A butterfly from the Amazon region, called Farfalla Civetta in Italian, perches on a branch in one of the greenhouses that make up the Casa della Farfalle (House of Butterflies) in Bordano, Italy. (Kent Harris / S&S)
A butterfly from the Amazon region, called Farfalla Civetta in Italian, perches on a branch in one of the greenhouses that make up the Casa della Farfalle (House of Butterflies) in Bordano, Italy. (Kent Harris / S&S)
A large beetle, a butterfly and hundred ants share a slice of banana at the Casa della Farfale (House of Butterflies) in Bordano, Italy. (Kent Harris / S&S)
A butterfly perches on a stem at the Casa della Farfale (House of Butterflies) in Bordano, Italy. (Kent Harris / S&S)
Butterflies aren’t the only things up in the air at the Casa della Farfalle. An iguana got a better view of the area surrounding his cage by climbing up the wire. (Kent Harris / S&S)
Most people don’t relish the thought of hundreds of insects and reptiles crawling around their homes.
But those interested in seeing an abundance of such critters — without the worries of spraying or swatting them — can visit them in a more natural habitat: Casa della Farfalle in Bordano, Italy.
The name translates from Italian as “House of Butterflies,” and there are dozens of varieties of those from tropical regions around the world. But there are also other kinds of insects — many a lot less-friendly looking — as well as birds and various types of reptiles.
The complex, which opened in 2003, is made up of several greenhouses that feel like a series of saunas for human visitors, but are just perfect for the creatures living there. Unlike other places in Italy that frown on tourists wearing T-shirts and shorts, such clothing might be advisable in the greenhouses. It gets humid enough to fog up camera lenses, so take along something to wipe off the dew (and sweat).
Visitors can start by watching a 15- minute video about some of the creatures inside. It’s in Italian, but even those who don’t speak the language can use the opportunity to see what kinds of butterflies they’ll be looking at. Just don’t get too excited about the shots of monkeys and sloths. They’re apparently on vacation elsewhere.
Displays line the walls of several rooms leading to the greenhouses. Explanations are in Italian, but translations in English (and German) are provided nearby. Take note of the interesting theories about the advantages of color (and don’t eat anything red — it’s poisonous!).
The greenhouses are based on three world regions and are separated by heavy curtains. That allows the butterflies to fly around. Sometimes they’ll even land on visitors. Others are a bit shy and try to hide. Some can be tricky to spot.
Butterflies from Africa flit around the first greenhouse. There are also some fish, reptiles and poisonous insects (in glass containers).
Watch out for the rather large beetles to the right of the entrance in the next room, which highlights butterflies from Asia. They’ll probably be chomping on some bits of banana. But it looks as though they could take your finger as well.
Head to the Museo Vivente del Mimetismo (Museum of living camouflage) to check out how creatures blend into their surroundings.
Then visit the last greenhouse, which features butterflies from Central and South America.
Casa della Farfalle attracts about 48,000 people annually during the eight months it is open. It’s closed in the winter, when human visitors might find the humidity the most enjoyable. Blame that on the butterfly union, which is very powerful in the area.
Know and go ...Directions: Bordano is about 60 miles northeast of Aviano Air Base. Take the A4 autostrada east to A23 and follow that past Udine. Exit at “Gemona” and follow the brown signs for Casa della Farfalle. Look close and slow down at intersections, some are hard to see. The butterfly house is about six miles off the highway. Or take the more scenic SS-13 almost the whole way. The center is less than three miles from the SS-13. Just be patient when following that big truck for miles.
Times: The house is open 9:30 a.m. to noon and 2-5:30 p.m. daily from April to September. In March and October, it closes at 4 p.m. It’s closed in the winter.
Costs: Admission is 6.50 euros for adults and 4.50 euros for kids 4-12, those older than 65 and people traveling in groups of at least 15 (prior reservations needed).
Food: There’s not much in the way of any businesses in Bordano. Three bars line the main street a few blocks from the butterfly house. The Ristorante alle Sorgenti sits off the road entering Bordano. Dishes include polenta (corn meal) and frico (fried potatoes and cheese). Scores of restaurants (and gasoline stations that take NATO coupons) line the SS-13.
Information: Web site is www.casaperlefarfalle.it. For specifics, e-mail info@casaperlefarfalle.it, or telephone 0432-988135. There’s a gift store at the entrance/exit that sells assorted memorabilia adorned with butterflies.
— Kent Harris
