Arrival:
Lake Como, the jewel of northern Italy, has fame and success thanks to many of its natural and cultural gems, among which are its 77 heritage-listed historic villas.
Only 60 minutes from Milan, they tell a unique story of the past and bear witness to a vast cultural heritage, as well as being beautiful to visit and offering unique views of the renowned lake.
The history of Como Villas begins in the 15th century, when wealthy local families, realising how wonderful this place was, began to build their holiday homes here.
In the 18th century, Lake Como subsequently became a favourite and fashionable destination for foreigners and celebrities, once again confirming its timeless charm.
Today, many of these historic residences have been converted into luxury flats and condominiums, thus preserving their beauty and offering a unique opportunity to explore the architectural heritage of this enchanting region.
Villa del Grumello
Among the pearls dotting the shores of Lake Como, Villa del Grumello stands out as an architectural jewel of the Chilometro della Conoscenza, a pedestrian route that leads to the most important and luxurious villas in the area.
Grumello’s history begins in the 15th century when the property was known as Castellazzo. Over the centuries, this mansion passed from hand to hand among some of the most noble families of the time, undergoing continuous extensions and restoration.
Today, thanks to the efforts of the Villa del Grumello Association, this historic residence has been reborn as a hub of cultural, scientific and educational activities, bringing new life into the building.
Villa Melzi D’Eril
Villa Melzi at Bellagio is an ode to neoclassical beauty that blends harmoniously with its natural surroundings, representing an unparalleled balance of architectural elegance and landscape.
Emerging from Lake Como like a snow-white White House, the villa reveals itself in all its grandeur thanks also to its vast surrounding gardens. Here every detail is meticulously cared for: centuries-old plants, flowering magnolias and tree-lined paths welcome visitors in a green embrace.
For a perfect symbiosis of art, history and landscape, the view from here over the Comacina Island and the Upper Lake cannot be missed.
Villa del Balbianello
Villa del Balbianello stands out in all its elegance on the tip of a wooded peninsula in Lavedo. This sumptuous 18th century mansion is surrounded by a beautiful garden, offering breathtaking views of the Lario.
Cardinal Durini, a patron and man of letters, was the architect of the first wonders of Balbianello and the first to transform this location into a retreat of delight and culture.
Later, Guido Monzino, entrepreneur and explorer, passed on his love of adventure through unique collections preserved right here.
Today, Villa del Balbianello is entrusted to the FAI (Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano) and continues to enchant with its gardens, panoramic terraces and historic 18th-century Loggia, making this place an icon even for Hollywood cinema.
Villa Olmo
In this excursus of the most beautiful villas in Como, we could not fail to mention Villa Olmo: one of the most imposing buildings on the lakeshore, it takes its name from an ancient tree that once dominated its park.
Built at the end of the 18th century in perfect neoclassical style, commissioned by Innocenzo Odescalchi, this residence has welcomed illustrious personalities such as Napoleon Bonaparte, Ugo Foscolo and the Emperor of Austria Ferdinand I.
Surrounded by an Italian-style garden, Villa Olmo is one of the main symbols of Como and is also part of the Chilometro della Conoscenza, the lakeside path connecting the villas overlooking the lake.
Villa Carlotta
Finally, Villa Carlotta is one of the oldest, dating back to 1690. Its construction was commissioned by the Clerici family, one of Milan’s most important noble families of that historical period.
Again, the preferred style is neoclassical and to this day it is steeped in history, housing works of art by Canova, Tiepolo and Hayez, as well as many elegant period furnishings.
Finally, the magnificent garden, enriched with more than 150 varieties of azaleas, offers a unique spectacle during flowering. An extraordinary testimony to more than three centuries of harmonious union between nature and human creations on Lake Como.
Would you like to visit the magnificent villas of Lake Como? Ask at reception for the best way to organise your day. We will be happy to help you with all the necessary information.