When Carlotta died prematurely, the mansion passed to her husband George of Sassonia-Meiningen, who was a passionate botanist and enriched it with. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 2022 LakeComoStyle - All Rights Reserved. Surely not the most glamorous entrance. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. 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! Once known as the Castle of Bellagio, and owned by the Sfondrati noble family, famed guests such as Emperor Massimiliano I, Leonardo da Vinci, Lodovico il Moro, and Bianca Sforza walked the corridors. Nowadays, Villa Bernasconi is considered to be one of the rare examples of Art Nouveau architecture in the area. The hillside-terraced gardens can be visited from March to November from Tuesdays to Sundays. The villa became a temple of XIX century art with works by Canova, Thorvaldsen and Hayez: Palamedes, Eros and Psyche and Terpsychore. The hotel concierge offered up an amazing weekend of indulgence with their Bespoke Series including custom designed experiences like ahydroplane ride flying over the lake fromComo town where the hotel's very own AlfaRomeoDuetto Spider waits for you to drive to the top ofComacinaIsland to enjoy a picnic as the sun sets. Each has something truly special about it, from stunning architecture to interesting family stories. Today the park is one of the highlights of the property, featuring over 150 varieties of precious flowers and trees, including two stunningcitrus tunnels. 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. 10.40 for full entry ticket, 8.50 for gardens only; free for children under 11 (more on thewebsite). Never really thought of narrowing down villas to actually visit. Some of them like Villa dEste have becomeluxury hotels, while others provide exceptional activities for the whole family to enjoy. Villa Melzi garden, Bellagio /LakeComoStyle. A beautiful example of Italian Stile Liberty, Villa Bernasconi frequently hosts art exhibitions, events, and weddings. Unfortunately I did not have the opportunity to visit Villa del Balbianello, however I have something to look forward to next time. 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. Overlooking the swimming pool is Sant Agatas 12th-century bell tower. The third place on the podium of top villas to visit in Lake Como goes to Villa Bernasconi. Cipressi is a complex of buildings and gardens, rich in history, built mainly between 1400 and 1800. I particularly enjoyed exploring, 50 once in a lifetime experiences in Italy, Did you know that in Italy theres a museum wher, Its all about the soul in theMajella National, In early 2005, singerGwen Stefani, shot themusic videofor her 2005single,Cool. The terrace is filled with lemon and Olive trees. In 1788, it was inherited by Alessandro Serbelloni, last of the Sfondrati legacy. Its located in a panoramic position right on the lakeshore, at the end of the village of Tremezzo. Eachvilla has its own unique charm and atmosphere. The grandiose building will appear in the distance and will keep your eyes glued to the ferry windows as it slowly reveals its beautiful faade and front Italian garden. The estate is now owned by Russian millionaire restaurateurArkady Novikovwho bought it in 2008 and retained Milanese architect Claudio Pozza to undertake restoration works at the property. Surrounded by a wide botanical garden, Villa Carlotta is home to a museum that collects works by Canova and Hayez. The new Hammam Suite, housed in a large and airy chamber with a domed ceiling made of precious Italian Lasa white marble features a full sized scrub plinth, water blade style shower, couples bathtub and a steam room. The history of the Lario region (Lake Comos original name) dates back centuries. Villa Erbais a 19th-century villa built by Luigi Erba, brother of the prominent pharmaceutical businessman Carlo Erba. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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!) Rooftop Front Suite at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. It is structured around two towers, one of which is on a deep cliff over the lake, the other facing the hills. The same villa can also be seen inStar Wars II: Attack of the Clones as the wedding scene of Anankin. 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. Successively, it was sold to a German princess who then bestowed the villa upon her daughter Charlotte hence the name. 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. (Yes, I admit I played chopsticks on the piano.) He gave the villa its current appearance, decorating the rooms with his extensive collection of maps, ancient art, books and exquisite furniture pieces. The interior of the villa, not open to the public contains magnificent frescoes and sculptures. In 1784, it passed to theMilanese Calderari family who undertook a major restoration project and created a new park with an impressive temple displaying a seventeenth-century statue of Hercules hurlingLichasinto the sea. 