The Villa was subsequently owned by the Odescalchi family, then by the Giovio family and, in the second half of the nineteenth century, by the Celesia family. 8 (children under 14 free entrance - more on the website).
Consider using the ferry to reach Villa Carlotta, as it will be a truly memorable experience.
Visiting the lakes beautiful historic villas is a must on any trip to Como, but I appreciate that most of you guys have only one or two days to visit the area and need to prioritize, so I thought Id share with you my favorite 3 villas. Lake Como has some beautiful scenery, someone I know has taken a trip recently and it was never in my radar until now. The Villa Serbelloni was built in the15th centuryfor Marchesino Stanga. I'm Val, an Italian blogger with a huge passion for my country, its culture and traditions. The province has since been redistributed and today Villa Monastero is under ownership and management of the Lecco Province. The ceilings in the public rooms, as well as the bedrooms, are ornately decorated and painted.
Closed on Mondays and Wednesdays(except on holidays). Versace personally chose hundreds of oil paintings as well as other artworks displayed throughout the interior and exterior, he created a mini-palace that was a personal shrine. Today I share with you my pick of the most beautiful villas to visit in Lake Como surely one of the top things to do when traveling to this magical corner of Italy! Lake Como has been in my bucket list for a while but just for roaming around the quaint gardened city with the lake view. Experience a fascinating walk in the gardens of Villa Melzi, a perfect balance between architecture and natural beauty. At the end of the century a wealthy German, Erich Walter Jacob Kees became the owner and he enriched the garden while renovating the villa into the late-Renaissance style. Over the centuries, it has undergone major refurbishments: in the seventeen century by Pellegrini, then in the late eighteen century by Simone Cantoni, who made changes to the facade, and finally, in 1870 by architect Nessi. newscentermaine wfaa wbir wusa9 Lake Como is such a beautiful spot to visit, nature here is unlike any other. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits.
In 1986, it was bought by a publiccompanyto use as an exposition center. In 2004, the villa served as a filming location for the movieOcean's Twelve. balbianello olmo ramo Gerardo Landriani, Bishop of Como, founded a female convent here in 1442. balbianello guidati lenno tremezzina cassinella The multi-level lakeside gardens were opened to the public in the 1950s and the villa house-museum displays art, and furniture collected from the many previous owners. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Most Lake Comos villas are located outsideComo cityand in some cases theyre onlysurrounded by nature and magnificent gardens. His company, Tessiture Seriche Bernasconi, became an entrepreneurial success of large proportions (it produced up to 18 thousand meters of fabric daily, exported all over the globe!) Lake Como is so beautiful that the more that I see the more feel like going there. Villa Carlotta, Tremezzo, photo Carlo Alberto /Wikimedia. In the spring of 2006, the movieCasino Royalewas filmed in front of this villa.
On Gallios death, the villa passed to his family who allowed it to sink into a state of decay. The staircases zigzag onto terraces. When Carlotta died prematurely, the mansion passed to her husband George of Sassonia-Meiningen, who was a passionate botanist and enriched it with. The Villa Passalacqua is a national monument for Italy. The villa is open to the public and stands in a magnificent park wherecitrus, cypresses, pine treesand agaves grow, stretches over more than a mile. I was met by a private driver from the hotel upon arrival into Milans Malpensa Airport. Failing to find a villa for sale, he decided to build his own, right on the waters edge. The dock is encased in antique Moltrasio stone both on the walls and on the steps leading to the water and filled with roses, creeping jasmine and oleander. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It was modified in the16th centuryby theSfondratifamily and passed in the late18th centuryinto the hands of the SerbelloniDukes, who left the building intact, but extended the magnificent grounds. Villa del Balbianello, Lenno is really stunning with yellow structure amidst all greenery and lake facing. tour como lake boat balbianello villa send request Takean organized tourof the villas or visit on your own. Gardens of Villa Monastero are open all days from March to October, whereas openings are less frequent in winter. Lovely post! with Nick Hilton, Rita Hayworth with Orson Welles, Clark Gable with Carol Lombard, Ava Gardner with Frank Sinatra, Aristotle Onassis with Maria Callas and Woody Allen with Mia Farrow among many others. Lake Como offers one of Italys most spectacular landscapes and settings. Villa Maria Taglioni and its adjacent sister property, Villa Maria Serena, were restored in the 19th century by the celebrated ballet dancer Maria Taglioni and have since welcomed