Monastero and Cipressi Villas: Lake Como

Recently, I traveled to northern Italy and visited the beautiful Lake Como. During my trip, I couldn’t miss the chance to see the stunning lakeside villas. Two of these, Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero, are located in the charming town of Varenna. Since they are close to each other, I decided to visit both on the same day. In this article, I’ll share my experiences and impressions of these incredible places.

Table of Contents

1. How to get to Villas
2. Villa Cipressi
3. Villa Monastero

1. How to get to Villas

Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi are located in the town of Varenna, a charming lakeside town on the eastern shore of Lake Como. Varenna is easily accessible by train. The train station in Varenna is a short walk from both villas. If you prefer to drive there is parking available in Varenna, though it can be limited during peak tourist season. Once you park, the villas are easily reachable by foot. The villas can be reached by strolling through the town center or by taking the scenic Lover’s Path, which offers stunning views of Lake Como. Tickets for both villas can be purchased at the entrance to Villa Cipressi. Note that ticket sales stop two hours before closing time, so plan your visit accordingly. Checking the official websites for current opening hours and any special closures is advisable. Upon arriving at Villa Cipressi, you’ll find a charming café at the entrance. This is a perfect spot to enjoy a coffee or a refreshing drink with a great view of Lake Como.

2. Villa Cipressi

The villa is surrounded by stunning terraced gardens that descend towards the lake. These gardens feature a variety of plants, flowers, and trees. The terraces offer breathtaking views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. Construction of Villa Cipressi began in the 14th century, and over the centuries, it underwent numerous modifications and expansions. Initially owned by the influential Milanese Serbelloni family, the villa was later acquired by another noble family, the Andreani, in the 18th century. Finally, in 1980, it was purchased by the municipality of Varenna and transformed into a hotel and public space. Today, Villa Cipressi operates as a luxurious hotel and a popular venue for weddings, conferences, and various events. While the villa itself operates as a hotel and is not open for public tours. Visitors are only permitted to explore the gardens. At the bottom of the garden, by the pier, there are beautiful gates. However, to capture them in a photograph, you’ll have to wait in line like at any other top spots.

3. Villa Monastero

Villa Monastero is located just a 2-minute walk from Villa Cipressi. The history of Villa Monastero spans over eight centuries. It began in the 12th century as a Cistercian monastery. By the 17th century, it had been transformed into a private residence by the noble Mornico family. In the early 20th century, owner Marco De Marchi bequeathed the villa to the Italian government. Today, Villa Monastero serves as a museum, conference center, and botanical garden open to visitors. The gardens are adorned with statues and fountains, giving them an old-world charm. Historical artifacts scattered throughout remind visitors of the villa’s rich past. After exploring the villa and its beautiful gardens, we ended our visit at a charming café located right on the lakeshore.

Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero, along with the town of Varenna, are absolute must-sees on Lake Como. With their stunning gardens and rich history, these villas offer an unforgettable experience. Before you go, make sure to check the opening hours of the villas to plan your visit accordingly. Additionally, be prepared for crowds and queues for photos at popular spots.

By the way, don’t forget to check out my guide to Alpine Region of Northern Italy. Creating this map has been a labor of love – it includes top destinations various activities, hidden gems, mesmerizing waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints, among many other treasures.

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