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. Villa Melzi dEril was built between 1808 and 1815 by architectGiocondo Albertollifor Francesco Melzi dEril. Also, try the outdoor terrace of the neighboring Ristorante Bilacus for fresh fish and wine. In 1980 it was purchased by the people of Varenna for public use. So glad you made this list and atleast jumpstarted my research! Though I missed Villa Bernasconi on my visit but would love to check it out next time since it is so beautiful. These are gorgeous and so are your photos. Today, this amazing villa in Lake Como is open to visitors and has become a favorite of international movie directors, who shot here blockbusters like Casino Royale and Star Wars Attack of the Clones. This new resort will become one of the best in the world and should capture the attention of every bold-faced name. 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. The Villa became a retirement home and from 1970 through 2000 it was rented by the Ratti silk manufacturing company to showcase its style and design department. Thanks for sharing , Oh gosh what stunning architecture and locations of each villa. I'm Val, an Italian blogger with a huge passion for my country, its culture and traditions. Villa del Balbianello, Lenno is really stunning with yellow structure amidst all greenery and lake facing. The most sensational thing about Villa Carlotta is the 20-acre botanical garden overlooking the shimmering waters of Lake Como. Consider using the ferry to reach Villa Carlotta, as it will be a truly memorable experience. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. In 1925, the villa bought by naturalist Marco De Marchi who donated it to the state converting it into the Institute for Hydrobiology. Ah, the villas of Lake Como. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. The last time I was there was 2012 and it looked like it didnt change! It is such a great and very inspiring post. The architecture of these villas is stunning. Villa del Balbianello has been on my list for a long time. 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. In the fifteenth century before being given the name Villa Grumello, the estate was known as Castellazzo and was described as a rustic two-story house, surrounded by a vineyard, a lawn and an orchard rich with walnuts, chestnuts and other plants. Arent the villas of Lake Como absolutely lovely? The province has since been redistributed and today Villa Monastero is under ownership and management of the Lecco Province. I hope you will enjoy reading it and that my stories will inspire you to organize your next trip to my beautiful country. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The visit includes a stroll along many historical, artistic and botanical paths on the shores of Lake Como. The floors are a mixture of Cotto Lombardo, Seminato, and dark antique wood. . Its been quite a whole six months, The story of Rose Island: 4 lessons you can learn from it and from the movie, Italy reading list: around Italy in 20 books, 10 truly unique Carnival celebrations in Italy, The ultimate guide to train travel in Italy, Phonetography: Bomgogo smartphone lens kit review, 10 of the best Christmas markets in Italy. An amazing complex that includes a wide botanical garden and a museum that collects four centuries of history. 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. In 1801, Gian Battista Sommariva, a famous politician, businessman and patron of arts, bought the villa. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. You may opt-out by. 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. The Last Kiss of Romeo and Juliet are only some of the masterpieces that enrich the Villas extraordinary collection. The villas well-maintained grounds include a lakefront area with resident beach, boat mooring facility, childrens play area and a resident parking facility. During the 20th century, the Villa was sold to American owners, the last of which was the family of Ketchup billionaire John Heinz. Villa Bernasconi was built at the beginning of the 20th century for Davide Bernasconi, a pioneer in the development of the textile industry in Cernobbio. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Sommariva's heirs sold the villa in 1843 to Princess Marianne of Nassau, wife of Prince Albert's of Prussia, who gave it as a present to her daughter Carlotta in occasion of her wedding with Grand Duke Giorgio II of Saxe Meiningen. Then, at the beginning of the 19th century, the villa passed to Giovanni Battista Sommariva, president of the government committee of the Cisalpine Republic established by Napoleone Bonaparte in Northern Italy. Napoleon also played on the immaculate billiard table which still retains its place in the parlor. with its dramatic hillsides dotted with Romanesque churches, andlike Franz Liszt once wrote:I do not know a district more clearly blessed by heaven. Follow this author to improve your content experience. It was thanks to his love for art that today we can admire prestigious works by Antonio Canova and Berthel Thorvaldsen inside Villa Carlotta. It is shaped like a medieval, renaissance castle with motifs from the liberty period. Lovely post! 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. The setting is just divine and the landscaping and everything else makes it so magical. Each villa looks like out of a fairytale. Statues and bas-reliefs can be admired along the paths among the numerous Mediterranean and tropical plants. I couldnt write about the best villas to visit in Lake Como without starting with Villa del Balbianello. In 1877, the building was transferred to the Vitali family. Before Versaces death, celebrities such as SirElton John,Sting,Diana, Princess of WalesandMadonna, were regular guests at the property. In the spring of 2006, the movieCasino Royalewas filmed in front of this villa. Ciao! The two properties adjoin each other with the Riva Soldino bridge. Check out my entire selection of the best places to stay in Lake Como! They are so vast and rich that it feels like stepping into one of those enchanted woods we read about in fairytales. Brunswick In1567, the convent was dissolved and the villa and grounds were bought by the noble family Mornico from Cortenova in Valsassina. As a photographer, I dream of seeing them and shooting in these wonderful interiors and gardens. 