Villa Monastero — Attraction in Varenna

A perfect dream

Stepping into the enchanting world of Villa Monastero felt like entering a fairytale. Nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Como, this hidden gem left me awe-struck with its timeless beauty and captivating charm.

From the moment I set foot in the villa's meticulously manicured gardens, I was transported to a place of serenity and tranquility. The vibrant colors of the blooming flowers, the scent of citrus trees, and the gentle whispers of the lake created an atmosphere that was nothing short of magical.

The interior of Villa Monastero was equally breathtaking. Each room exuded elegance and grace, adorned with stunning frescoes, intricate tapestries, and antique furniture that told stories of a rich history. Walking through the halls, I couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence for the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating such a masterpiece.

One of the highlights of my visit was exploring the botanical garden, a true botanical paradise. Every turn revealed a new marvel, from exotic plants to vibrant blossoms, all harmoniously blending with the surrounding natural beauty. Strolling along the pathways, I felt like an explorer discovering hidden treasures at every corner.

The views from Villa Monastero were simply breathtaking. As I stood on the terraces overlooking Lake Como, I was captivated by the majestic mountains that framed the azure waters. It was a mesmerizing panorama that seemed to be painted just for me.

The staff at Villa Monastero were incredibly warm and welcoming, ensuring that my visit was nothing short of perfection. There is a cafe that served cold drinks and food, well priced.

If you're seeking a place where time slows down, where beauty surrounds you at every turn, and where your soul finds solace, Villa Monastero is the perfect destination. It's a place where dreams come alive, memories are made, and the enchantment of Italy's cultural heritage unfolds before your eyes. A truly...

Extremely Disrespectful and Unprofessional Staff – A Beautiful Place Ruined

Villa Monastero might be a stunning location, but the way we were treated by the staff was appalling and deeply disappointing.

My partner and I arrived with friends, dressed nicely but casually — I was wearing a dress, and he had on a blazer. As soon as we entered, a male staff member told us we couldn’t stay. We were completely confused and asked why, but instead of getting a polite explanation, the staff started whispering behind our backs. We overheard a female staff member telling the male one something like “they’re going to get goosebumps” (or something to that effect) — clearly mocking us.

Eventually, we found out that they assumed we were trying to have a wedding photoshoot without paying the outrageous fee of €300 per hour — something we had no idea about. We weren’t there to take professional photos, and we certainly weren’t getting married. We were simply visiting with friends to enjoy the view and the grounds.

Instead of speaking to us with respect or clarifying the rules calmly, they jumped to conclusions and treated us with suspicion and arrogance. Our friends ended up speaking to the manager, who admitted they had mistaken them for photographers — again, they were not.

The whole experience left us feeling humiliated, judged, and incredibly unwelcome. What should’ve been a peaceful, beautiful visit turned into a stressful and upsetting scene caused entirely by the staff’s rude and judgmental behavior.

I cannot recommend Villa Monastero to anyone who values basic respect and professionalism. A beautiful location means nothing if the people working there make...

We had a very unfortunate experience at Villa Monastero today. We had booked and paid for a one-hour photoshoot session, expecting to access the villa’s renowned gardens and scenic locations. However, upon arrival, we were informed—only then—that several key areas were restricted due to a private photoshoot taking place. Unfortunately, the restricted areas were precisely the spots we had planned for, making it impossible to fulfill our purpose.

The couple I was photographing had traveled with great excitement for this moment, and the sudden limitation of access deeply affected their mood and experience. What should have been a beautiful memory became a day of disappointment.

More troubling, however, was the unprofessional and disrespectful behavior of the staff. When we calmly requested to speak with a manager to seek a solution, multiple staff members simply refused, each claiming to be the manager. One even stated, “I’m the manager and I’m telling you to leave now,” proceeding to call the police and physically block our view when we tried to continue the photos.

The lack of communication, respect, and empathy was astonishing—especially for a venue that promotes itself as a prestigious location for events and photography. We paid €300 for an experience that was not delivered and were treated with hostility instead of courtesy.

Sadly, I cannot recommend Villa Monastero to other photographers or couples. What was meant to be a meaningful and joyful experience was overshadowed by poor management and unacceptable...