Nature, culture, history: Villa Erba is unique from every point of view. Located in the town of Cernobbio, it stands on the lakefront, with an extremely fascinating combination of architectural and naturalistic features.
Built at the end of 19th century and recently restored to its original splendour, the villa manifests a sumptuous and majestic character. The estate includes multiple reception areas, the manor house, staff quarters, guest house, greenhouse, stables and private dock.
The square-shaped main house features ample staircases leading down to the lake, an entrance portico, as well as a small panoramic tower typical of the period – linking the noble section to the service wing with a noticeably different architectural style from that of the main building.
Each room of the two-story building is handsomely decorated with frescoes, coloured friezes and stuccos.
The open external areas in the immediate vicinity of the villa are studded with mythological works by the sculptor Mazzucchelli, as are the two lions situated at the carriage entrance on the western garden side of the main edifice.
The large halls on the ground floor are available for banquets, concerts and other prestige events; while the halls on the first floor host a multimedia museum dedicated to Luchino Visconti.
The extensive park surrounding the villa and its exhibition complex, lovingly cared for by the owners, faces the lake with its ancient trees and stunning 100,000 sqm. flat lawn. The area of the adjacent riding track is also suitable for cultural events, and specially equipped for landing helicopters.
The vast exhibition complex represents a modern reinterpretation of the ancient greenhouses typical of the villas in the lake region. Its rounded structures made of glass, concrete and steel have been constructed with total respect for the surrounding parkland. From inside them, the view is an uninterrupted and exciting sequence of sights, including the lake, the dock, the villa itself, the entire park, with its streams and small artificial lakes. Its low ceilings, travertine marble floors, fully lighted spaces and no noise pollution characterise the wonderful feeling of being fully immersed in nature.
The heart of Villa Erba hosts a piece of Italian cinema history and culture, with its internationally- renowned museum “Le Stanze di Luchino Visconti” (“The Rooms of Luchino Visconti”). A passageway that brings the deep bond between the director and the villa to life. Because here, Visconti lived profoundly tranquil childhood summer months, together with his mother and brothers. The museum is open to the public by reservation only.