Villa Cipressi is a complex of buildings on the Varenna lakefront, next to Villa Monastero. Its terraced garden slopes down to the lake and is open to visitors; the villa is a short way off the stretch of the Sentiero del Viandante.
History
The complex was built between the 15th and 19th centuries. The earliest records go back to the Serponti family, in 1163. Later owners included Baron Isimbaldi at the end of the 18th century, the Andreossi family, who embellished the park in the 19th century, the Englishmen Sir Astley and Sir Salton in the early 20th century, and then the publisher Accame.
In 1980 Villa Cipressi was bought by the people of Varenna through a voluntary public subscription. Today it is in public ownership, with the Comune di Varenna, and is managed by the R Collection Hotels group as a historic hotel.
What to see
- The botanical garden, part of the Grandi Giardini Italiani circuit, with staircases and terraced walkways that descend towards the lake.
- The cypresses that give the villa its name, and the collections of agaves and Mediterranean species: strawberry tree, myrtle, pittosporum, tamarisk, palms and oleanders.
- The seasonal flowering of camellias and azaleas in spring, gardenias, hydrangeas and roses in summer, and the wisteria along the terraces.
Getting there
The villa is on the Varenna lakefront, between Villa Monastero and the passeggiata degli Innamorati, reachable on foot from the centre of the village and from the ferry landing.
Practical information
Admission to the garden is charged. Opening hours are seasonal: please refer to the official website, villacipressi.it.