Villa Monastero Gardens in Varenna

If there’s one place I always recommend to anyone arriving in Varenna, it’s Villa Monastero—without a doubt. Not only for the villa itself, which now hosts exhibitions and conferences, but above all for its botanical garden: a long green corridor that opens out onto the lake and feels as though it has stepped straight out of a dream. These gardens are a journey through flowers, panoramic terraces and silences suspended between water and mountains.

A little history

Villa Monastero began as an ancient Cistercian convent in the 12th century. Over the centuries it changed hands, transforming into a noble residence and gradually being enriched with rare plants, statues, terraces and fountains.

Each owner wanted to leave a mark, and today—walking along the paths—you can truly feel the layering of different eras.

What makes these gardens special?

You’ll stroll among palms, cypresses, citrus trees, camellias and azaleas, with a direct view over the lake’s waters. The lakeside paths and panoramic terraces are perfect for breathing in beauty—and taking truly memorable photographs. If we had to sum it up:

• A kilometre of emotions: the garden stretches for more than a kilometre along the lake shore. It’s like a walk suspended between water and mountains.
• Exotic and Mediterranean at once: palms beside cypresses, citrus trees close to camellias and azaleas—a unique mix thanks to the lake’s mild microclimate.
• Panoramic terraces: small balconies over Lake Como, perfect for postcard-worthy shots.
• Romantic corners: statues, fountains, pergolas and hidden benches among bougainvillea and wisteria.

A tip from a local

• The “Guinness-worthy” garden: every spring, more than 900 botanical species from around the world bloom here.
• Cinema and art: many productions have used Villa Monastero as a film set. It’s no surprise—the atmosphere is irresistible.
• The secret spot: there’s a terrace shortly after the Baroque fountain that offers one of the most intimate views towards Bellagio and Menaggio. Few visitors notice it… but locals always stop there.

Villa Monastero on the big and small screen

Uomo d’acqua dolce (1997):

Antonio Albanese appears in front of an authentic Villa Monastero. The villa’s private little harbour becomes the scene where his character tries—for the third time—to dock: a moment that raises a laugh and sticks in fans’ memories.

Documentaries from around the world:

In 2015, an Australian filmmaker and a Luxembourgish director shot a hybrid of fiction and documentary here, which later became a small online travel journey called Overlander.tv.

In 2022, Villa Monastero provided the backdrop for a British TV series featuring Danny Dyer and his daughter (Channel 4 / More 4), inspired by the 19th-century Grand Tour. The final scene? A picnic and a moment of reflection on a lake-view balcony—pure poetry.

When to visit

Spring

A triumph of blooms, with azaleas and fragrant wisteria.

Summer

Cool shade and shimmering light across the lake.

Autumn

Warm foliage colours that look like an Impressionist painting.

💡 Tip: go early in the morning or towards evening. The light is softer, there are fewer visitors, and it can feel as though you have the garden all to yourself.

🔗 Villa Monastero info: https://www.villamonastero.eu

Conclusion: take your time in Villa Monastero’s gardens. Breathe in its history

Villa Monastero’s gardens are a unique botanical and sensory journey, weaving together history, art and nature. Whether you’re a plant lover, a photographer, or simply a dreamer, you’ll always find a corner that speaks to you. Because Villa Monastero is more than a botanical garden: it’s a living set, a scene you can breathe—an unspoken film full of emotion.

And if you decide to stay overnight, I recommend choosing an apartment in Varenna with Villa Vista Lago.