The Villas of Lake Como

- May 10, 2018

Day 3 - This day our optional excursion is the Lake Como Cruise & Bellagio. As we make our way to Bellagio we will pass by some of Lake Como’s most famous villas, and as we do, inquiring minds will want to know - when was it built, who lived there, what is its history?

Below are some of the villas and a little bit about them.

We will be cruising "up the striding man's leg"

from Como to Bellagio. The most lavish villas

were built on the western shore to get the

most sunshine and to have wonderful

views of the mountains across the lake.

Villa Olmo is in the city of Como. Built in classic Italian style as a summer retreat for a family of nobility, it is considered the most lavish villa. Napoleon Bonaparte was a guest. Today it is Como's beautiful event center.

Villa d'Este was once the home of a cardinal of Como and the residence of the estranged wife of King George IV. In 1873 it became a hotel for nobility. At a gala dinner in 1948 a wealthy silk merchant was shot dead by his lover who used her own husband's pistol. We won't be staying here, but you can take a tour.
https://youtu.be/SlvI3JDSljA

Villa Oleandra, from the 16th century, is the summer home of George Clooney. It is said that on a motorcycle ride in the area he had a breakdown near the villa. The owner, "King of Ketchup" John Heinz, came to his aid, and Clooney soon bought the villa.

Villa Barbianello, built 1787 on the tip of the peninsula, was once a 13thC Franciscan monastery. You can see the old twin bell towers. The upper floor is dedicated to a former owner, Guido Monzini, who was the leader of the first Italian expedition to Mt. Everest. Allied commanders camped here during the end of WWll. The villa has been used for several movies including 2006 "Casino Royale" and a 2002 Star Wars movie.

Villa Carlotta is the villa we can choose for a self-guided tour. A wealthy silk merchant began building the villa in 1690. It was eventually bought by the wife of Prince Albert of Prussia for 780,000 lira, who later gave it to her daughter Carlotta. While the interior contains notable sculpture and artwork, it is the 17 acres of gardens that make this villa famous. Enjoy a picnic on the grounds.

Villa Melzi, in Bellagio, was built early 1800's. It was the summer residence of the vice president of the Italian Republic founded by Napoleon.

Villa Serbelloni stretches high upon the Bellagio promontory. It features 12 miles of garden paths. Noted visitors have included Leonardo de Vinci, Emperor Maximillian l and Queen Victoria.