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 Watching over the water, the rich created paradise by Pavlik_NL | Reviews and photos of Varenna attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Varenna sightseeing. Varenna Map |
 | Varenna Things To Do | Tips 1 - 10 of 17 |  |
The village of Varenna is worth visiting merely for the joy of enjoying the town and the vistas it offers. If, however, you need more specific attractions you will find several options. This photo offers one of those views that is so ideal that it could easily be confused with the work of a Hollywood matte artist. It is definitely worth a click to enlarge.
The picture is taken from Villa Cipressi. The villa itself has now been converted into a hotel and as such is not open to tour unless you are a guest. The gardens, however, are open and wonderful. Not quite as extensive as its sister 80 meters down the road, the Villa Monastero, but still charming in a more controllable manner. Large enough to become engulf but not so large as to be overwhelming. Leave a Comment
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There is no shortage of magnificent villas along the shore of Lake Como and there is also probably ample opportunity to argue which is the "most magnificent". I'd have to say though, that in regard to structure and setting this one ain't bad! The Villa Monastero was built starting in the 19th century. Located in Varenna just down the road from the Villa Cipressi, this is definitely the star if only based on size. Whereas the gardens of Villa Cipressi are beautiful and charming, the gardens of Villa Monastero are spectacular and somewhat daunting.
Today the villa is owned by the National Counsel for Research (how's that for sounding important and undefining all at once) and provides conference space. The gardens are open to the public and extensive. If you want to see it all you will need to set aside at least half a day. Even then it will likely be difficult to absorb all the formally developed terraced gardens, sculptures and the many peaceful seating areas. Leave a Comment
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If you have arrived in Varenna by ferry boat, as we did, you will see before you a very pretty town ... but not the best part. If you walk along the waters edge to the right you will naturally be led to the lakeside promenade which is cantilevered out of the rock face of the shore. Apparently the bequest of a wealthy benefactor, the promenade was constructed to connect to the main part of town by way of the water's edge.
The effect is similar to a trick used by landscape architects in which they heighten the surprise of a spectacular hidden feature by providing an obscure pathway to its location. In this case the promenade leeds you along the lake, under the arched supports of several second story balconies to the center of the town's shoreline. While we enjoyed the morning light from this vantage, I understand that this a favorite evening stroll for many romantics. Leave a Comment
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A good way to spend the day on Lake Como is to get the all day ferry pass and hop around the lake, visiting the other towns. Bellagio is a short ride away, as is Menaggio and Lenno. At each place you will find opportunities to shop, eat, or visit villas.
One of my favorite stops was seeing the Villa Balbianello. I took the ferry to Lenno and from there walked to it. It is a fairly long walk, along the waterfront of Lenno, then a hike up thru the hillside and out to the Villa on the point. Very picturesque. You can pay to just wander the grounds, or pay for a tour of the Villa itself. You may recognize it from some scenes filmed there for Star Wars and Casino Royale Movies.
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Varenna is situated in the centre of the lake and is therefore ideally placed for exploring the lake by ferry/boat. The photo is of my favourite boat 'The Milano' which is classed as the slow boat travelling from Como in the south to Colico in the north and returns daily.
There are a wide variety of tickets available for travel on the lake which your hotel should be able to advise you on.
The timetable or 'orari' can be found at the wesite
http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/italia/navicomo/indicecomo.htm Leave a Comment
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Situated along the eastern side of Lake Como, the garden is the result of age-long work which transformed the steep slopes into a scenic design.
A very peaceful and relaxing place to wander or sit under the arbors and picnic.
Please refer to my Lago di Como travelogues for more photos.
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Varenna is easily walkable from end to end, and the main square is home to Hotel Olived (pictured), and the ferry dock where you can catch a boat to Bellagio (regular departures several times a day). It's a quaint, old-fashioned town that doesn't shout touristy, but caters well to those who are lucky enough to stay here. Leave a Comment
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I can't remember the name of the church in the center of town once you climb the steps up from the waterfront.
The church is small but full of character. Pop your head in for a look around. Leave a Comment Address: Main square above waterfront
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One of the characteristics of Varenna are the narrow streets that links the lake side to the center of the town. On the sides face the artists' shops and boutiques. Leave a Comment
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That's a nice view of the Lake Como from the top of the steps leading up to the town. Leave a Comment
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