A worthy day trip if you're spending your holiday north of Italy is to explore the majestic castles that surround the stunning Lake Como, in the province of Como in Lombardy. It’s regarded as Italy’s favourite lake to visit and is also the deepest one in the country.
There are plenty of vacation villa rentals in Como town to choose from which have breathtaking views of the lake.
The location of this lake, which was beside the main route of trade between central Europe and Rome in ancient times, made it a prosperous place to live. Many castles were built along its edge, most using the stretch of water as a clever protective boundary from frequent invaders.
Fortresses were built on its shores that date from the Middle Ages, through the 19th century and even from the beginning of World War I. Some are open for tourists to walk around and others, which are now hotels or homes in private ownership, can be admired from the hills that surround them.
There are plenty of vacation villa rentals in Como town to choose from which have breathtaking views of the lake.
The location of this lake, which was beside the main route of trade between central Europe and Rome in ancient times, made it a prosperous place to live. Many castles were built along its edge, most using the stretch of water as a clever protective boundary from frequent invaders.
Fortresses were built on its shores that date from the Middle Ages, through the 19th century and even from the beginning of World War I. Some are open for tourists to walk around and others, which are now hotels or homes in private ownership, can be admired from the hills that surround them.
The Porta Torre and the Baradello castle are located only a short walk from Como town and were built in 1192 on a hill with superb views of the lake. Visitors can go on a tour around its huge tower during the weekends.
The Forte Montecchio Nord in Colico is the most modern military fortress on the lake. It was built in 1912 and completed by 1914 by order of the commander of the Italian Royal army in preparation for the onslaught of World War I.
Tourists can appreciate the technological advancement of this structure for its time and will see the four huge cannons that are still in perfect working condition on its roof.
They are the largest found in Italy and can fire across massive distances with excellent precision. Tickets to tour around this lovely building are €5 for adults and children under five are free.
The Forte Montecchio Nord in Colico is the most modern military fortress on the lake. It was built in 1912 and completed by 1914 by order of the commander of the Italian Royal army in preparation for the onslaught of World War I.
Tourists can appreciate the technological advancement of this structure for its time and will see the four huge cannons that are still in perfect working condition on its roof.
They are the largest found in Italy and can fire across massive distances with excellent precision. Tickets to tour around this lovely building are €5 for adults and children under five are free.
The Castello di Vezio is an ancient medieval manor house that is located in a hamlet of Vezio above the town of Varenna. It’s a fine square based structure with huge protective walls and over one thousand ripening olive trees surrounding it. Visitors are sure to enjoy a daily Birds of Prey exhibition that is held in the grounds from March to November. There’s a charming restaurant and bar to enjoy a tasty lunch in the castle. Adult tickets to tour around are only €4. Children under six are free.
Your visit to this gorgeous lake could be greatly enhanced if you happen to be here during the last weekend in June in Como town when the ‘Sagra di San Giovanni’ is held. The place is filled with folk art and delicious food stalls, and in the evening, visitors can enjoy firework displays, processions and watch boat races across the lake!
The Palio del Baradello is held in the first week in September and there are a great range of music, food and drama festivals held from January through to the summer months. There’s so much on offer here for visitors to enjoy, it’s well worth spending a day or two here during your Italian holiday in Northern Italy!
Your visit to this gorgeous lake could be greatly enhanced if you happen to be here during the last weekend in June in Como town when the ‘Sagra di San Giovanni’ is held. The place is filled with folk art and delicious food stalls, and in the evening, visitors can enjoy firework displays, processions and watch boat races across the lake!
The Palio del Baradello is held in the first week in September and there are a great range of music, food and drama festivals held from January through to the summer months. There’s so much on offer here for visitors to enjoy, it’s well worth spending a day or two here during your Italian holiday in Northern Italy!
Photo credits
picture 3: Bernini Massimo / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 3: Bernini Massimo / CC BY-SA 3.0