Castelvedro

Castelvedro in Dervio

The ruins of Castelvedro are found in Mai at an altitude of 400 meters above sea level. They are on the cape which towers above the southern part of Dervio. The castle was built in the Roman era around the 5th century; 4 meter high walls can still be seen in some points - it is estimated that the castle covered a 1,500 m2 area.

The castle was used for controlling the ancient road which ran from the left slope of the Varrone; the road connected Dervio with Piazzo di Casargo - a strategic area of prime importance. The fortification was part of the defense system created along the shores of Lake Como due to the incursions of the barbarians: signals were transmitted from Colico to Lecco by means of numerous castles.

When the road which passed through Castelvedro was substituted by another one which passed on slope across the valley, the castle in Mai lost its importance and was substituted by the Orezia Castle, that's why it was called Castel-vedro. Actually the word vedro comes from vetero which means old.

To reach the ruins of Castelvedro, take the path that starts at the little church of Saints Quiricus and Julietta, immediately to the left of the Varrone torrent. The mule track climbs along, steep and curvy, to the plain of Pianezzo at 350 meters above sea level to then proceed - ever toward the east - parallel to the torrent. After a few hundred meters, take the path marked at the right, until you reach Mai. Five more minutes of walking and you'll arrive at the remains of what was Dervio's first fortified castle.

The excursion is not particularly difficult, and in 30-40 minutes climbs from Dervio to the ruins of Castelvedro. The panorama and peace found in these places will reward you for every exertion made in getting there.