Marquis Giorgio Clerici and was opened to the public in 1927.
Upon leaving Villa Carlotta, it’s easy to exit the ferry at Bellagio and enjoy a walk around the city.
After strolling around Bellagio, reboard the ferry and return to Varenna for more exploring before an evening of relaxation.
Varenna and the entire Lake Como District are truly amazing to visit. The relaxed atmosphere provides a peaceful escape for the traveler who wants to slow things down and enjoy the serenity offered in such a beautiful setting.
Loved your trip report!