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Welcome to Casa Di Mezzo, a lovely one-bedroom apartment located in the village of Varenna, on the shore of Italy’s Lake Como. Just 60 steps from the water, so close one can hear the lapping of the lake, the apartment’s rooms look onto two picturesque cobblestone pedestrian- only streets in the heart of Varenna’s old quarter.
The apartment is within walking distance of Varenna’s villa gardens, historic churches, and fine restaurants. Villa Cipressi, built in the sixteenth century, has terraced gardens cascading to the lake’s edge. Its cypress trees and wisteria provide a beautiful backdrop for a garden walk. |
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The Passerella, or lakeside promenade, affords wonderful views of the old fishing village and views of the opposite shore. A walk along the Passerella at sunset can be unforgettable.
The piazza features the fourteenth century Church of San Giorgio, built over an ancient temple. This parish church features a distinctive round red brick steeple whose bells can be heard throughout the village. Also located in the Piazza, the medieval church of San Giovanni Battista (built in 1208) is one of the oldest on the lake.
No car is needed as you explore the ancient town of Varenna. Archways and steep, narrow lanes (which eventually end at the lake) grace this lovely town. Varenna has been called one of the best-preserved locations on Lake Como. |
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Lake Como is located in northern Italy, where Italy meets the Alps and northern Europe. It borders Switzerland and Austria, and is the third largest of Italy’s northern lakes. Varenna is in the mid-section of the lake, one hour by car, train or bus from Milan. It is four hours from Venice or Florence. The lake is surrounded by the rugged heights of the Alpi Orobie, the foothills of the Alps. Protected by the mountains, the location has a mild microclimate, with palm trees and lush tropical flowers that grace the shoreline. Winters are slightly warmer, and summers cooler than the rest of Italy.
Casa di Mezzo is available 12 months of the year, and rates are seasonal. Please see enclosed rate sheet for more information. WELCOME TO VARENNA |
There is a side view of the lake from this recently restored upstairs apartment, situated in a fifteenth century building. It is beautifully furnished with the work of local artisans, and ideal for two persons. This cozy and romantic retreat has a separate bedroom with queen- size bed, shuttered windows and high ceilings. It features independent heating and a bath with shower. There is a fully equipped, sleek new kitchen with granite countertops.
Nearby, Villa Monastero has been called the highlight of Lake Como’s eastern shore. It was a sixteenth century Cistercian abbey whose original nuns were ousted for their overly enthusiastic enjoyment of the lake’s charms. The Villa’s garden, laced with stunning architectural elements and sculptures is listed as one of Italy’s best.
Varenna clings to the foot of Vezio Hill and records date it to 769 BC. Its name goes back to the fifth century AD. A former fishing village, it is built on its original Roman layout and was fortified in the middle ages. The apartment’s street still retains typical features from the middle ages. Ancient Castello Vezio, said to have been the last home of Theodolinda, Queen of the Lombards, can be reached by a 20 -minute climb up a steep footpath and affords spectacular views.
The train station is a 7- minute walk. The passenger and car ferries are also minutes away, reaching the exquisite villages, gardens and villas that dot the lakeshore. From Varenna’s central position, one can easily get to all other locations on the lake, such as Bellagio and Menaggio. Lake Como itself offers the best in skiing, windsurfing, golf, kayaking, hiking, climbing, and bicycling.