Bellagio preserves the memory of that splendid era which lasted for over a century, a period in which the town was one of the most exclusive, elegant and aristocratic resorts in Italy.

The villas of the area are an extraordinary example of fine architecture and landscaping which give us a vivid picture of the lifestyle of an entire governing class.

The majority of villas are in the neoclassical style of the Napoleonic era. In fact, it was during those years and for the rest of that century that many of the houses we see today were built.

Villa Serbelloni – Villa Melzi – Villa Giulia - Villa Trorri – Villa Trivulzio Gerli

Other splendid villas open to the public grace the area surrounding Bellagio and can be reached in a few minutes by car or, better, by boat.

LENNO – Villa Balbianello

This villa is situated at the end of the Lavedo promontory. It was built in 1787 for Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini who set out to create the most beautiful garden on the Tremezzo Riviera.
A winding, shaded path leads up to a terrace from which one can admire a beautiful view of the lake. Further up, the loggia exhibits a rich collection covering the history of alpine and polar exploration.
The villa now belongs to FAI, the Italian equivalent of the National Trust (a fund for the

Preservation of the Environment) which maintains it in all splendour.

TREMEZZO -Villa Carlotta

The magnificent park and its rare plants attract visitors from all over the world and it is particularly famous for the spring flowering of azaleas and rhododendrons. Some of the flowering plants are enormous and reach the exceptional height of 22 metres.

VARENNA – Villa Monastero

This ex Cistercian convent dates from 1200 and was transformed into a splendid residence in the 17th century. Since 1936 the villa has played host to international scientific and cultural meetings.

VARENNA – Villa Cipressi

Villa Cipressi is a series of buildings and gardens of great historical interest built principally between 1400 and 1800.
In 1980 it was bought by voluntary public subscription by the “People and Friends of Varenna” and now it’s run by a private association of volunteers.

COMO – MILANO – LUGANO