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. Villa Pliniana is the third property in the Sereno Hotels collection, with the first being one of my favorites, the Le Sereno in St. Barth. A century later CardinalTolomeo Gallio demolished the nunnery and commissionedPellegrino Tibaldito design a residence for his own use. The villa is practically built into the waterfalls, and with the highest level of security systems including bomb-proof doors and impenetrable rooms, this is truly the ultimate escape. Sitting at the top of a wooded promontory, in the pretty village of Lenno, this villa is undoubtedly one of the lakes top attractions. 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. The drive took approximately one hour through dramatic winding roads, past towering cypress trees, along the waterfront shrouded in a light misty fog. Hence the name Villa Carlotta. Much like the other villas of Lario (Lake Comos antique name), Villa Carlotta has changed ownership a number of times. Since the death of Versace in 1997, however, only singerJennifer Lopezand her then husband Chris Judd visited, having spent their honeymoon there in 2001. Lake Como Food Tours, read about my experience, Lake Como Villas Tour with Boat Cruise and Lunch. Most Lake Comos villas are located outsideComo cityand in some cases theyre onlysurrounded by nature and magnificent gardens. 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. Just remember that access to the villas may be restricted due to the coronavirus, so check out their websites before your visit. was created as the summer residence of Francesco Melzi dEril, vice president of the Italian Republic that was founded by Napoleon in the early 1800s. What I wouldnt give to holiday here right now . In 2004, the villa served as a filming location for the movieOcean's Twelve. The Melzi dynasty was followed by the Gallarati Scotti family, who still take care of the villa and its gardens. My Italian Diaries is the place where I share with you stories, photos and useful tips from my travels around Italy. Particularly attentive to the well-being of his workers, Mr. Bernasconi created dormitories and apartments for them and even opened a kindergarten, which continues to bear his name. They are simply incredible! In 1930, Ella Walker, heiress to the American H. Walker & Sons distillery, bought and subsequently donated the mansion to the Rockefeller Foundation in 1959. In 1843, Princess Marianne of Prussia purchased the villa as a wedding gift for her daughter Carlotta, from whom it takes its current name. For two thousand years, Lake Como, located in Northern Italy, has attracted the most artistic people in the world inviting them to relax, to be inspired and to make contact with the beauty of nature in one of the most romantic locations in the world. Villa Erba and its park are open to public only in the occasion of fairs or events. I was lucky enough to have the roads past this summer and it is definitely a place I can imagine visiting again. Rebuilt by the banker Tommaso dAdda in the second half of the sixteenth century as one of Como aristocrats first retreats on the lake shores, it was known for its seclusion, and yet its proximity to the city. Gardens are accessible, but the villa is not open to public. The restoration included landscaping the three acres of ornamental gardens, three cottages, a tennis court, water frontage and private dock. 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. Many famous guests have stayed atthe Villa Pliniana: among them the poet Percy Shelley, who left a wonderful description of the villa, Gioacchino Rossini composed Tancredi in the villa itself in 1813, and the original grand piano still stands in its original spot. 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 is a great place to visit, so beautiful and harmonious nature. Visit the beautiful English style, botanical garden with a variety of plants and flowers as well as a chapel, sculptures, pavilions, and terraces. 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. 8 (children under 14 free entrance - more on the website). Photo above: Villa Balbianello /LakeComoStyle. 