Varenna is built upon a rock at the foot of a mountain which rises almost vertically above it, leaving the skeleton of a ruined ancient castle exposed to the sky. Its community dates back to the Roman age. In this century Varenna has reached international recognition as tourist center and seat of congresses.

The parish church of San Giorgio is a basilica with nave and two aisles, which was consecrated in 1313. Its façade is enriched by a big fresco portraying Saint Christopher. The most precious work of art it contains is the colored stone Deposition from the Cross. The church was restored in 1957.

Villa Cipressi gives the possibility to visit, through a botanic pathway, century-old gardens with tiered terraces till the lake, containing plants of a rare beauty and worldwide botanic importance.

The gardens of Villa Monastero are an integral part of the atmosphere and charm of the place. It is a long promenade along the lake, with paths and terraces under the mountain as backdrop. Starting from this year it is also possible to visit the rooms of the Villa recognized as museum.

See also:
	Gravedona Gravedona is set in a splendid position along the graceful bay at the foot of the Liro Valley opposite the Piona peninsular and Mount Legnone. Its name has Ligurian roots which indicates a head ... More »
	Villa Balbianello The Villa del Balbianello is a villa in the town of Lenno, overlooking Lake Como. It is located on the tip of a small wooded peninsula on the western shore of the south-west limb of Lake Como, ... More »
	Montecchio Fortress - Fuentes Fortress Montecchio Fortress The only fort of World War I still intact with the 4 largest Italian cannons. The fort was built in the characteristic style of early 20th century buildings and designed ... More »
	Varenna Varenna is built upon a rock at the foot of a mountain which rises almost vertically above it, leaving the skeleton of a ruined ancient castle exposed to the sky. Its community dates back to th ... More »
	Villa Carlotta Villa Carlotta is a marvellous high-class residence on the western shore of Lake Como constructed in 1690 by the Milanese banker Giorgio Clerici and donate by the princess Marianna of Nassau, w ... More »
	Villa Melzi Villa Melzi was born as a summer residence in Bellagio of Francesco Melzi d’Eril, vice-president of the Italian republic at the time of Napoleon (1801 – 1803). The project, commissioned to the famous ... More »
	Bellagio Few places are as romantic as Lake Como, and even fewer resorts as beautiful as Bellagio. Called the “Pearl of the Lake”, Bellagio's world class hotels and restaurants provide the perfect place to soa ... More »
	The Abbey of Piona The Abbey of Piona is Colico's flagship even though it is situated in the hamlet of Olgiasca, on the rocky point which leads down to the half-closed lakelet formed by a natural blockage. More »
	Comacina Island The Comacina Island is the only island of the lake Como. Today half-deserted, it was inhabited since the times roman. It had monuments in paeolocristiana age already (V sec.) and it grew of imp ... More »
	Menaggio Menaggio is situated on a small cape where the Lake Como reveals in all its awfulness. Optimal its receptive and sport equipment, graceful the dock often full of boats multicolors. Menagg ... More »