Varenna between the Lakeside Walk, Art and Nature

Lakeside Walk and Historic Old Town

The Passeggiata degli Innamorati is a short lakeside walk along a pedestrian walkway extending over the water. It connects Varenna’s landing stage with the historic old town. This creates an appealing connection between the lakeshore and the town’s older streets, without the walk itself taking much time. The path is one of the characteristic impressions that shape Varenna as a destination on the water.

Art, Science and Historic Sites

The Museo ornitologico e di scienze naturali Luigi Scanagatta houses a historically significant scientific library with currently more than 1,500 volumes, monographs and brochures. The Chiesa di San Giorgio preserves old frescoes and important works, including the Trittico di San Giorgio and the Polittico della Madonna col bambino. Above Varenna, the Castello di Vezio stands on a promontory. In this way, Varenna brings together a natural history collection, sacred art and a historic site in different forms.

Fiumelatte and Its Own Seasonal Rhythm

Fiumelatte is a 250-metre-long watercourse that runs from its source to Lake Como. Its water appears towards the end of March and disappears around October; the watercourse is therefore seasonal. A path from Via Roma near Varenna’s cemetery leads to the source of Fiumelatte. Nearby, on the riverbank, there is a small, well-equipped picnic area. This part of Varenna is particularly suitable if you would like to combine a natural attraction with a short stay outdoors.

Hikes of Different Durations

For a longer hike, the section of the Sentiero del Viandante from Varenna to Bellano takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. The Anello del Castello di Vezio is shorter: it connects Varenna with Vezio di Perledo and takes approximately 30 minutes. The circular route also has an elevation gain of approximately 160 m. The two time indications offer different options for planning your day, while the elevation gain provides additional guidance for assessing the shorter route.

Special Places and Occasions

Villa Monastero offers a free landing place for boats and water taxis for visits to the Botanical Garden and the Casa Museo. It may be used exclusively for boarding and disembarking and requires prior contact with the ticket office. In late autumn, the Patriarchs of Varenna are celebrated every year at a gathering in Villa Cipressi. In this way, practical visitor information at the villa and a recurring annual occasion complement Varenna’s cultural and scenic attractions.

Discover More Places

If you would like to plan your trip to Italy beyond Varenna, you can also find Pasturo, Esino Lario, Primaluna, Introbio, Maggio, Oggiono, Morterone and Molteno here.

For the overview of destinations at the higher level: Lecco.