Dervio and its surroundings
Visite turistiche
Corenno Plinio, a characteristic medieval village in the municipality of Dervio, stands on a rocky spur overlooking the waters of Lake Como. Over the centuries, the village has expanded around the walls of the castle, the houses are leaning against each other, connected by narrow alleys and rock steps that reach down to the lake. Visiting these places it seems as if time has stood still, every stone tells a story. The enchantment of the panorama and the grace of the land make Corenno Plinio a unique village.
20 habitants recommandent
Corenno Plinio
Corenno Plinio, a characteristic medieval village in the municipality of Dervio, stands on a rocky spur overlooking the waters of Lake Como. Over the centuries, the village has expanded around the walls of the castle, the houses are leaning against each other, connected by narrow alleys and rock steps that reach down to the lake. Visiting these places it seems as if time has stood still, every stone tells a story. The enchantment of the panorama and the grace of the land make Corenno Plinio a unique village.
Lecco is a treasure chest of history: from the Duchy of Milan with the Visconti family, to the Spanish and Austrian domination. Every age has brought with it construction and destruction today we can still admire in excellent condition the medieval tower in Piazza XX Settembre, known as the Torre Viscontea, and a stretch of the city walls, the so-called vallo delle mura.
Lecco’s historic center lies on the shore of the lake, with its nineteenth-century style architectures, such as the arches of Piazza XX Settembre also visible in some other buildings. Typical expression of the neoclassical style is the Teatro della Società (Theatre of Society) in Piazza Garibaldi, designed by the local architect Giuseppe Bovara. The center offers a unique shopping experience with many fashion shops. Overlooking the lake is Piazza Cermenati with the view of the Basilica dedicated to the Saint patron of Lecco, St. Nicholas (Basilica di San Nicolò). Another important square is dedicated to Alessandro Manzoni, the poet who has made Lecco well known in the world for the emotional suggestions of its masterpiece The Betrothed.
https://www.eccolecco.it/en/visit-lecco-town-lake-como/
183 habitants recommandent
Lecco
Lecco is a treasure chest of history: from the Duchy of Milan with the Visconti family, to the Spanish and Austrian domination. Every age has brought with it construction and destruction today we can still admire in excellent condition the medieval tower in Piazza XX Settembre, known as the Torre Viscontea, and a stretch of the city walls, the so-called vallo delle mura.
Lecco’s historic center lies on the shore of the lake, with its nineteenth-century style architectures, such as the arches of Piazza XX Settembre also visible in some other buildings. Typical expression of the neoclassical style is the Teatro della Società (Theatre of Society) in Piazza Garibaldi, designed by the local architect Giuseppe Bovara. The center offers a unique shopping experience with many fashion shops. Overlooking the lake is Piazza Cermenati with the view of the Basilica dedicated to the Saint patron of Lecco, St. Nicholas (Basilica di San Nicolò). Another important square is dedicated to Alessandro Manzoni, the poet who has made Lecco well known in the world for the emotional suggestions of its masterpiece The Betrothed.
https://www.eccolecco.it/en/visit-lecco-town-lake-como/
One of the first references to this village dates back to 769, where it is mentioned as a small fishing village. In the following centuries it experienced alternating periods, and from 1200 it welcomed those fleeing from the Isola Comacina, traces of which can still be found in some of Varenna's architecture. The latter soon became one of the richest and most flourishing villages in the entire region. Under the rule of the Viscontis and later the Sforzas, its historical centre flourished and was enriched with what is now its splendid artistic heritage.
The beating heart of the village is its central square, overlooked by the Church of San Giorgio. The building, dating back to the 13th century, was built on the foundations of an ancient Roman temple and is a splendid example of medieval Lombard architecture. A few steps away, on the opposite side of the square, we can admire the Church of San Giovanni Battista, dating back to the 11th century. Both religious buildings preserve precious frescoes and some pictorial fragments of ancient origins inside.
Travelling along the narrow streets that branch off from the historical centre of Varenna, we arrive close to the lake and are fascinated by Villa Monastero: an impressive architectural complex dating back to the 16th century, it was once a convent of Cistercian nuns. Today it is a major tourist attraction, with its house museum and botanical gardens housing many plant species. Nearby also stands Villa Cipressi, a testimony to the late Renaissance period. With its terraces sloping down towards the lake, it offers the perfect location to admire the view.
