Villa Monastero is one of many grand villas on the shores of Lake Como. It is in the Varenna commune, a town in the Province of Lecco and one of the popular places among tourists in the area. In a part of Italy where there’s no shortage of places to visit, the villa stands out. So what makes it special?
Villa Monastero is a building with a rich history housing a museum, a botanical garden, and a convention center. It is a great place to see the essence of northern Italy. Known for its charming design and sublime views, it is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a great discovery experience. To relish the benefits of a Villa Monastero visit, it’s vital to explore what the hosting town has to offer, so we’ll start with Varenna.
Varenna
Varenna is a town renowned for its colorful houses and views of Lake Como. These make it a perfect retreat for anyone in the Lake Como area.
The town features historic churches, steep streets, and a nice promenade on the edge of the lake. The view you're treated to while walking along the road is like having a front row seat at a high profile show. All across the commune, you'll find many Italian casual and fine dining eateries with tasty cuisine and wine. You'll also find some of the best Italian ice cream you'll ever come across.
In addition to housing Villa Manastero, other points of interest in and around Varenna include Villa Cipressi, another famous villa that's now a hotel, and Castello di Vezio, a 12th-century castle on hill with sublime views of the lake and mountains.
The Villa
Villa Monastero has a rich and varied history. It was built in the 12th century as a monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary. By the mid-16th century, the Mornico family acquired it. They held on to it for over three centuries, during which it was known as "Villa Leliana." After that, ownership of the villa passed between many wealthy people, including Walter Kees and the De Marchi family of Milan.
In 1862, Pietro Genazzini, an engineer from Bellagio, purchased the villa and built many upgrades done before he sold it to Carolina Maumari, daughter of Swiss silk merchant Giovanni Maumari.
The De Marchi family, the last private owners of the villa, donated it to the state in 1939. The Province of Lecco now manages the villa which houses a museum known as "Casa Museo." The museum offers a glimpse into the property's eight centuries of history, culture, and building styles.
Inside, you'll see eclectic styles with various stones with Classical, Baroque, Medieval, and Renaissance elements. The villa showcases original decorations in rooms across two floors, with some rooms conserving the 17th century look in all its glory. These include marble and sgraffito incised walls.
You'll see the 17th-century look in its Red Room and Mornico Sitting Room (the old office of the family).
Villa Monastero also has a conference center for workshops, and science events. The rich blend of styles provides the perfect backdrop for these events.
The Garden
Villa Monastero is renowned for its splendid botanical garden that extends for almost two kilometers along the lake. Home to many rare plant species, including citrus, agave, dracaenas, and yuccas, it is a feast for the eyes. It also includes avenues with cypresses, cedars of Lebanon, manicured hedges, and decorative elements such as vases and balustrades.
Facing the oriental branch of Lake Como, the garden offers a serene place to explore. The garden is also home to some great features, including the loggia, which serves as the public entrance to the garden.
Walter Kress, who built the loggia, expanded the garden to its current size. He also built the Moorish Pavilion, a charming structure with a Mauritian influence located at the far end of the garden.
Opening Hours and How to Get There
Villa Monastero has different opening hours which vary with seasons. The villa is open from March to December, usually between 10 a.m. and 7:30p.m, with some dates excluded during this period. You can find out more about the calendar from the villa's website.
You have many options for getting to the villa. You can take a scenic drive to Varenna from Milan or a train ride to Varenna-Esino, the local train station that's only a 13-minute walk to the villa.
However, if you want the best of Lake Como, you should consider arriving at the villa via a boat ride. You can take a Lake Como boat tour to Villa Monastero with stops at other villas around the lake to experience the true Dolce Vita! With many options, from classic Riva boats and sailboats to Venetian limos, you can take your time to select what works best for you.
Put simply, Villa Monastero offers great visuals and a majestic place, rich in culture. It is a must-visit town for anyone around Lake Como. While you're here, consider stops in some of the other grand villas in the area.
