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Exactly halfway down the eastern shore of the
lake, right opposite the mouth of the Lecco branch,
lies Varenna. Like a sentry standing at the crossroad
of the lake, it was built on a rock promontory
overshadowed by a steep mountain, at the top of
which you can make out dark outline of an old
ruined castle. Varenna is an unusual place: on
the one hand, it is a lively and modern tourist
resort, the centre for all lake ferries, and on
the other it preserves the remains of a medieval
past which is one of the best conserved in the
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The church of San Giovanni Battista, dating back
to 10th-11th century, is one of the oldest in
Lario, while the Prepositura of S.Giorgio dates
from the 12th century. |
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But you will also be enchanted by Varenna's
unusual attractions: Villa Monastero, which
was once a convent for Cistercian nuns, is now
an important international research centre;
Villa Cipressi, a 16th century complex with
buildings and gardens; the 17th century churches
of S.Marta and S.Maria delle Grazie, both face
onto the main square. More inquisitive visitors
may be tempted to visit the Ornithological Museum
in the rooms of the old Palazzo Venini. Lastly,
if you enjoy Guinness Records, don't forget
to see the shortest river in Italy:the Fiumelatte
is only 250 meters long and only runs for 6
months a year. |
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