The Wonders of Lake Como: 5 must-see Historical Villas
Places crossed by water or places overlooking water appear to be more fascinating than those without water. This fairytale-like atmosphere seems to be even more intense on Lake Como: a unique place in the world, characterized by a magical combination of nature and human settlements, transmitting a sensation of peace to any visitor. The numerous historic villas overlooking the waters of Lake Como amplify this sensation and create the feeling of being in an alternative dimension to the present one. The villas are elegant, majestic, surrounded by wonderful gardens… simply beautiful. The historic villas of Lake Como seem to have been painted by the best Italian artists and fit perfectly between the blue of the sky and the crystal clear mirror of the lake.
From the times of the ancient Romans, through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period, up to the nineteenth century, many nobles and wealthy people chose Lake Como for residency or vacation. They had these historic villas built or chose to renovate and enrich them to leave testimony of themselves. Nowadays some are open to the public while others are still private and inhabited. However, all of them, even only from the outside, let history and vicissitudes within their walls shine through.
Visit some of these historic villas during your stay on Lake Como. Property At Lake Como will accompany you to 5 historic villas: we will start from the city of Como and continue up to the northern part of the lake visiting 5 wonders of the Lario!
Villa Olmo, an eighteenth-century Beauty in the first Basin of the Lario
In a prominent position and easily reachable from the historic center of Como, Villa Olmo is one of the main sights of the city. Set directly on the lake, the villa is surrounded by an extensive Italian garden and is an excellent example of the architecture and style typical of the period between 1700 and 1800. It was commissioned by Innocenzo Odescalchi and created by the Ticinese architect Simone Cantoni in pure neoclassical style at the end of the 18th century.
Several historical figures have stayed at Villa Olmo, including Giuseppe Garibaldi and Ferdinando I of Austria. After having belonged to the Raimondi family and the Visconti di Modrone family, Villa Olmo became property of the Municipality of Como in 1925 and since then it has hosted numerous exhibitions, events and conferences.
Nowadays the gardens of Villa Olmo are open to the public every day, while the interior of the villa can only be visited during events and exhibitions.
Villa del Balbianello, a Gem belonging to the FAI
Built on the Lavedo peninsula and surrounded on three sides by Lake Como: Villa del Balbianello, reachable only via a path through the woods or directly from the lake via a taxi-boat, is one of the most charming and scenic locations on Lake Como.
Strongly desired by Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini, Villa del Balbianello was built int the end of the 18th century on the remains of an ancient Franciscan monastery. Subsequently the Villa passed into the hands of the Visconti family: numerous signs of this are still present, such as the snake-shaped fig hedge in the Loggia area (symbol of the Visconti), the coats of arms on the balconies, the window handles and many others for you to discover. In 1974 Villa del Balbianello was purchased by an art collector, Guido Monzino, who enriched it with the numerous antique objects and relics brought home from over 20 expeditions all over the world. These are still present in the villa which was donated by Mr. Monzino to the FAI (Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano/The National Trust for Italy) with the clear intention of protecting it, enhancing it and letting future generations discover it in all its beauty.
In addition to its surprising interior, Villa del Balbianello is truly spectacular and unforgettable thanks to its gardens, perfectly manicured by the FAI, and characterized by a rigorous Italian style and perfection typical of French villas, and the Loggia. It is a magnificent terrace overlooking the lake, surrounded by arches covered with greenery. From here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Comacina Island to the south, and the western branch of Lake Como to the north. Thanks to its panorama and the intrinsic beauty of the villa, Villa del Balbianello has also been chosen as location for some scenes of Star Wars and 007!
Villa del Balbianello is open to the public every day except Monday and Wednesday and tickets to visit the Villa and the Park can be booked directly from the FAI website or on site.
During the FAI Spring Days, access to the Villa is free of charge.
Villa Carlotta, the Magnificent Gardens of the Tremezzina
Here, more than any other place, history and nature blend together: Villa Carlotta, dating back to the 17th century, is known in particular for its immense and lush botanical garden. Built by the Marquises Clerici of Milan, in 1801 the Villa was acquired by Giovanni Battista Sommariva (President of the Government Committee of the Cisalpine Republic founded by Napoleon Bonaparte) who cultivated his passion for art and collections here. In fact, Villa Carlotta hosts world-class masterpieces, such as works by Antonio Canova and Bertel Thorvaldsen.
Villa Carlotta owes it name “Carlotta” to Princess Marina of Prussia who, having acquired the villa in 1843, gave it to her daughter Carlotta on the occasion of her wedding. Today the building retains its 19th century features and has been taken care of and protected by the Ente Villa Carlotta since 1927. The body promotes the Villa and the central lake area in Italy and abroad and pays particular attention to the conservation of the various plant species in the park .
In this article you can find more information on how to visit Villa Carlotta.
Villa Serbelloni, a Spectacular View on the two Shores of the Lario
Villa Serbelloni is located on the eastern shore, in Bellagio. The villa is also renowned for its park extending over a steep promontory. The Villa dates back to the 15th century and was commissioned by a local marquis. In 1788 it was acquired by Alessandro Serbelloni, scion of one of the noble Lombard families of the time, who improved and conserved it in an almost maniacal way and created more than 18 km of cart tracks, tree-lined roads and paths.
The Villa has been converted into a 5 star Grand Hotel and only the park can be visited. Strolling along its charming paths, you will immerse yourself in intertwining autochthonous and exotic vegetation, admiring an uninterrupted view of the branches of Como and Lecco. The Park can be visited on guided tours every day (except Mondays) at 11am and 3.30pm from 12 March to 1 November.
Villa Melzi D’Eril, a Pearl in the Pearl of Lake Como
Commissioned by Francesco Melzi d’Eril – vice president of the first Italian Republic – at the beginning of 19th century, the Villa enjoys an unparalleled position both in terms of panorama and climate: 365 days a year with a direct view on the two branches of Lake Como, without too cold winters or overly hot and humid summers. Designed by Giocondo Albertolli and Luigi Villoresi, who also designed Monza Park, neoclassical Villa Melzi d’Eril is one of the most popular ones thanks to the amazing park directly on lake in Bellagio.
Also at Villa Melzi it is possible to find exotic and rare vegetation that together with centuries-old trees and native species seem to have found their natural habitat in this area of Lake Como. Strolling along the main promenade lined with plane trees you will arrive at the terrace in front of the Villa, a place of truly unique beauty and romanticism.
The interiors of the Villa cannot be visited. The Park of Villa Melzi d’Eril is open every day from 10am to 7pm till the end of October. Entrance tickets can be purchased online or directly on site on the day of the visit.
Living on the Shores of Lake Como, just like the Nobles!
Did visiting the historic villas of Lake Como make you want to live in a luxury residence on the shores of the Lario, just like the nobles of past centuries? Thanks to Property At Lake Como you can make this dream come true!
We list period villas and luxury residences in the most renowned places on Lake Como: here you will find some of our luxury villas. Do not hesitate to contact us, together we will find the right home with a view of Lake Como for you and your family!