Villas on Lake Como: 13 fabulous places
As I have suggested over and over again in my articles, and those who have been reading my blog for a while can confirm this, visiting at least one of the enchanting villas of Lake Como is a must, no matter how long the holiday lasts.
The reason is simple, if not banal: they are true treasure troves of beauty, both artistic and natural. And their fame in the world is confirmation of this.
What can be more complicated, however, is choosing which, among the various ones, to include in your itinerary.
I will of course in this article give you a hand in the selection. But for more personalised help you can always contact me and rely on my tailor-made advice.
Hi, I’m Marta, Local Blogger of Lake Como! Need a hand in organising your itinerary to discover my beautiful lake? Discover my Travel Designer service!
Keep in mind that not all the villas you will see around the lake can be visited. Many are private, others have been converted into luxury flats over the years.
But fortunately some are open to the public and allow access to their interiors or at least to the gardens, obviously each with different modalities and timing, which I explain below.
But let’s get down to business! Here are the villas to see on Lake Como.
Summary
The 4 most visited villas on Lake Como
1. Villa Balbianello in Lenno
On the end of the Làvedo promontory, in a panoramic position to say the least, in 1787 Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini had a late Baroque villa built, renovating part of a Franciscan convent. In 1988 its last owner, the explorer Guido Monzino, bequeathed it to the FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano), which then made it accessible to the general public.
Villa Balbianello, which can also be reached by lake, is such a wonderful place that it has prompted many Hollywood directors to set famous films of the calibre of Star Wars and 007 in its gardens.
[Both the interior, with a guided tour, and its gardens can be visited. Reservation is required through the official website].
Why visit Villa Balbianello? I tell you in this article.
2. Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo
Built at the end of the 17th century by the Marquises Clerici, it was later modified during the 19th century, in a sort of competition with Villa Melzi, on the opposite shore, becoming one of the most sumptuous villas on Lake Como.
It houses a collection of major 19th century works of art, including statues by Canova, paintings by Hayez and works by Thorvaldsen. The vast garden that surrounds it is also, and above all, a botanical garden and attracts visitors from all over the world for the spring blooming of the azaleas.
[It is open from March to November. Tickets can be purchased either online at the official website or directly from the villa’s ticket office].
Before your visit, I recommend you read my article on Villa Carlotta with all the tips to make your tour of the villa unforgettable!
3. Villa Monastero in Varenna
The former monastery of Santa Maria became a holiday residence in the late 16th and early 17th century, but the villa’s current appearance is largely due to the 19th and 20th century owners who transformed it into a sumptuous eclectic villa.
The park is also very beautiful, scenically laid out along the shore, rich in rare tree species and decorative elements.
[Unlike many other villas, Villa Monastero can also be visited during the winter months, mostly on weekends].
4. Villa Melzi in Bellagio
The villa, in neoclassical style, was built in 1808-10 by the architect-sculptor Giocondo Albertolli for Francesco Melzi d’Eril. Next to the manor house is the pavilion used as a museum, with archaeological collections, paintings and family mementos. Beautiful is the park, rich in exotic plants and furnishings.
Towards the hamlet of San Giovanni, which I recommend you visit, is the chapel, a splendid example of Lombard neo-classicism.
[Seasonal opening from March to November].
7 more villas to list and visit on Lake Como
5. Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio
Viewpoint of Villa Serbelloni Park
Built in 1533 by the Sfondrati family, in 1788 it passed into the ownership of Count Alessandro Serbelloni, who devoted himself above all to the creation of the immense park where he had avenues, carriage tracks and paths built for an extension of about 18 km. Even today, visitors walk along these paths to discover centuries-old, exotic and rare plants, sculptures, caves and the remains of medieval buildings. In 1907 it was sold to a Swiss company that turned it into a hotel. The building was again bought and converted into a private villa by Princess Ella Walker, who bequeathed it to the Rockefeller Foundation in 1959.
Today Villa Serbelloni is known worldwide as a place of residence and meeting place for artists and scholars.
[The park can be visited from March to November with compulsory guided tours at 11 am and 3.30 pm. For info and reservations]
6. Villa Cipressi in Varenna
Villa Cipressi is a collection of buildings and gardens rich in history built mainly between 1400 and 1800.
The structure was completely renovated in 2018 and today houses a renowned and elegant hotel, of which it is possible to visit the marvellous gardens, upon purchase of the relative entrance ticket.
