The tower of Orezia in Dervio on Lake Como

In the town of Dervio, on the eastern side of Lake Como, there is an ancient and charming monument: the Tower of Orezia. It is an unmissable stop for anyone wishing to experience the magical atmosphere of the lake and uncover its best-kept secrets.

The Tower of Orezia dates back to the Middle Ages. Built in the 12th century as part of the defensive system along the shores of Lake Como, its strategic position allowed for the control of commercial traffic and the defense of the territory from external attacks. To better fulfill its functions, it was linked to the nearby castles of Corenno Plinio and Rezzonico, located on the opposite shore of Lake Como.

During the medieval period, this square-shaped tower was involved in numerous events related to power struggles among the various local lordships and raids from the lake. Over the following centuries, with the changing political and social dynamics in this area, its defensive function gradually lost importance, and the tower became an integral part of Dervio's cultural and historical heritage.

Over time, the tower underwent numerous restoration interventions and architectural modifications but still retained its original structure intact.

On December 8, 1954, at the conclusion of the Marian year, a statue of the Madonna was placed on its top.

Since 2016, thanks to targeted restoration and consolidation interventions, the tower has been open to the public. Let's see how to get there and when it is possible to visit it.

From the town of Dervio,you can reach the tower on foot by taking a short section of the Sentiero del Viandante. The trail minutes are very few, around ten or so, but it is advisable to wear comfortable shoes as it is a mule track. After passing through a small cluster of ancient stone houses, the mighty tower will appear in front of you.

Alternatively, you can reach the Tower of Orezia by car. Coming from the highway SS 36, take the exit for Dervio and drive a short distance along Provincial Road 67.

Once you arrive in front of the tower, you'll find a small green area equipped with a picnic table, an informative panel dedicated to its history and a small ticket office.

The tower is open to the public on weekends from Easter to October from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm. The regular ticket for adults is 3 euros, while the reduced ticket for children aged 10 to 16 costs 2 euros.

The climb to the tower will offer you a breathtaking spectacle of the surrounding natural beauty. From its summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view on the lake, the mountains, and the picturesque villages along the shores of Lake Como.

The Tower of Orezia in Dervio represents a perfect blend of culture and natural beauty. Its millennia-old history and the panoramic views it offers to visitors make it a truly interesting stop for those seeking an original activity to do on the eastern side of Lake Como.