GENERAL INFORMATION > CONCERT'S LOCATIONS
Villa Monastero, Varenna
Villa Monastero today is one of the most interesting examples of an eclectic style residence on lake Como; here the interventions from the end of XIX and the beginning of XX century have added functional and decorative elements without damaging the traces of the building's history.
Villa Monastero has developed from the continual restoration work of the ancient cistercensian monastery of Santa Maria, first quoted in a document dated 1208. In 1566 the archbishop Carlo Borromeo decided to transfer the last six nuns of the Varenna monastery to another cistercensian monastery in Lecco; as a consequence, in 1569, the monastery buildings were sold. From 1569 to 1862 Villa Monastero buildings underwent major restoration works, such as the façade of the Villa and the two rooms on the ground floor.
From the second half of XIX century the Villa underwent many changes made by the different owners which gave the Villa its actual eclectic appearance. The garden was also enriched with Mediterranean and tropical plants.
Particularly interesting is the staircase, scenographically realised using polychrome marble, ceramics, stucco works. The so-called “Pompeian” or “King Farouk” bathroom is also a further example of this style.
Internationally known literates, historians, artists, scientists, even the Nobel Prize winner Enrico Fermi, have honoured Villa Monastero since 1953 when this prestigious abode became a Congress Centre for high level studies.
At present, Villa Monastero is managed by the Institution “Villa Monastero”, promoted by Provincia di Lecco.
>>> Concert of August 22, 2008
>>>How to reach Villa Monastero
Other locations of LakeComo Festival 2008: