Villa Monastero: One Of The Prettiest Houses In Italy

Villa Monastero is an eclectic villa that is built in the Nordic style and located not far from the pretty village of Varenna on Italy's beautiful Lake Como. Originally the site of a 12th century Cistercian convent that was eventually closed by a papal bull in the 16th century, it became a private estate a couple of years later and passed through various hands over the years.

The eclectic style that it is known for today can be attributed to 19th century alterations and rebuilding under architects Emilio Alemagna, Achille Majnoni, and Enrico Citterio. Home to a botanical garden, a museum, a convention centre and some exceptional views, the whole place is a wonderful spot to spend some time relaxing on Lake Como.

Just find a vacation rental in Lake Como and discover its many charms, Villa Monastero being just one of them.

The final family to live in the villa, the Milanese De Marchi family, donated the villa to the public in 1936 and it became a museum. In 1940, the gardens were also opened to the public and they created the conference centre in 1953.

An amazing complex in its entirety, the botanical garden, however, is a particular highlight. Arranged in a series of terraces, it is home to many rare plant species as the mild climate allows varieties from all over the world to grow. As a result, throughout the year, you can always find bright pops of colour and wonderful scents.

The house museum, meanwhile, collects four centuries of history, all housed in the beautifully preserved villa, which has 14 completely furnished rooms.

The perfect place to take in the wonderful surroundings of Lake Como at your own pace, it is a charming little slice of paradise with incredible gardens and architectural whimsies.