Vezio Castle (Italy)

Although privately owned, the Castello di Vezio (Castle Vezio) is now open to the public all year round. From April to the end of October daily from 10 a.m. to sunset, in the winter months only Saturdays and Sundays also from 10 a.m. to sunset. The operation of the castle is entrusted to the Associazione Turistica Castello di Vezio, an Onlus body that takes care of the preservation of the castle and initiates various events inside.

As soon as you enter the room inside the walls, you can see the remains of the military outpost that used the lookout tower at this point since the times of Queen Teodolinda. Once you have crossed the drawbridge, you can climb the tower via a stone staircase and get to the top.

From there, the 360 ​​degree view of Lake Como is incomparable. You can meet the chateau falconer who will be happy to demonstrate the birds of prey present in the chateau. Barn Owls, Buzzards, Hawks and more. At various times you can also admire the spectacular flights and, as a performer, offer your arm to the birds of prey for a soft landing.

Following the path you can climb up to the entrance of the basement, an outpost of the Cadorna Defense Line (1915-1918) designed to counter any attempted German invasion of the Menaggio Basin. It is said that the famous Lombard Queen Teodolinda - while she was spending her last years in Perledo - had both the Church of San Martino, with its particular bell tower, and the Castle of Vezio built to leave a visible mark of her Christian faith.