But Varenna's most romantic spot is undoubtedly the Passeggiata degli Innamorati: a short arched metal walkway, covered with climbing plants, which in warm weather turns into a riot of colours and smells. The structure, fixed in the rock, overhangs the lake and leads to the landing stage. From here, the landscape offered by the small village is splendid, and behind it we can also admire the Vezio Castle, with its square tower.
https://varennaturismo.com/en/
395 habitants recommandent
Varenna
One of the first references to this village dates back to 769, where it is mentioned as a small fishing village. In the following centuries it experienced alternating periods, and from 1200 it welcomed those fleeing from the Isola Comacina, traces of which can still be found in some of Varenna's architecture. The latter soon became one of the richest and most flourishing villages in the entire region. Under the rule of the Viscontis and later the Sforzas, its historical centre flourished and was enriched with what is now its splendid artistic heritage.
The beating heart of the village is its central square, overlooked by the Church of San Giorgio. The building, dating back to the 13th century, was built on the foundations of an ancient Roman temple and is a splendid example of medieval Lombard architecture. A few steps away, on the opposite side of the square, we can admire the Church of San Giovanni Battista, dating back to the 11th century. Both religious buildings preserve precious frescoes and some pictorial fragments of ancient origins inside.
Travelling along the narrow streets that branch off from the historical centre of Varenna, we arrive close to the lake and are fascinated by Villa Monastero: an impressive architectural complex dating back to the 16th century, it was once a convent of Cistercian nuns. Today it is a major tourist attraction, with its house museum and botanical gardens housing many plant species. Nearby also stands Villa Cipressi, a testimony to the late Renaissance period. With its terraces sloping down towards the lake, it offers the perfect location to admire the view.
But Varenna's most romantic spot is undoubtedly the Passeggiata degli Innamorati: a short arched metal walkway, covered with climbing plants, which in warm weather turns into a riot of colours and smells. The structure, fixed in the rock, overhangs the lake and leads to the landing stage. From here, the landscape offered by the small village is splendid, and behind it we can also admire the Vezio Castle, with its square tower.
https://varennaturismo.com/en/
The Orrido di Bellano is the main tourist attraction of the town and one of the most important of Lake Como.
This is a natural gorge created 15 million years ago by the erosion of the River Pioverna and the Adda glacier which, over the centuries, have shaped the rock into gigantic potholes, dark ravines and suggestive caves.
The narrow canyon can be visited thanks to a system of footbridges anchored on the high walls overlooking the water, perfectly illuminated in the evening where the charm of the place takes on different nuances, and that recently have been extended to reach the large waterfall located further upstream.
https://www.discoveringbellano.eu/en/orrido-di-bellano-en/
136 habitants recommandent
Orrido di Bellano
Piazza San GiorgioThe Orrido di Bellano is the main tourist attraction of the town and one of the most important of Lake Como.
This is a natural gorge created 15 million years ago by the erosion of the River Pioverna and the Adda glacier which, over the centuries, have shaped the rock into gigantic potholes, dark ravines and suggestive caves.
The narrow canyon can be visited thanks to a system of footbridges anchored on the high walls overlooking the water, perfectly illuminated in the evening where the charm of the place takes on different nuances, and that recently have been extended to reach the large waterfall located further upstream.
https://www.discoveringbellano.eu/en/orrido-di-bellano-en/
Forte Montecchio Nord was built in just a few months between 1912 and 1914 near to the beginning of the First World War. It is one of the greatest fortified structures on which the defence system complex of the “Northern Frontier towards Switzerland” pivots. It was thought up and built by the Kingdom of Italy as protection against a possible armed attack originating from Germany or Austria-Hungary via Switzerland
The system concentrates its structures in correspondence with the most important access routes to the Padana Plain: the Great St. Bernard Pass, the Simplon Pass, the Gotthard Pass, the Splugen Pass, the Maloja Pass, the Bernina Pass, the Stelvio Pass and the Tonale-Aprica route, all of which already had main roads and railway lines in place at the beginning of the 20th century.
https://www.fortemontecchionord.it/index.php?lang=en
39 habitants recommandent
Forte Montecchio Nord
8 Via alle TorriForte Montecchio Nord was built in just a few months between 1912 and 1914 near to the beginning of the First World War. It is one of the greatest fortified structures on which the defence system complex of the “Northern Frontier towards Switzerland” pivots. It was thought up and built by the Kingdom of Italy as protection against a possible armed attack originating from Germany or Austria-Hungary via Switzerland
The system concentrates its structures in correspondence with the most important access routes to the Padana Plain: the Great St. Bernard Pass, the Simplon Pass, the Gotthard Pass, the Splugen Pass, the Maloja Pass, the Bernina Pass, the Stelvio Pass and the Tonale-Aprica route, all of which already had main roads and railway lines in place at the beginning of the 20th century.
https://www.fortemontecchionord.it/index.php?lang=en
The Piona Priory or Piona Abbey, is a religious complex on the Lecco bank of Lake Como in the territory of the municipality of Colico.
The abbey is set at the top of a small peninsula, the Olgiasca, which – like a crooked finger – points into the lake, creating an inlet.