esteemed guests including Bellini, Rossini, Franz Lizst and Riccordi. For info regarding opening times and ticket prices, take a look at the official website of Villa del Balbianello. tremezzina villa balbianello del tripadvisor como with its dramatic hillsides dotted with Romanesque churches, andlike Franz Liszt once wrote:I do not know a district more clearly blessed by heaven. In 2004, George Clooney purchased the neighboring art nouveau Villa Margherita. I know Lake Como is known for being beautiful, but I didnt realize just how beautiful! It is now managed as a Hotel byEngie in Italythat has restored it. I never had a chance to spend the night though (Lecco is about an hour drive). Ciao! I love each and every one of them though my personal favorite would be Villa Balbianello for its picturesque location and the unique umbrella-shaped tree. I have had many friends suggest that I visit Lake Como, I can assure I will visit very soon. Take a stroll around the gardens and visit the interiors of Villa Balbianello, location for amazing weddings, events and film sets. With its close proximity to Switzerland and Milan, the nobility of the Renaissance period would frequently travel and keep holiday homes here at the lake. Surrounded by a wide botanical garden, Villa Carlotta is home to a museum that collects works by Canova and Hayez. Today the foundation uses the villa for visiting scholars and artists. Now, the result is simply beautiful, but I can only imagine the acrobatics of the gardeners when this big guy needs its periodic pruning! In 1815, the villa became the residence of Caroline of tremezzina villa balbianello del tripadvisor como In 1954, Countess Julia Celesia Cays of Caselette donated the Villa to SantAnna Hospital in Como and its artworks were donated to the Museum of Como. Today the park is one of the highlights of the property, featuring over 150 varieties of precious flowers and trees, including two stunningcitrus tunnels. balbianello All Rights Reserved, This is a BETA experience. Discover the best homes and villas for rent in Lake Como! balbiano Next on my list of villas to visit in Lake Como is Villa Carlotta, a classic destination all year round thanks to its impressive art collection. Doesn't get much grander than that. Searching the world for the most amazing People, Places and Things. In fact one of the most prestigious billionaire weddings of all time happened the first month of opening with Spotify CEO Daniel Ek's wedding on the lawn of Villa La Pliniana, actor Chris Rock officiated the upbeat ceremony, Mark Zuckerbergsupported his friend and Bruno Mars performed. The history of this villa dates back to the 17th century when the Marquis Clerici of Milan, whose family made a fortune as wool and silk merchants, commissioned it as his holiday residence on the lakes western shore. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". The unique exterior is embellished with numerous sculptures representing the life cycle of the silkworm. The construction of the villa is due to Count Giovanni Anguissola, governor of Como, who decided to transform the fresh spring and the surrounding land into an iconic location. In 1877, the building was transferred to the Vitali family. Visit the beautiful English style, botanical garden with a variety of plants and flowers as well as a chapel, sculptures, pavilions, and terraces. In 2006, after years of neglect, the Villa was restored and now hosts cultural events. In the 13th century, the Villa Monastero stood as a female monastery dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. At his death in 1988, he left the Villa to a trust that runs it and it open to the public. In 1824 the villa became the property of the Raimondi family and in 1883 it was sold to Duke Guido Visconti from Vimodrone who hired architect Emilio Alemagna to restore it. lombardy taste trips2italy carlotta The Villa Fontanelle was built in the first half of the nineteenth century by Lord Charles Currie, an eccentric Englishman who fell in love with Lake Como. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The history of the Lario region (Lake Comos original name) dates back centuries. They are so vast and rich that it feels like stepping into one of those enchanted woods we read about in fairytales. The ground floor is home to the villas grandiose art collection that includes prestigious artworks like The Last Kiss of Romeo and Juliet by Francesco Hayez, the statue of Palamedes realized by Antonio Canova, and Bertel Thorvaldsens The triumphal entry of Alexander the Great into Babylon. Photo above: Villa Balbianello /LakeComoStyle. Villa del Balbianello has been on my list for a long time. Villa Cipressi was once a private villa overlooking Lake Como and surrounded with stunning terraces, magnificent grounds and lush gardens that are still part of the property today. