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Villa Monastero Botanical Garden, Via G.Polvani, 23829 Varenna, (June 2018)
Varenna
Vasto, a picturesque town located on Italy’s Adriatic coast, in the southern part of the Abruzzo region. Rich in history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage, Vasto offers a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern-day attractions. This coastal town, perched on a hill overlooking the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, ancient architecture, and vibrant local traditions, making it an ideal destination for travellers seeking an authentic Italian experience. Vasto’s roots stretch back thousands of years. Originally known as Histonium during the Roman era, the town has a rich historical background shaped by various civilizations, including the Romans, Lombards, and Normans. Evidence of its Roman past can be seen in the remnants of baths, amphitheatres, and mosaics scattered around the town. Throughout the Middle Ages, Vasto grew in prominence under various rulers, leaving a tapestry of architectural styles and monuments, including the Castello Caldoresco, a fortress built in the 15th century, and the beautiful Palazzo d’Avalos, which stands as a symbol of the town’s aristocratic past. The historic centre of Vasto is a delightful maze of narrow, winding streets, medieval buildings, and charming squares. One of the main highlights is Piazza Rossetti, named after the Italian poet and patriot Gabriele Rossetti, a native of Vasto. The square is a bustling hub surrounded by impressive buildings, including the Cathedral of San Giuseppe, with its baroque and neoclassical influences.The Palazzo d’Avalos, a Renaissance palace that once housed the ruling d’Avalos family, is another notable landmark. Today, it serves as a museum complex, showcasing art, archaeological finds, and local history. Visitors can explore its beautifully manicured gardens and enjoy panoramic views of the town and sea below.
Vasto is as famous for its natural beauty as it is for its historical landmarks. The town boasts several breathtaking beaches, most notably the Spiaggia di Vasto Marina, a long stretch of golden sand that attracts both locals and tourists alike. The warm, crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea make it a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. For nature lovers, Vasto is also the gateway to the nearby Punta Aderci Nature Reserve, one of Abruzzo’s most spectacular coastal areas. The reserve offers a mix of rugged cliffs, pebble coves, and pristine beaches, all set against a backdrop of rolling hills and lush vegetation. Hiking trails within the reserve provide stunning views of the coastline, while the more adventurous can take part in activities such as cycling, snorkelling, or birdwatching. No introduction to Vasto would be complete without mentioning its culinary delights. The local cuisine, like much of Italy, is rooted in tradition and fresh ingredients. Given its coastal location, seafood features prominently on most menus. One must-try dish is brodetto alla Vastese, a hearty fish stew made with a variety of local seafood and flavoured with tomatoes, garlic, and spices. Vasto’s proximity to the fertile Abruzzo countryside also means that its dishes are complemented by local vegetables, olive oil, and wines, particularly the region’s famed Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and Trebbiano wines. Throughout the year, Vasto celebrates its rich cultural traditions with a range of festivals and events. The most significant of these is the Festa di San Michele, held annually in late September in honour of the town’s patron saint, Saint Michael the Archangel. This lively celebration includes processions, music, and fireworks, drawing both locals and visitors to partake in the festivities. Vasto is a town that effortlessly combines the best of Italy: history, culture, natural beauty, and delicious food. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, lounging on sun-drenched beaches, or enjoying a plate of fresh seafood, Vasto offers a quintessentially Italian experience in a serene and picturesque setting.
Photo Gallery of Walk 1 – Varenna Port to Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
Approximately 0.00 km – 0.00 miles
Varenna Port – Via Imbarcadero – Via per Esino – Viale dei Giardini – Via Venini – Via alla Riva – Via Venini – Piazza S. Giorgio – Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
Photo Gallery of Walk 2 – Via 4 Novembre to Via Riva del Marmisti
Approximately 0.00 km – 0.00 miles
Varenna Port – Via 4 Novembre – Contrada del Molo di Sotto – Plazza Al Prato – Via Riva Garibaldi – Via Riva del Marmisti
Hotel Villa Cipressi
The Hotel Villa Cipressi Botanical Garden, located in the picturesque town of Varenna on the eastern shore of Lake Como, is a unique blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty. Nestled against the backdrop of the Alps and overlooking the shimmering waters of the lake, the gardens form part of the historic Villa Cipressi, a noble residence with origins dating back to the 15th century. Over the centuries, the property has welcomed distinguished families, writers, and travelers, all drawn to its timeless elegance and enchanting landscapes. The botanical garden is a carefully curated oasis, renowned for its terraced design that descends gracefully toward the lake. Visitors can wander along winding paths framed by ancient cypress trees, colorful blooms, and exotic species collected from around the world. Mediterranean plants thrive alongside subtropical varieties, creating an ever-changing palette of colors and fragrances throughout the seasons. The garden also preserves rare and endangered species, reflecting its commitment to conservation and education.
Beyond its botanical treasures, the garden offers breathtaking panoramic views that captivate photographers, artists, and nature lovers alike. Whether for a quiet stroll, cultural exploration, or a moment of reflection, the Hotel Villa Cipressi Botanical Garden provides an unforgettable encounter with Lake Como’s natural and historical charm.
Villa Monastero Botanical Garden
On the eastern shore of Lake Como, in the picturesque village of Varenna, lies one of the region’s most enchanting destinations: the Villa Monastero Botanical Garden. Stretching for nearly two kilometres along the lakefront, this historic garden is a harmonious blend of art, architecture, and nature, offering visitors a serene and memorable experience. The property itself has a rich past, originating in the Middle Ages as a Cistercian convent before being transformed over the centuries into a noble residence. Today, Villa Monastero is renowned both for its elegant villa—used for cultural events, conferences, and exhibitions—and for its magnificent gardens that attract travellers from around the world.
The botanical garden is a masterpiece of landscape design, carefully curated to highlight a remarkable variety of plant species from across the globe. Thanks to Lake Como’s mild microclimate, Mediterranean, tropical, and alpine plants coexist harmoniously here, creating a unique horticultural tapestry. Visitors strolling along the winding paths will encounter rare palms, citrus trees, agaves, camellias, magnolias, and countless flowering shrubs. Each season brings new colours and scents, making the garden a delight year-round.
What makes Villa Monastero particularly special is the seamless integration of its natural and architectural elements. Graceful terraces, statues, fountains, and elegant balustrades frame sweeping views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The garden is punctuated with charming pavilions and shaded corners, inviting visitors to pause, reflect, and absorb the tranquil beauty of the landscape. Beyond its ornamental appeal, the garden also serves an educational role, with many plants labelled to encourage deeper appreciation of their origins and characteristics.
Whether visited as a quiet retreat, a photographic paradise, or part of a cultural exploration of Varenna, the Villa Monastero Botanical Garden embodies the refined charm of Lake Como, where history, culture, and natural beauty are perfectly intertwined.
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