[Seasonal opening from March to the end of October].
7. Villa Erba in Cernobbio
Villa Erba at the autumn fair Orticolario
Another most famous villas on Lake Como is Villa Erba. It is immersed in a vast and splendid park and represents one of the most elegant late 19th century constructions on the lake. It is an extraordinary example of eclectic neo-Renaissance style and was built in 1894-98 to a design by two Milanese architects. Its name is linked to that of the Italian film director Luchino Visconti who spent part of his life here.
The complex of glass pavilions, inserted into the park in 1986 on the inspiration of ancient glasshouses on the lake, is used for fairs, congresses, events and shows of international renown.
[The park and villa can be visited during fairs and events or, occasionally, on organised guided tours. Please consult the official website for the updated calendar of annual programming]
8. Villa Vigoni in Menaggio
In 1829, the German banker and patron Heinrich Mylius bought a villa on the heights of Menaggio, which he enlarged and embellished over the years to house his rich collection of paintings, statues and precious furnishings. This formed a house museum that has remained intact to this day. The large English-style park, full of centuries-old trees, orchids of all kinds, vantage points and exotic plants, completely envelops the building.
The villa was bequeathed by Ignazio Vigoni to the Federal Republic of Germany and today is home to a prestigious Italo-German cultural association.
[It can be visited from March to October (except August) every Thursday afternoon at 14:30 with a guided tour. Reservation is compulsory by e-mail to reception@villavigoni.eu or by telephone on +39 0344 361 245/246]
9. Villa Pizzo in Cernobbio
Villa Pizzo was built by the Muggiasca family around the beginning of the 17th century, renovating a modest rural building purchased almost two centuries earlier. The residence’s period of greatest splendour dates back to the first half of the 19th century, when it became the property of Ranieri d’Asburgo, viceroy of Lombardy-Veneto. Frequented by nobles and men of culture, it was during those years that it took on the appearance of today. The recognisable feminine touch, however, is due to the charming Parisian madame Elise Musard, owner of the mansion until 1871. The last family to live within the walls of this historic residence was the Milanese Volpi-Bassani.
[Villa Pizzo can only be visited by guided tours with prior booking by writing to booking@villapizzo.com or guided tours open to the public according to a pre-established schedule]
10. Villa Olmo in Como
Built for the Odescalchi family, it is a grandiose example of Lombard neoclassicism. Inside, one can admire refined decorations with stuccoes and frescoes: of particular note are the large double-height hall and the imposing three-storey atrium (late 19th century).
The large garden has an Italian-style area, towards the shore, and an English-style area, at the back of the villa.
[The park is public, while the villa can be visited in conjunction with exhibitions and events].
11. Villa Bernasconi in Cernobbio
Villa Bernasconi was not built directly on the lake because of its proximity to the Bernasconi silk industry, of which the owner was the founder. In spite of its modest dimensions, when compared to those of the most famous historical mansions in the area, the villa is by no means lacking in elegance and refinement, and can be considered a very high example of Art Nouveau.
The concrete, the ceramics, the iron of the railings are worked in such a way as to represent nature in all its aspects, becoming flowers, leaves, branches. The architecture thus becomes one with the external environment.
[Reservation recommended].
Two villas for the lucky ones
12. Villa Pliniana
Built in 1574-77 for Giovanni Anguissola near the intermittent fountain mentioned by Pliny (after whom it is named), it is the work of architect Giovanni Antonio Piotti da Vacallo and is one of the best Larian examples of mannerist architecture. The loggia is particularly interesting, as is the landscape in which it is set, one of the most rugged inlets on the lake.
[The villa is today the site of a prestigious hotel, but from time to time it is possible to visit it thanks to organised guided tours].
13. Villa d’Este
What is now one of the most luxurious and famous hotels in the world, chosen by VIPs and international stars, was built at the end of the 16th century by the powerful Cardinal Gallio from Como. Among the successive owners who profoundly altered its appearance was Caroline of Brunswick, unfortunate consort of George IV, King of England. The so-called Queen’s Pavilion (red building) was built in her honour in 1856.
The conversion into a luxury hotel took place in 1873. Inside, the rooms feature fine decorations and important works by painters and sculptors of the past. The gardens themselves are a true masterpiece of art and nature!
[One way to see its interiors is by dining at La Veranda restaurant, which is also open to outsiders. Dresscode required]
Now you just have to read my Mini-Guide to discover all the other wonders of Lake Como!
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