A fortified castle, Palazzo Gallio offers an incredibly expansive view of the waters of Lake Como. This cardinal’s residence was built on a rocky promontory that dominates Gravedona, one of Lake Como’s most important artistic centres. Gravedona is located in an inlet at the mouth of the Valle del Liro, opposite the peninsula of Piona and Monte Legnone, close to the Swiss border. Extending across a spectacular gulf, Gravedona boasts one of the most attractive lakeside walks on Lake Como.
Work on the building began in 1586 and was carried out by Pellegrino Tibaldi, architect of Cardinal Charles Borromeo, on the orders of Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, concluding in 1607.
Palazzo Gallio – also known as Palazzo delle Quattro Torri – has features reminiscent of the medieval defensive systems. With quadrangular towers at its corners, it dominates the landscape like an ancient fortress. Its eastern facade opens out directly onto the lake with a triple loggia decorated with Doric-inspired motifs. From here large windows light up the interior where a huge living room, almost 22 x 11 metres, extends right across covering the space of two floors. The buildings are evocatively occupied by the row of rooms.
The Italian-style garden with little flowerbeds is located on the right side of Palazzo Gallio. From here a staircase leads up directly to the jetty.