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. The castle is situated in a militarily and commercially strategic location which dominates the entire centre of Lake Como and which is why it has been inhabited since the Iron Age. It was associated in the past with the town of Varenna, protecting the village and its people during the frequent wars and looting that shook the area during the Middle Ages. Surrounded by one of northernmost olive groves in the world, the Castle hosts temporary art exhibitions of various kinds in the garden and a permanent exhibition on Lariosaurus. With its visitable dungeons and statues scattered about the garden along with the "ghosts", the Castle stands in surroundings of unparalleled natural beauty with the area’s art, history and culture and we hope your visit will offer you a pleasant, relaxing break in harmony with nature.