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The villa is now available for private rentals. In 1940, the villa became the property of Count Gerli. They greatly contributed to turning Lake Como into a glamorous destination, one where stunning landscapes, picturesque villages and gentle temperatures provide the ideal setting to relax and rejuvenate. Visiting the lakes beautiful historic villas is a must on any trip to Como, but I appreciate that most of you guys have only one or two days to visit the area and need to prioritize, so I thought Id share with you my favorite 3 villas. Ah, the villas of Lake Como. The rooms and salons are decorated with original furnishings and an antique library which brings you back in time. However, what struck me most was the incredible museum housed inside two floors of the villa. As a photographer, I dream of seeing them and shooting in these wonderful interiors and gardens. This new resort will become one of the best in the world and should capture the attention of every bold-faced name. Thanks to this owner the property in Tremezzo became one of the most important stopping points of the Grand Tour. Featuring 18 acres of gardens and 19 bedrooms within four large apartments, plus three stand-alone villas, this is one of the most spectacular properties on the lake and is available for private rentals. I havent been to lake Como yet, but will keep these beautiful villas in mind, when I do. families who lived there, the famed novelists who wrote, the composers who created, the artists who painted, and the people who fell in love, all inspired by the charm of this special Italian paradise. From 1749 to 1769 it was aJesuit spiritual retreat, before being acquired first by Count Mario Odescalchi, and then in 1778 by Count Marliani. Unfortunately I did not have the opportunity to visit Villa del Balbianello, however I have something to look forward to next time. Hence the name Villa Carlotta. Well known figures, including Vincenzo Monti, Alessandro Volta and Ugo Foscolo, were hosted in its frescoed and stuccoed rooms. It was constructed in the 1700s by Count Passalacqua who was gifted the property from the Odescalchi Familya Northern Papal family. It was thanks to his love for art that today we can admire prestigious works by Antonio Canova and Berthel Thorvaldsen inside Villa Carlotta. In 1801, Gian Battista Sommariva, a famous politician, businessman and patron of arts, bought the villa. Then, the Italian State confiscated the property during WWI and in the 1920s the Ente Villa Carlotta was established to manage it. for day trip ideas from Milan, take a look. I particularly enjoyed exploring the room of memories, with a big dresser where each drawer narrates the story of the company through the memories of some of its workers so precious! Villa Melzi garden, Bellagio /LakeComoStyle. Never really thought of narrowing down villas to actually visit. In the midst of this friendly nature, man can breathe freely, the harmony of his relations is not disturbed by gigantic proportions, and he can love and enjoybecause he does not seem to do anything but take his own share of universal happiness., 2022 Forbes Media LLC. The property stretches over the high part of the promontory of Bellagio, with rambling paths that allow visitors to admire the large quantity of rare and exotic plants which grow on the terraces sloping down towards the lake. From March to November, you can take a tour into the amazing gardens of Villa Balbianello set of Star Wars, among others! Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. The designer restored the villa to its former neoclassical glory. como lake villa lee magnificent este tour architecturaldigest italy The third place on the podium of top villas to visit in Lake Como goes to Villa Bernasconi. Once a country estate to a Milanese marquis, which stayed in the family for over one hundred years, it was then sold to a politician of the Napoleonic era who was an avid art collector and constantly in pursuit of beauty, hence the prestigious art collection and elaborate terraced botanical garden. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. So glad you made this list and atleast jumpstarted my research! The visit is made even more interesting by an innovative app that leads you through the itinerary sharing stories of the villa and its people. balbianello In 1930, Ella Walker, heiress to the American H. Walker & Sons distillery, bought and subsequently donated the mansion to the Rockefeller Foundation in 1959. , Princess of Wales, the estranged wife of future KingGeorge IV. Youve shown me some wonderful places to visit when I finally get chance to go. In early 2005, singerGwen Stefani, shot themusic videofor her 2005single,Cool. Eachvilla has its own unique charm and atmosphere. I know this is perhaps the less talked about among the beautiful villas of Lake Como, but trust me, Visiting Villa Bernasconi is like taking a journey through the life of this enlightened entrepreneur. For info regarding opening times and ticket prices, take a look at the official website of Villa Bernasconi. While in Bellagio visit the lovely local Trattoria San Giacomo and experience Nonna Pina's famous desserts. I was the first writer to slip on a hard hat as Luis Contreras took me on an exclusive inside tour of the new resort showcasing its magnificent lake front terraced suites including two 2,150-square-foot penthouse suites. I really love your writing! Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The interior of the villa, not open to the public contains magnificent frescoes and sculptures. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. In 1843, Princess Marianne of Prussia purchased the villa as a wedding gift for her daughter Carlotta, from whom it takes its current name. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. oleandra The massive construction started in 1797 under Swiss architect Simone Cantoni. Sitting at the top of a wooded promontory, in the pretty village of Lenno, this villa is undoubtedly, For info regarding opening times and ticket prices, take a look at the, official website of Villa del Balbianello, In 1843, Princess Marianne of Prussia purchased the villa as a wedding gift for her daughter Carlotta, from whom it takes its current name. Lake Como Travel | A personal blog by Alessandro Manzi, 22 for full entry ticket (6-18 yo kids: 12), 11 for gardens only (6-18 yo kids: 6), the variety of colors and scents of its botanical garden, the botanical garden and the wide museum inside the villa, the wide English garden where you can take some time to relax, international fairs, weddings and open-air events. For info regarding opening times and ticket prices, take a look at the official website of Villa Carlotta. The gardens are considered some of the most historic and beautiful on Lake Como. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The foundation was visited by John F. Kennedy in 1963. balbianello lake Il Sereno owner Luis Contreras and Jim Dobson at the Villa Pliniana (photo by Canon Price). Luxury hotel and high level congress surrounded by a 25 acre English-style garden. Each has something truly special about it, from stunning architecture to interesting family stories. You can reach Villa del Balbianello either by water taxi from the port of Lenno (weather permitting, 5 one way or 7 round trip) or by walk like I did. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly.
Villa Erbais a 19th-century villa built by Luigi Erba, brother of the prominent pharmaceutical businessman Carlo Erba. Oh my gosh! Located inBellagio, this enormous neoclassical complex is one of the most popular attractions among tourists who visit Lake Como. Now, heres a tip: there are two paths leading to the villa. The majestic Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Comos Grandest Dame, recently had afive-year, multi-million renovation project across its 76 rooms and 14 suites and it shows.
Today marks, #lomellina is the place where I was born and curre, TheIncompiuta di Venosa, a treasure of stone tha, In Italy, you don't have to travel far to find som, Hey everyone! As such, its no surprise that this lake continues to be one of the best weekend gateways from Milan (for day trip ideas from Milan, take a look here). In 1925, the villa bought by naturalist Marco De Marchi who donated it to the state converting it into the Institute for Hydrobiology.
I couldnt write about the best villas to visit in Lake Como without starting with Villa del Balbianello. Villa Melzi dEril was built between 1808 and 1815 by architectGiocondo Albertollifor Francesco Melzi dEril. The villa has hostedmany illustrious figures including; Leonardo da Vinici, Emperor Maximillian I, Silvio Pellico, Queen Victoria and Manzoni and Parini, who spent a great deal of time here as a tutor to the Dukes sons. clooney como george villa lake balbianello del Since the death of Versace in 1997, however, only singerJennifer Lopezand her then husband Chris Judd visited, having spent their honeymoon there in 2001. These include panoramic terraces overlooking the lake, romantic avenues lined with colorful blooms and statues, and a stunning loggia with arches covered in some beautiful Ficus repens. It is also the perfect spot to explore the region, including some of the most magnificent villas on the planet of which I have assembled the very best for your enjoyment. There is just so much to see in Italy, I cant wait to visit the beautiful country! Apartments inside this villa are available for rent. Over the centuries, the Villa Passalacqua has played host to numerous musicians, artists, writers and statesmen including Napoleon Buonaparte, Vincenzo Bellini and Winston Churchill. On the second floor (sadly closed at the moment) it is possible to see Princess Carlottas private apartments. balbianello alps bellagio viator filming lenno circumnavigation vacations thrillist Grand Hotel Tremezzos T Spa launched last summer and expanded following the restoration of the 18th century Villa Emilia, to add additional treatment rooms, a mosaic-lined nail studio, and a frescoed relaxation lounge facing the lake. Villa Melzi dErilwas created as the summer residence of Francesco Melzi dEril, vice president of the Italian Republic that was founded by Napoleon in the early 1800s. Follow @CeliaAbernethy on Twitter. Villa Carlotta and its gardens are open from March to November. My Italian Diaries is the place where I share with you stories, photos and useful tips from my travels around Italy.