Orezia Castle stands in a dominant position on a cliff overlooking the Dervio plain, right at the entrance to Valvarrone. Although commonly referred to as a castle, it would be more accurate to call it a keep, as the defensive structure around the tower was originally formed by the surrounding houses and their walls. Built in the 15th century, it protected the vital communication route that connected Valvarrone to Valsassina. Thanks to its strategic position, the castle was also used as a lookout post and for sending signals from one side of the lake to the other.
However, the first historical reference to a fortification on this site dates back to 1039, when the village was besieged by forces from the Tre Pievi Lariane. The origin of the name Orezia is uncertain. However, by the late 13th century, the village was already referred to by this name, along with the Church of San Leonardo, which stands next to it. Historical documents from the 14th and 15th centuries show several variations of the name, including Orezia, Oretia, Horetia, Holetia, and Olletia. Some theories suggest the name may be linked to the cultivation of olive trees; others propose a connection to Volesio, a village in the municipality of Tremezzina.
By the end of the 14th century, the area likely belonged to the Cattaneo family, one of the three families who governed Dervio during the communal period. A 1397 document attests that Giacomo Cattaneo ceded various plots of land and property around the fortification, including vineyards, fields, trees and part of a building. These properties were all owned by members of the Paruzzi or Cattaneo families. According to another source, in the early 15th century, during the conflict between Milan and Venice, the castle was equipped with a bombard (an early type of cannon) purchased by the local inhabitants for defensive purposes.
Today, the most prominent and best-preserved feature of the entire fortified complex is the tower, flanked by the remains of ancient dwellings. The tower has a square base, with loopholes on each side and an entrance located about a third of the way up on the western side. On the uphill side, a noticeable difference in the brickwork and colour suggests that parts of the structure may have been built at different times or reconstructed following a fire. At the top of the tower stands a statue of the Madonna, placed there on 8 December 1954.
The tower has been owned by the Municipality of Dervio since 1939 and, following restoration work, has been open to the public since 2016.
It can be reached via Provincial Road 67 or by taking a scenic walk from the village of Villa. The steep, cobbled mule track winds between ancient houses with arches and porticoes, offering breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Opening hours - 2025
From 19 April to 28 September open on weekends and bank holidays: 9.30a.m.-12.30p.m./3.30p.m.-6.30p.m.
Opening for groups on weekdays by reservation only: ufficioturistico.dervio@gmail.com - Tel. +39 0341 804450
Closed in case of bad weather.
Tickets
Adults: € 3.00
Kids 10-16 Years old: € 2.00
Groups (min. 20 people): € 2.00
People in possession of an entrance ticket to Corenno Plinio on the same day: € 2.00
Children up to 10 years of age and residents of Dervio: free
