Hilltop Castle and Villa

A steep, stony trail leads to Vezio Castle (Castella di Vezio), high on the cliffs, and built on the remains of an ancient Roman fort. Ruins and artifacts date to the 2nd century AD. On the trek up (and down), we enjoyed lake and town vistas, including from the castle tower and trail viewpoints. We did not see the castle falconry show, but did take a picture of their sleeping Eurasian eagle owl.

Back down in the Varenna, we toured the Villa Monastero, former home and gardens of the di Marchi family. It is one of several 19th century villas facing the lake (where visitors arrived). These are so strictly protected that current residents cannot even change the paint colors!

On our (fairly challenging) hike to the castle, we were surprised to see about 80% of women wearing dresses or skirts, most of them long (up on the trail). Back in town, about 60% wear dresses, some short, and again, most ankle or floor-length. Tops are in various tank-top styles, including strapless tube tops. My favorite, since I could never wear this, is two pieces of fabric crossed across the woman's chest (for those with enough curves to hold the fabric in place). Since the majority here seem to speak Italian, maybe it is an Italian fashion thing?Read more