Lake Como: places to discover.

Located at the tip of the Lavedo promontory in Lenno, Villa del Balbianello is one of Lake Como’s most fascinating historic residences. Built in 1787 at the request of Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini, it became an important cultural meeting place, welcoming many writers to its celebrated literary salons.

Over the centuries, the villa passed through several noble families before becoming the home of explorer and collector Guido Monzino, who transformed it into an elegant house museum. In 1988 it was bequeathed to FAI, the National Trust for Italy, which now preserves it and opens it to visitors.

Surrounded by a magnificent terraced garden with sweeping lake views, the villa also holds two 18th‑century statues representing War and Peace. Its cypress‑lined paths and scenic vistas have made it a famous film location, appearing in Star Wars and 007 Casino Royale.

Villa Carlotta is a historic residence in Tremezzo, part of the municipality of Tremezzina, on the western shore of Lake Como. Built in the late 17th century for Marquis Giorgio Clerici, it is renowned for its botanical garden and the valuable art collections displayed inside.

The Art Museum houses outstanding sculptures and paintings, including casts and works by Antonio Canova, such as Cupid and Psyche, sculptures by Bertel Thorvaldsen and paintings by Francesco Hayez, including The Last Kiss of Romeo and Juliet.

The Botanical Garden covers around eight hectares. Azaleas and rhododendrons produce spectacular displays in April and May, while the Japanese‑inspired bamboo garden occupies more than 3,000 m². Citrus terraces overlooking the lake and centuries‑old trees complete the garden.

Villa Melzi d’Eril is an elegant historic residence in Bellagio, on the eastern shore of the Como branch of the lake. Built between 1808 and 1810 for Francesco Melzi d’Eril, Duke of Lodi and Vice‑President of the Italian Republic under Napoleon, it is famous for its English‑style landscaped gardens beside the water.

Designed by architect Luigi Canonica and botanist Luigi Villoresi, the gardens extend along the lakeshore. The plane‑tree walk, Japanese pond and distinctive Neo‑Moorish pavilion by the water offer beautiful views.

Seasonal displays include azaleas, rhododendrons, historic camellias and exotic plants. Admission covers the gardens, museum and chapel; the villa is a private residence and its interiors are not open to visitors.

Villa Monastero is a striking historic residence in Varenna, on the eastern shore of Lake Como. Founded in the late 12th century as a convent dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene, it was later transformed into a lavish patrician residence and is now owned by the Province of Lecco.

The House Museum preserves rich decorations and furnishings assembled by its successive owners. Its 14 rooms trace a journey through eclectic styles, from Neoclassicism and late Baroque to the grandeur of the Neo‑Renaissance.

The Botanical Garden stretches for around two kilometres along the shore, across terraces and stairways. Rare exotic plants, citrus trees, palms, cypresses, yuccas, wisteria and roses grow among statues, small temples, fountains, balustrades and historic reliefs.

Villa Serbelloni Park covers the steep promontory separating the two branches of Lake Como in Bellagio. Renowned for its panoramic position, it extends over more than 21 hectares of native and exotic vegetation, leafy paths, artificial grottoes and the remains of medieval fortifications.

Once owned by the Sfondrati family and later by the Serbelloni family, the villa now belongs to the Rockefeller Foundation of New York. The foundation allows the Municipality of Bellagio to organise guided park tours, with proceeds supporting social and cultural initiatives.

The botanical route winds along the hillside among pines, cypresses, holm oaks, rhododendrons, azaleas and exotic plants, opening onto views of the lake and the Alps. Tours cover the park; the villa’s interiors are not open to the public.