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.

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 . . .

or the inlaid wood artwork in this circular table.

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.

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

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
restlessjo
Italian style never fades, does it? 🙂 🙂
Leya
Beautiful beautiful Italy! In every detail it is, Rusha – thank you for taking us!
Oh, the Places We See
So glad you took a look at Lake Como and all its beauty. So serene. Thanks for continuing to post good topics. It’s fun to see what’s next each week.
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!
Leya
And where did my comment go…?
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
Oh, the Places We See
Oh, those Italian villas! Just gorgeous. Wonder if we’ll ever get to Italy again. Thx for taking a look. Happy Mom’s Day to Peggy.
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
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!
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.
Oh, the Places We See
So glad you enjoyed a revisit to Villa Monastero. It has such a beautiful, peaceful view, and it’s filled with antique and handcrafted treasures. I could go again, for sure.
JohnRH
Wonderful tour and photos. It’s no wonder so many Rich and Famous live in the area.
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!
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.
Oh, the Places We See
If you’re in the Lake Como area, Villa Monastero is a lovely place to visit. Thanks for taking a look.
rajkkhoja
Beautiful photos.
Oh, the Places We See
Thank you so much. I had a lovely subject!!
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.
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!
pattimoed
Wonderful.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks, Patti!
Sue
Oh, how wonderful, Rusha!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. Seeing these pictures again make me want to travel back to Italy. So hopeful!
Sue
Oh, me too….
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.
Oh, the Places We See
You are so right, Julie! It’s a magnificent country, and I’ve only seen a small part. Would love a return visit. Thanks for your kind comment.
Toonsarah
This is beautiful! We love Italy, and yes, we keep returning, but we’ve not yet visited the lakes. One day …!
Oh, the Places We See
We haven’t seen all of Italy either, but the Lake Como area is beautiful and restful. Great for travel!
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.
Oh, the Places We See
Oh, Rise. Thanks for picking up on that quote. I hope you get there someday. It’s really special! Thanks for commenting.