Villa Monastero, in Varenna: beautiful even in winter!

My off-season trip to Villa Monastero

That Lake Como is world-famous also (but not only!) for the splendid villas lying on its shores is nothing new.

From March to November, visiting at least one of these jewels is almost a must if you are in these parts. It is one of those things you have to do if you want to fully appreciate the magical atmosphere for which the lake is world famous.

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The real novelty in recent years is being able to do it in winter!

For some time now, in fact, some of the most famous villas on the lake have been extending their season, offering extraordinary openings even in December and throughout the Christmas holidays.

Among them the ones that have dared the most so far are Villa Balbianello in Lenno and Villa Monastero, in Varenna.

In this article it is the latter that I will tell you about.

Going somewhat against the grain of the seasonality of most lake activities, for the past couple of years Villa Monastero has also been open every Sunday in January and February (for dates and times visit the official website)

So, how can you not take advantage of it?

Would you like to put the taste of being able to go and discover such a jewel in peace, far from the summer crowds?

Varenna moreover has the good fortune of being kissed by the sun for many hours even on winter days, and this is a great advantage!

I was there on a Sunday in January, with decidedly frigid temperatures, but from 11 a.m. the sun reaches the well-known village and does not leave it until late afternoon. One therefore has plenty of time to visit the village, the villa and its gardens in a climate that is not too harsh.

One thing to keep in mind is that many restaurants and bars are closed. However, don’t despair, something is open, both in the square and at the lake.

But let’s cut to the chase.

Those who have been following me for a while know, I hardly go into historical or artistic details, to avoid slyly obnoxious slips.

What you will find here then, as usual, are mostly the details that struck me and the things that you just shouldn’t miss. In my opinion.

Here then is Villa Monastero.

The details not to be missed at Villa Monastero, in Varenna

1# Definitely the year of construction

Although in fact it became a private residence at the end of the 1500s, the oldest part of the building dates as far back as the late 12th century, when the ancient monastery of the Cistercian order was founded.

From which, it is understood, it took its name.

2# The lives of the owners

As with most ancient dwellings of this type, there were several successive owners over the centuries. The greatest imprint was left by the penultimate and last owner, the German Kees family and the naturalist De Marchi. It became a convention center only in 1953.

And walking from room to room this intense interweaving of such different lives is well told.

Thus it turns out that what is now the convention hall was originally the convent’s church, while the loggia (by the way, wonderful and in a splendid location directly on the lake) is still that of the 17th century, as is the grand staircase of the atrium, although the decorations with which the latter is embellished are from the period of the German Kees.

3# The rooms and furnishings

There are 14 rooms open to the public, all furnished with imposing furniture in different styles, gigantic mirrors, exquisite tapestries (the graffito one in the Green Salon is not to be missed!), very special candelabra.

Marble decorations, stucco, majolica, precious glass and porcelain alternate. The eye is continually caught by a thousand details.

I guarantee that the visit is really interesting!

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4# Printed brochures in Italian and English

There are brochures in each room with detailed descriptions of all the furniture and objects on display.

I recommend you use them, to catch details that you might otherwise risk missing, given the amount of furniture, paintings and objects present.

The two details that really surprised me about Villa Monastero

First, the existence of a central heating system, still functioning and equipped with radiators (you won’t be able to miss them!).

Secondly, the bathroom, from the late 1800s! Not at all obvious to find it in a period villa.

I don’t want to spoil the surprise with too many details…I’ll just tell you that it is equipped with everything you need and more!

The garden

In addition to the villa then there are the gardens, which are also a must-see.

Although, of course, in winter there are no flowers to admire, the walk is very pleasant, both for the view and for the lakeside location.

In short, Villa Monastero deserves it. Don’t miss it if you are in Varenna.

And even in winter it has its own why.

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