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House museum · Bellagio, Lombardia
Villa Monastero
Former convent converted into a lakeside villa in Varenna, with a house-museum and a botanical garden of nearly 2 km along the shore.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Villa Monastero
Villa Monastero occupies the site of a Cistercian nuns' convent founded in the 12th century in Varenna. After the convent closed in the 16th century, the building passed to the Mornico family, who turned it into a residence, and later to other owners who gave it the eclectic style seen today. It belongs to the Province of Lecco.
The house-museum displays halls decorated with marbles, carved woods and furniture from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Part of the building functions as a conference center.
The botanical garden runs along the shore for almost 2 km, with Mediterranean and exotic plants, palm trees, agaves, cypresses and rose bushes, statues and a staircase facing the water. From there you can see Bellagio on the opposite side.
Visits require a ticket, with no reservation for individual visitors. There are tickets for the garden only or for both the garden and the house-museum. Check the month's opening hours before you go.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 h to 1 h 30
Best time
In the morning, with light on the lake and the garden quieter. In spring, the roses and wisteria usually bloom.
How to get there
In central Varenna, a 5-minute walk from the boat pier. From Bellagio, ferry or boat in about 15 minutes.
Tip
Choose the ticket that includes the house-museum, which is quick to see. The garden is narrow and long: allow time to reach the far end.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Villa Monastero
What is Villa Monastero?
It's a former Cistercian convent converted into a residence, now a house-museum with a botanical garden on the lakeside, in Varenna.
Do I need to reserve?
Not for individual visitors. Tickets are sold at the entrance or online.
Is it far from Varenna's pier?
No, about a 5-minute walk.