Villa Carlotta, also known as “villa of masterpieces”, was built in a beautiful location towards the end of the 17th century, and then embellished with an extraordinarily romantic park and works by Canova, Thorvaldsen, and Hayez in the early 1800s. In 1843, the villa became property of princess Marianna of Nassau, wife of prince Alberto […]
Villa Melziis reached by walking through the English garden harmoniously lining the lakeshore on the last outcropping of the Bellagio peninsula, separating the two branches of Lake Como. The villa, its chapel and its orange tree conservatory – today a historical museum – are all to be found in this garden, each representing a magnificent […]
In the amazing repertoire of historical villas on Lake Como, Villa d’Este is absolutely unique. Built in 1568 in the lakeside village of Cernobbio as the summer residence of Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, it has a long history of succeeding owners, all committed to constantly enriching the property by the addition of new architectural and botanical wonders. The […]
Villa Olmo is a beautiful neoclassical villa located on the shore of Lake Como. Custom-designed by architect Simone Cantoni for a liberal and cultured noble-woman at a time when Lombardy was one of the most lively cultural regions in Europe, its aesthetic standards were inspired by the theories of the Age of Enlightenment. The construction of […]
Villa del Balbianello is located in Lenno, at the tip of the Lavedo peninsula, a wooded promontory extending into Lake Como called “Balbianello” after the villa’s name. Thanks to this extraordinary location, the view from the villa is absolutely breathtaking.F.A.I. (the Italian National Trust). The property includes two square shaped buildings and a loggia with a […]
It may seem hard to believe, but the name of the architect of this most venerable villa on Via Borgo Vico is unknown. Built on the grounds of the earlier 16th century villa, “Il Museo”, Villa Gallia was commissioned by Abbot Marco Gallio in the early 17th century. The layout is simple: the three-story building […]
Villa Saporiti is situated on the western shore of Lake Como, among several other refined homes in the area, all built between the 18th and 19th centuries. Constructed between 1790 and 1793, this particular villa became immediately famous for its elegance, as well as for having hosted many important personalities, including Napoleon Bonaparte in 1797. […]
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 […]
Villa Monastero, overlooking the eastern shore of Lake Como, on a stretch that goes from Varenna to Fiumelatte, is one of the most interesting examples of the eclectic architectural style. Further works that were completed between the 19th and the 20th centuries have added multiple functional and decorative elements, without ruining the original structure of […]
Palazzo Terragni, the former Casa del Fascio in Como, is one of the most famous Italian rationalist buildings. A landmark building in modern European architecture, it was designed by Giuseppe Terragni in 1932. A masterpiece of lightness thanks to the symmetrical effect of solids and voids, of glass and reinforced concrete pillars and the innovative […]
Right, that’s exactly what we are talking about…the stunning residence bought by George Clooney from the Heinz family. Dating back to the 18th century, Villa Oleandra is an ideal retreat for a special holiday break. Located in the village of Laglio, the villa sits on a natural cove on the lakeshore, surrounded by a rich […]
The best way to reach Villa La Cassinella – probably the most unique of all the villas in the Lake Como area – is by boat, landing on a private pier made of stone steps, and which leads to the garden and swimming pool. Certainly one of the lakes most prestigious properties, this villa is located in […]
