Villa Monastero: Theatrical Tours Uncover Hidden History | Lecco Today
Villa Monastero in Varenna, Italy, drew crowds this past weekend for a series of theatrical visits titled “The Secret Life of Villa Monastero,” a latest initiative designed to offer a unique perspective on the historic estate. The Province of Lecco promoted the experience, which blended narration and music into an “itinerant theatrical performance,” according to local reports.
The visits were conceived and curated by the association Sentiero dei Sogni, and featured a cast of four professionals: journalist Pietro Berra, musician Andrea Pizzamiglio, and actresses Sarah Paoletti and Marta Caronti. Berra and Pizzamiglio guided visitors through the Casa Museo, presenting a journey through time and introducing figures from the villa’s past.
The performance traced the history of Villa Monastero from its origins as a 12th-century Cistercian monastery to its period as a noble residence in the 19th century, when it was owned by Carolina Maumary, a benefactor and granddaughter of Alessandro Manzoni. Berra, who authored the script, portrays a journalist attempting to write a book about the villa and seeking interviews with its former inhabitants – a task complicated by their passing. He enlists the facilitate of Pizzamiglio, who possesses an antique organ capable of awakening the “secret life” of the location, bringing forth the spirits of those who once lived there.
During the performance, the spirits of a Cistercian nun, portrayed by Sarah Paoletti, and Carolina Maumary’s maid, played by Marta Caronti, materialized to share stories and anecdotes about the villa’s history. The performance incorporated both factual accounts and fictionalized elements, along with songs and quotations, to create an immersive experience for visitors as they explored the Casa Museo.
The initiative aims to provide a fresh way to experience Villa Monastero, offering insights into its rich history and the lives of those who shaped it. Further information on cultural events at Villa Monastero can be found at www.villamonastero.eu.