5 Most Picturesque Villas on Lake Como
No photos can prepare you for the almost surreal beauty of Lake Como—long known as a getaway for well-to-do Milanese and, of course, George Clooney. Poems extolling its virtues appeared as early as the classical era, when Virgil and Pliny wrote about the region. Easily accessible from Milan, the lake is fringed with picturesque villages and gorgeous villas, some of which date from the Renaissance. Ferries frequently make the passage between the various towns, and many of the lake’s best hotels have their own private boats for use by guests. Over a long weekend, you can spend some restorative time on the water and on land, touring the magnificent villas. Put these five on your must-visit list.
This content is subject to copyright.1/5Villa del Balbianello
James Bond made an appearance at this jaw-dropping villa in Casino Royale, and that wasn’t the first or last time it was featured on film. Perched atop a wooded peninsula in the village of Lenno, the Villa del Balbianello was built at the end of the 18th century on the ruins of a Franciscan convent. In the 1800s it was a refuge for exiles, and in the 1970s it was owned by Guido Monzino, an explorer and alpinist. His collection of artifacts from the North Pole, Mount Everest, and beyond is displayed in the villa along with African and pre-Columbian art. visitfai.it
© Glenn van der Knijff2/5Villa Carlotta
Built in the late 17th century for a marquis from Milan, Villa Carlotta is an architectural wonder with idyllic grounds. Located in Tremezzo, just across the lake from Bellagio, the villa contains masterpieces by Antonio Canova, Bertel Thorvaldsen, and Francesco Hayez. Once a wedding present to Princess Charlotte of Prussia, for whom it’s named, the villa offers fantastic views of the lake from the charming gardens and balconies. villacarlotta.it
This content is subject to copyright.3/5Villa Serbelloni
The 15th-century Villa Serbelloni is home to the Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center, which hosts scholars for conferences and residencies with a mission to “promote the wellbeing of humanity around the world.” Long before the Rockefeller Foundation arrived, the stunning villa played host to Leonardo da Vinci, Queen Victoria, and other illustrious guests. Today the gardens are open for guided tours for groups, though it’s best to confirm in advance. rockefellerfoundation.com
© Glenn van der Knijff4/5Villa Melzi
Commissioned in the early 19th century for Francesco Melzi d’Eril, Duke of Lodi and vice president of the Italian Republic under Napoléon, Villa Melzi embodies neoclassical restraint. Set against the rolling hills of Bellagio, the sober white structure features sculptures by Antonio Canova and pieces by other important artists of the era. Today visitors touring the villa can enjoy a leisurely stroll in the beautiful English gardens overlooking the lake. giardinidivillamelzi.it
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This content is subject to copyright.5/5Villa Monastero
A visit to Villa Monastero offers a glimpse into the lives of its former owners, as the house has been preserved with original furnishings. Located on the site of a Cistercian monastery, the villa was constructed in the 17th century but has undergone many changes in the following centuries. Its rich history is evident in the ornately decorated parlors and rooms, though the must-see feature is the gorgeous botanic garden. villamonastero.eu
