Lens-Artists Photo Challenge146: Focusing on the Details

View of Lake Como from Villa Monastero

When making experiences, attention to detail matters.

Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin

A visit to Lake Como wouldn’t be complete without a stop in the colorful town of Varenna, Italy and a tour of Villa Monastero. This lovely villa — once a monastery but later a residence — faces the clear blue waters of Lake Como and awes visitors with its ornate architecture, statuary, and botanical gardens, always with something blooming.

Looking at Lake Como from Villa Monastero, Varenna, Italy
Lovely view of Lake Como from Villa Monastero

But it’s the details that make the difference. Visit the villa, take your time, and view each room noting fine craftmanship from floor to ceiling.

Like this ornate dining room with an intricately woven tapestry, gilded chandelier, and detailed ceiling . . .

Dining room, Villa Monastero in Varenna, Italy

or the inlaid wood artwork in this circular table.

Inlaid wood table, Villa Monastero in Varenna Italy

Handsome chests with detailed designs and stylish form will get your attention as well as tooled leather walls.

And there’s more outside. From handsomely manicured gardens to doors sporting fine grillwork — every detail is picture-worthy at Villa Monastero.

Double black doors at Villa Monastero, Varenna, Italy

No wonder these images have remained favorites of ours since we visited in 2017.

Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life.

Anna Akhmatova, poet
Villa Monastero, Varenna, Italy on Lake Como
View of Lake Como from Villa Monastero

The theme this week for Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: Focusing on the Details came from Patti Moed’s blog where you can find more detailed entries. If you’d like to submit a post with this theme, please link it to her original post and tag it Lens-Artists.

Travel for the details,

Rusha & Bert

30 thoughts on “Lens-Artists Photo Challenge146: Focusing on the Details

      1. Leya

        Thank you, Rusha! Well, I think we are starting to redo some of the topics…maybe a bit changed or developed! So refreshing with guest hosts to get new ideas too!

  1. Curt Mekemson

    Attention to detail applies to almost everything of value, Rusha. I always love the old tapestries. look carefully, and it is amazing what you can see. Thanks for the tour. –Curt

  2. Green Global Trek

    So incredibly beautiful. Somehow we have not spent that much time in Italy. Much more time has been spent in France (with Ben being French) and in Spain as we both speak Spanish. But I do yearn for more time and your photos and post have made me certain that I would love to go to Verenna. Beautiful photos and I love the quote by the poet. We once were in Venice over Christmas, it was bitterly cold and got flooded but there were very few tourists and we loved every minute of our time there.

    Peta

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      We went to Venice almost 35 years ago — probably pretty changed by now. But I love to return to cities. Sometimes it’s good to see how they are evolving. You’d love the Lake Como area – so peaceful. And you take the ferry to the little towns. A treat!

  3. Tina Schell

    We visited the villa many years ago Rusha, what a beautiful reminder you gave me with this one! Loved the shots toward the Lake that included the exterior of the villa.

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      So very true. A little boat tour we took pointed out the homes of some of the rich and famous, but right now I can’t remember any of them. Hope this isn’t happening to you, but I’m pretty sure it will get worse for me! Maybe I just need a return trip and another boat tour!

  4. WanderingCanadians

    I have such fond memories of our trip to Italy nearly a decade ago. We’re planning on returning next year for a friend’s wedding (assuming it is safe to travel again). The entire Villa Monastero looks like a piece of art. The attention to detail and craftsmanship is just incredible.

  5. pattimoed

    Hi, Rusha. This is such a beautiful spot. We only spent only night in the area, but clearly we need to explore more! Thanks for showing us these beautiful images. Great details.

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks so much, Patti. We loved this area, and we were there for a couple’s 50th Anniversary celebration. Not a bad place to celebrate, as you can see. Thanks for a good challenge topic!

  6. Julie

    I have yet to visit Lake Como. I was about to but our time would have been so short. Italy is a country we repeatedly visit because there is so much to see.

  7. Rose Vettleson

    Anna Akhmatova is correct, “Italy is a dream that keeps returning”. We visited Rome, Florence, and Venice. Each city so different from the others. I miss them all. ❤ Lake Como also looks wonderful.

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