87 habitants recommandent
Abbaye de Cluny de la Sainte-Marie de Piona
55 Via Abbazia di PionaThe Piona Priory or Piona Abbey, is a religious complex on the Lecco bank of Lake Como in the territory of the municipality of Colico.
The abbey is set at the top of a small peninsula, the Olgiasca, which – like a crooked finger – points into the lake, creating an inlet.
At the centre of Lake Como, on the bluff overlooking Varenna, the Vezio Castle has stood for more than a thousand years. It is an ancient military outpost of early medieval origin built by the Lombard Queen Theodelinda to defend and control the lake and surrounding villages.
http://www.castellodivezio.it/EN/home-en.html
201 habitants recommandent
Château de Vezio
Via del CastellanoAt the centre of Lake Como, on the bluff overlooking Varenna, the Vezio Castle has stood for more than a thousand years. It is an ancient military outpost of early medieval origin built by the Lombard Queen Theodelinda to defend and control the lake and surrounding villages.
http://www.castellodivezio.it/EN/home-en.html
In the heart of Alta Valtellina, the town of Bormio is a top tourist destination for those who love skiing and outdoor sports. Bormio is a place full of history and tradition, and the perfect location for a holiday focused on physical and spiritual revitalisation.
54 habitants recommandent
QC Terme Bagni di Bormio Bagni Nuovi
7 Via Bagni NuoviIn the heart of Alta Valtellina, the town of Bormio is a top tourist destination for those who love skiing and outdoor sports. Bormio is a place full of history and tradition, and the perfect location for a holiday focused on physical and spiritual revitalisation.
Bellagio is on the tip of a promontory at the end of the chain of
mountains where the lake bifurcates. The historic and tourist centre is towards the
bottom part of the promontory while its many hamlets are scattered on the hills
and overlook both the south-eastern and south-western branches of lake Como.
645 habitants recommandent
Bellagio
Bellagio is on the tip of a promontory at the end of the chain of
mountains where the lake bifurcates. The historic and tourist centre is towards the
bottom part of the promontory while its many hamlets are scattered on the hills
and overlook both the south-eastern and south-western branches of lake Como.
Como
Villa del Balbianello is located on a wooded promontory on Como lake. This elegant, romantic 18th century mansion and its magnificent garden have hosted writers, scholars and travelers, including Count Guido Monzino, the last owner of the Villa. It’s 38 km from Como. The Villa can be reached on foot or by taxi boat from Lido di Lenno.
337 habitants recommandent
Villa del Balbianello
Via Guido DelmatiVilla del Balbianello is located on a wooded promontory on Como lake. This elegant, romantic 18th century mansion and its magnificent garden have hosted writers, scholars and travelers, including Count Guido Monzino, the last owner of the Villa. It’s 38 km from Como. The Villa can be reached on foot or by taxi boat from Lido di Lenno.
Situated on the eastern shore of Lake Como, in the shadow of Mount Legnoncino, Dervio stands on a wide green peninsula crossed by the Varrone stream, which flows down from the valley of the same name.
The first settlements presumably date back to the Bronze Age, when nomadic peoples of Celtic origin founded villages (gau). The Celts are also credited with the etymology of the name Dervio, which is said to derive from the Welsh/Breton root Derw and the Gallic root Dervo, both meaning 'oak'; the name is said to have been given due to the presence of a sacred forest in the area, a hypothesis probably confirmed by the Latin inscriptions dedicated to the Matrone Dervonne, local deities.
Subsequently, the area was conquered by the Romans, who in the 4th century A.D., given its strategic position on the communication route between Valtellina and Milan, began to erect various towers and fortifications; the Castelvedro in Mai (5th century), a castle that was part of the ancient defence system against the Barbarians, now reduced to ruins, plausibly dates back to this period.
Following the fall of the Roman Empire, the area was invaded by the Goths, the Lombards and finally the Franks; in the meantime, the spread of Christianity transformed the Roman pagi into parish churches. In the first half of the 11th century, Dervio, which sided with the Archbishop of Milan, entered into conflict with the Three Larian Parishes (Sorico, Gravedona and Dongo), which fought for the Duke of Franconia. Later, the town was also the scene of the ten-year war between Milan and Como.
The archbishops of Milan were succeeded by the Visconti and Sforza families, until the Spanish rule, which marked the beginning of a period of decadence, characterised by plundering and pestilence. Only in the 19th century, under Austrian rule, was there a rebirth thanks to the flourishing iron industry and the exploitation of the mines in Val Varrone. With the foundation of mechanical industries, paper mills, shipyards and the construction of important communication routes, the town reached its maximum economic development.
