Lake Como is the third-largest lake in Italy, located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. The lake is a popular tourist destination and has been a favourite vacation spot for celebrities and wealthy travelers for centuries, and not just since George Clooney became a neighbour there :-) In today's article, I'll introduce you to the three most beautiful villas on Lake Como that are worth visiting.
1. Villa del Balbianello
Villa del Balbianello is a stunning, historic villa located on the western shore of Lake Como in the town of Lenno. It is famous for its beautiful gardens and stunning views of the lake and was originally built in the 18th century as a monastery. Later it was converted into a private residence. Now, the villa is owned by the Italian National Trust and is open to the public.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the villa and its gardens, and learn about the history, art and architecture that are preserved within its walls. The interior of the villa can only be visited with a guided tour. There you will find several rooms in their original state, including a library, a music room and a dining room.
The last private owner of the villa was Guido Monzino, an Italian explorer, mountaineer and adventurer. He ventured into the polar regions and in 1961, he successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest, becoming the first Italian to do so. Today's museum in Villa del Balbianello contains artifacts collected by him, such as Inuit sculptures.
One of the main attractions of Villa del Balbianello is its breathtaking setting. Perched on a promontory overlooking Lake Como, the villa offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the crystal-clear waters of the lake. The terraced gardens of the villa are meticulously landscaped, featuring elegant statues, vibrant flowers and of course, impressive umbrella trees.
Maybe the garden even looks familiar to you: Villa del Balbianello has gained international recognition as a filming location for various movies, including Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones and Casino Royale.
The visit to this impressive villa was breathtaking, I can recommend it to anyone visiting Lake Como. Another little hint: The villa can only be reached by foot or by boat.
2. Villa Carlotta
Another gem of Lake Como is Villa Carlotta. The villa is located on the western shore of Lake Como, in the town of Tremezzo. It was built in the late 17th century for the Milanese marquis Giorgio Clerici, and was later acquired by the Prussian princess Marianne of Nassau in 1843. She named it Villa Carlotta in honour of her daughter Carlotta, and since then the villa has been known by this name.
The villa is famous for its stunning gardens, which cover an area of approximately 70,000 square meters. The gardens are home to a wide variety of exotic plants and flowers, including camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons and magnolias. And there is also a beautiful water garden, which features fountains, statues, and a charming little pond.
Inside the villa, there is a museum that houses a collection of artwork and sculptures. The museum's exhibits include works by neoclassical sculptors as Antonio Canova. You will find a very fine replica of the original "Cupid and Psyche" by him from 1796 (the original is in the Hermitage museum in St. Petersburg). And furthermore, paintings by artists such as Francesco Hayez and Andrea Appiani are also exhibited.
I really enjoyed my visit to Villa Carlotta and can only recommend it to every visitor to Lake Como.
3. Villa Monastero
Villa Monastero was originally a Cistercian convent in the 12th century, but was later converted into a private residence in the 16th century. Now, the villa is a museum and hosts a botanical garden that is open to the public. The villa is located in Varenna.
The garden is divided into several sections, including an arboretum, a bamboo grove, a citrus grove, and a palm grove. There is also a beautiful waterfront terrace that offers stunning views of the lake.
As with the other villas mentioned before, there are several rooms that have been preserved in their original state that can be visited with a guided tour. You will learn about the history of Villa Monastero and Varenna, about art and even geology of the Lake Como region. Villa Monastero has served as an international scientific and educational center since the early 20th century, so the museum provides insights to scientific contributions associated with the villa. There are also conferences, workshops and research programs held, particularly in the fields of physics, biology and environmental sciences.
Villa Monastero is open to the public from March to October. It's combination of history, architecture, breathtaking gardens, educational initiatives and cultural events make it a special and captivating destination on Lake Como, that shouldn't be missed!
Conclusion
Natural beauty, historic charm and cultural heritage - Lake Como is a truly special destination. Arrived at this paradise, you will find numerous elegant villas such as Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta and Villa Monastero, that showcase stunning architecture, splendid interiors and meticulously landscaped gardens.
We really enjoyed our stay at Lake Como. It's worth noting that spring and autumn offer a good balance between pleasant weather and fewer crowds, while summer provides a lively atmosphere of the lake. So, the best time to visit Lake Como depends on your personal preferences and your tolerance for crowds. But I'm sure whatever time you decide to go to Lake Como - it will be an unforgettable and beautiful trip :-)
Have a wonderful week,
your Anna
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