Villa Monastero, featuring baroque, classical and Moorish styles, is located in a small town of Varenna. As compared with other places around Lake Como, it is sited in the cleanest and the most tourist-free area. Previously having served as a monastery, it is sited slightly off the general hustle of the town and charms with its aloofness. Villa Monastero park with its uneven terrain reached down to the very lakeside. The best time for visiting is July when hydrangeas, cannas, callas and lilies are in full bloom but clouds of summer flowers are conjured up by lobelias, begonias and petunias.
Even though Villa Monastero isn't among Grandi Giardini Italiani association members, its park is perfectly designed, professionally laid out and very well maintained. It's a peaceful oasis on Lake Como, offering a rich source of inspiration for those planning their own gardens. Although vegetal diversity of this area is formed by Lebanese cedars, palm trees, yuccas, dragon trees and other warm-country species, there is always a selection of plants suitable for latitudes of your home country.
*** Several public ferries provide their services on Lake Como. Visitors can either opt for a single ride tickets, choosing just one destination, or take a cruise ticket that includes an entrance fee into several Lake Como villas. More information on the website: www.navigazionelaghi.it
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