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. However, there are some villas and gardens on Lake Como that are open to the public and can be visited. It was constructed in the 1700s by Count Passalacqua who was gifted the property from the Odescalchi Familya Northern Papal family. Among those who frequented Villa Monastero was Fogazzaro who used the garden as inspiration for his theatrical work Nadejde which tells the story of the Princess de la Roche Plessys. There is also a faithful replica of Canovas Eros and Psyche made by Adamo Tadolini, the artists favorite pupil. For info regarding opening times and ticket prices, take a look at the official website of Villa del Balbianello. Lake Como is so beautiful that the more that I see the more feel like going there. Open from March to October. Villa Oleandrawas first built in 1720, and then in 1834 the Stoppani family extended development into the surrounding land, which was completed in 1868 by the Antongini family. The unique exterior is embellished with numerous sculptures representing the life cycle of the silkworm. I havent been to Italy since I was 14, but I totally need to get back and explore. I was thrilled to stay in one of the hotels most stunning rooftop suites with an enormous outdoor terrace, complete was Jacuzzi and private butler. The villa was not confiscated during WWI as were other properties but was eventually passed tothe Ente Villa Carlotta, a charitable foundationentrusted to care for and maintain the villa and its gardens. I visited Lake Como long back and visited some of the villas but could not remember which ones. As President of the Senate in 1717, he created the house as a symbol of his huge success, adorning it with magnificent frescoes and an Italian garden. The massive construction started in 1797 under Swiss architect Simone Cantoni. Villa Carlotta, Tremezzo, photo Carlo Alberto /Wikimedia. An informal meal of meat and fish fondues and grills, accompanied by the best Italian regional wines. La Terraza Restaurant at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. If there's one colour that defines Abruzzo, it, Happy Republic Day Italy Take a stroll around the gardens and visit the interiors of Villa Balbianello, location for amazing weddings, events and film sets. I was lucky to get a private tour ofthe Villa with Le Sereno's charming owner Luis Contreras and was shown the most amazing suites built over the loudly rushing water beneath. Live like royalty for a few days, you know? The gardens of Villa Carlotta are famous for their150 types of rhododendrons and azaleas. Location of many international events, with elegant flower beds on the lakefront. Here is a list of my8 favourite villas in Lake Como! 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. The grand Villa Margherita dates back to the 1750s and was owned by Guilio Ricordi head of theCasa Ricordimusic publishing house, Ricordi also produced several magazines as well as the later operas of Guiseppi Verdi. Want to see more hotels, apartments or villas? Built between 1808 and 1810 for Francesco Melzi dEril (1753-1816), Duke of Lodi, and Vice President of Italian Republic under Napoleon rule. I used to live in Lecco and frequented Como. Attracted by the idea of walking amid the lush vegetation, I chose the right one and ended up spending over 40 minutes in the woods, mostly uphill, all sweaty and stopping every five minutes with the excuse of admiring the landscape (when all I needed, in reality, was some oxygen). Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. A gala dinner held at the Villa dEste in 1948 was the scene for the celebrated murder of the wealthy silk manufacturer Carlo Sacchi, shot dead by his lover CountessPia Bellentani. The Villa Passalacqua is a national monument for Italy. Gardens of Villa Monastero are open all days from March to October, whereas openings are less frequent in winter. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Today, many of these villas and historical mansions are still private property, and not open for viewing, but are available for events such as conferences and weddings on Lake Como. Searching the world for the most amazing People, Places and Things. Luxury hotel and high level congress surrounded by a 25 acre English-style garden. After the death of Marquis Calderari, his wife Vittoria Peluso, a former ballerina atLa Scalaand known asla Pelusina, married a Napoleonic general, CountDomenico Pinoand a mock fortress was erected in the park in his honor. From 1749 to 1769 it was aJesuit spiritual retreat, before being acquired first by Count Mario Odescalchi, and then in 1778 by Count Marliani. I highly recommend the day tour withLake Como Food Tours, read about my experience. In the 13th century, the Villa Monastero stood as a female monastery dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. 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. It was built on the remains of an ancient Franciscan monastery at the end of the 18th century and originally served as the venue for the exclusive literary retreats of Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. and then visit the rich collection of ethnic sculptures and artifacts inside the villa. Whats more, the villa was designed by architect Alfredo Campanini, a major exponent of the Lombard Liberty Style, who conceived it as a casa alla moda (fashion house) a clear reference to Bernasconis activity. Try These Pro Tips For A Successful Credit Card Chargeback, 3 Properties To Experience In Manhattan, New York City, Secrets Resorts Embraces The Hot New Trend For Ultra Luxe All-Inclusives, Baglioni Opens A New Masseria Resort In Italys Hot Region, Puglia, Mediterranean Dining, A Plant-Filled Spa, And Stunning Views Await At The New Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis, Five Palatial French Hotels For The Perfect Summer Getaway. 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. After the death of Luigi Erba, the villa was inherited by his daughter Carla and was used by members of Carla's family, including her sonLuchino Visconti.
Sitemap 1