Varenna is a popular resort, on the eastern shore of Lake Como, on a headland at the mouth of the Esino stream.
It lies in a stupendous panoramic position, with a view of the whole lake.
The area, which has been inhabited since prehistoric times, was the dominion of the Gauls first and then the Romans.
It was involved in the war between Como and Milan and, in 1169, it became a refuge for the inhabitants of the Isola Comacina, when the island was destroyed and burnt to the ground by the people of Como.
Behind the village is the locality of Vezio, where there are the ruins of a medieval castle, the Castle of Vezio, which is well worth a visit.
Varenna is also famous for Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi; the gardens of both Villas are open to the public.
Also worth a visit in Varenna is the Fiumelatte ("River of Milk"), named so because of the white foam of its seasonal stream, which flows only in the spring, from a cave to the nearby lake.
Villa Monastero was built on the site of a 13th century convent, suppressed by Charles Borromeo in 1567 for the scandalous and luxurious behaviour of its nuns.
The Villa itself is not open to the public, but the gardens stretch along the shore for some distance, with statues and bas-reliefs scattered among the famed citrus trees.
Villa Cipressi was built in 1400 and restored during the 17th century.
Like Villa Monastero, it is now used as a congress centre.
It also has a beautiful garden and is famed for its towering cypresses – hence the name of the villa.