Today, Dervio is one of the most important tourist resorts in the Alto Lario area. Thanks to its location in the lake, which is always windy, it is considered a sailing paradise. The town is an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts but also for outdoor enthusiasts: there are numerous paths to be followed on foot and in some cases also by mountain bike in the surrounding mountains. The most famous of these is the Sentiero del Viandante (Wayfarer's Path), the ancient half-hike along the eastern shore of the lake. Those in search of relaxation will also find in Dervio the perfect destination for their holiday, with numerous beaches, green areas and the extensive and refined lakeside promenade.
From an artistic point of view, the churches in the municipality are of considerable interest, in particular the Church of Saints Quirico and Giulitta, one of the oldest sacred buildings in the area, the Parish Church of Saints Peter and Paul and the Church of St Thomas of Canterbury in Corenno Plinio, dating back to the end of the 12th century. On a cliff overlooking Dervio stands the Castle of Orezia, first mentioned in 1039-40 and of which a well-preserved keep now remains.
Finally, the picturesque village of Corenno Plinio deserves special mention. Dominated by the castle of the Andreani Counts, the village is a succession of old houses and narrow streets that descend steeply to the lake, making it one of the most picturesque places on the entire Lake Como.
Dervio station
Situated on the eastern shore of Lake Como, in the shadow of Mount Legnoncino, Dervio stands on a wide green peninsula crossed by the Varrone stream, which flows down from the valley of the same name.
The first settlements presumably date back to the Bronze Age, when nomadic peoples of Celtic origin founded villages (gau). The Celts are also credited with the etymology of the name Dervio, which is said to derive from the Welsh/Breton root Derw and the Gallic root Dervo, both meaning 'oak'; the name is said to have been given due to the presence of a sacred forest in the area, a hypothesis probably confirmed by the Latin inscriptions dedicated to the Matrone Dervonne, local deities.
Subsequently, the area was conquered by the Romans, who in the 4th century A.D., given its strategic position on the communication route between Valtellina and Milan, began to erect various towers and fortifications; the Castelvedro in Mai (5th century), a castle that was part of the ancient defence system against the Barbarians, now reduced to ruins, plausibly dates back to this period.
Following the fall of the Roman Empire, the area was invaded by the Goths, the Lombards and finally the Franks; in the meantime, the spread of Christianity transformed the Roman pagi into parish churches. In the first half of the 11th century, Dervio, which sided with the Archbishop of Milan, entered into conflict with the Three Larian Parishes (Sorico, Gravedona and Dongo), which fought for the Duke of Franconia. Later, the town was also the scene of the ten-year war between Milan and Como.
The archbishops of Milan were succeeded by the Visconti and Sforza families, until the Spanish rule, which marked the beginning of a period of decadence, characterised by plundering and pestilence. Only in the 19th century, under Austrian rule, was there a rebirth thanks to the flourishing iron industry and the exploitation of the mines in Val Varrone. With the foundation of mechanical industries, paper mills, shipyards and the construction of important communication routes, the town reached its maximum economic development.
Today, Dervio is one of the most important tourist resorts in the Alto Lario area. Thanks to its location in the lake, which is always windy, it is considered a sailing paradise. The town is an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts but also for outdoor enthusiasts: there are numerous paths to be followed on foot and in some cases also by mountain bike in the surrounding mountains. The most famous of these is the Sentiero del Viandante (Wayfarer's Path), the ancient half-hike along the eastern shore of the lake. Those in search of relaxation will also find in Dervio the perfect destination for their holiday, with numerous beaches, green areas and the extensive and refined lakeside promenade.
From an artistic point of view, the churches in the municipality are of considerable interest, in particular the Church of Saints Quirico and Giulitta, one of the oldest sacred buildings in the area, the Parish Church of Saints Peter and Paul and the Church of St Thomas of Canterbury in Corenno Plinio, dating back to the end of the 12th century. On a cliff overlooking Dervio stands the Castle of Orezia, first mentioned in 1039-40 and of which a well-preserved keep now remains.
Finally, the picturesque village of Corenno Plinio deserves special mention. Dominated by the castle of the Andreani Counts, the village is a succession of old houses and narrow streets that descend steeply to the lake, making it one of the most picturesque places on the entire Lake Como.
The Villa, owned by the Province of Lecco, is one of the main historical and environmental sites in the area, thanks also to its privileged position. The complex is made up of the villa itself, which has now been transformed into a museum and is also home to an internationally renowned conference centre, and the splendid botanical garden that surrounds it and extends for almost two km along the lake shore.
151 habitants recommandent
Villa Monastero
4 Viale Giovanni PolvaniThe Villa, owned by the Province of Lecco, is one of the main historical and environmental sites in the area, thanks also to its privileged position. The complex is made up of the villa itself, which has now been transformed into a museum and is also home to an internationally renowned conference centre, and the splendid botanical garden that surrounds it and extends for almost two km along the lake shore.