VILLA MONASTERO
Villa Monastero rests in Varenna, on the eastern shore of Lake Como. It is one of the most interesting examples of Eclecticism around Lake Como.
Founded on the site of a former women’s monastery, the villa underwent numerous renovations in the 19th and 20th centuries that added decorative and functional elements which, however, did not change the building’s previous appearance and gave it an imposing appearance.
The villa’s vast botanical garden and its museum, which collects centuries of history, are something not to be missed during your trip to Varenna or Lake Como.
Discover Villa Monastero in Varenna!
Discover Villa Monastero
In a nutshell
Villa Monastero is an amazing complex that includes a wide botanical garden, which is arranged in terraces and collects many rare plant species. The mild climate, favored by the lake, allows numerous botanical species from all over the world to grow.
This is the reason why, in almost every season of the year, the Villa Monastero gardens give you the chance to enjoy a variety of colors and scents.
In addition to this, Villa Monastero is currently highly regarded as an international conference center.
Famous institutions, universities and companies frequently hold conventions, training courses and workshops in the wonderful settings of the villa.
The building features several rooms, the most outstanding of which is the Fermi Hall, where, in 1954, Nobel Prize winner Enrico Fermi held many physics classes.
Visitors will have the chance to see Casa Museo, a museum that collects four centuries of history within the elegant setting of the villa.
The 14 rooms of Casa Museo are completely furnished, and will give you the opportunity to go back to the past through various styles, precious materials and luxurious decorations.
Opening times
Entry price
Official website
Contacts
Opening times
The botanical gardens are open from the beginning of April to the end of October and the museum is open from the end of May to the end of October (please check on the official website). Special openings even in early November and early January.
Opening times: 9:30am - 8pm in high season, 10am - 5 pm in low season (last admission to visit the Villa is 45 minutes before the closing time).
The museum is closed on Mondays except during June, July and August.
Entry price
- Garden only: €10 (15-25 years old visitors: €5)
- Whole property (garden + museum): €13 (15-25 years old visitors: €7)
Free entrance for kids under 15
See the full list on the official website.
Official website
Contacts
Address: Viale Giovanni Polvani 4, Varenna
Phone: +39 0341 295 450
E-mail: villa.monastero@provincia.lecco.it
Thanks to Navigazione Laghi you can get to Varenna by ferry (the town is perfectly connected to the other towns of the lake). The villa is a 10-minute walk from the pier.
Varenna also has a railway station, Varenna-Esino, which makes it easy to connect the city with Milan and other Lombard cities. The Varenna-Esino railway station offers both Trenitalia and Trenord services. You can check the timetables here. The villa is a 13-minute walk from the train station.
Stays & experiences
Top reviewed on Booking.com from travelers
Want to see more hotels, apartments or villas?
Check out my entire selection of the best places to stay in Varenna!
Villa Monastero was initially a Cistercian nunnery dedicated to the Holy Virgin, and was built at the end of the 12th century in connection with the nunnery of Lenno, on the opposite side of Lake Como.
In the mid 16th century, the Mornico family bought the property and made some renovations to the building, that remained in their ownership for over three centuries and was known as “Villa Leliana”.
In 1862, the villa was acquired by Pietro Genazzini from Bellagio, an engineer who carried out some further renovations. In 1869, Villa Monastero became property of Carolina Maumari, a famous noblewoman from Milan. During those years, many prominent personalities from the cultural world used to hang out at the villa.
Later, the complex passed through several foreign owners, who embellished it with some elements of Nordic taste. In 1918, the villa was acquired by the Italian government as a war debt, until, in 1939, it became a public property and also a museum. Since then, the villa is a reference point for conferences and events on Lake Como.
Related posts
This Post Has 4 Comments
How do I purchase tickets to walk around the gardens of Villa Monastero?
Hello Susan, you can buy tickets directly on-site.
Do have to buy tickets in advance or can we buy tickets at the villa on the dat we want tot visit the villa and the garden?
Hi, you can buy the ticket on-site.