THE GARDEN

The garden is probably the most famous attraction of Villa Monastero.

Situated on a promontory which lies along the eastern side of Lake Como from Varenna to Fiumelatte, the garden is the result of age-long work which transformed the steep slopes into a scenic design.

The terraced ground has favoured the garden's architecture as a sequence of different frames with some recurrent elements, such as the lines of cypresses along the path to the Villa, Lebanon cedars and evergreen bushes.

Particularly interesting are the exotic arboreal species distributed throughout the garden, which demonstrate also the favourable climatic situation of Varenna: Species include African and American palms, agaves, yuccas, dragon-trees, citrus trees and oleanders, together with some other botanical rarities such as the Erithea Armata, a big-silver-leaved palm.

Also the architectural elements in the garden are very different: balaustrades, statues, little temples, vases, well-curbs and fountains, up to the kaffee-haus situated in the farthest side of the garden, recall styles from baroque to classical to moresco.

The disposition of all these elements is very charming: paths and staircases integrate perfectly with the landscape and the background of the lake. Sometimes the architectural elements' functions seem to highlight the landscape perspectives like the columns on the balustrade facing the lake.

Among the architectural elements the most precious piece is the sculpture "Clemenza di Tito" (Tito's Clemency), by the neo-classical artist Giovan Battista Comolli, brought by Walter Kees, one of the former owners of the Villa, at the end of the XIXth century.

Thus, the garden is very interesting both for its historical value and wealth of plant species, and as it is an ideal place in which visitors may relax.

RATES and OPENING TIME
( illustrative depliant of the Villa and botanical garden are included)

Opening period:	from March 23rd to May 31st and from Sept. 29th to Nov. 2nd 2008       from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm from June 1st to Sept. 28th 2008       from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm
Rates :	For the Gardens Full Ticket: € 3,00 Reduced Ticket: € 1,50 The reduced ticket is applicable to the following cases: children from 7 to 10 years old People over 60 y.o. Minimum 10 people groups
	Free entrance for children under 7 years and to people with disabilities
	Amount requested to newlywed couples to take pictures in the garden of Villa Monastero: Euro 50.00 The couples will also be asked to fill a form declaring that the photos taken at the Villa Monastero will be used only privately.
	Visit to the Villa Rooms (Groups): Euro 150.00 reservation: Coop.Larius (++39 0341/941688) or call the Institution Secretary (++39 0341/295450).
	Reserve your guided tour at the Villa...
	TOURIST GUIDES REFERENCES
	Are you a "guide" interested to show Villa Monastero Rooms and Garden? please print out the contract and send back to us: (fax ++39 0341 295441)