Lake Como, one of Italy’s most picturesque destinations, is famous for its serene waters, breathtaking mountain views, and elegant villas steeped in history. The region’s charm lies not only in its natural beauty but also in the timeless architecture and peaceful ambiance that captivate visitors year-round.
These historic villas, standing proudly along the lake’s shores, are more than just beautiful residences. They hold fascinating stories, secrets, and legends within their walls — tales of emperors, poets, and celebrities who once graced their grand halls. It’s no surprise that Lake Como holidays offer a perfect blend of art, culture, and tranquility, inviting travellers to step back in time while soaking in the stunning surroundings.
For those planning their next getaway, holidays to Lake Como promise an unforgettable escape. Whether you’re exploring centuries-old estates or enjoying the lakeside views, the region offers a unique mix of history and luxury. To make your trip even more seamless, consider all inclusive holiday deals like the ones provided by online travel agencies like Travelodeal — combining elegant stays, delicious cuisine, and scenic excursions for a stress-free experience.
Villa del Balbianello: A Love Story & A Hollywood Icon
Perched on a lush promontory in Lenno, Villa del Balbianello is one of Lake Como’s most enchanting villas. Built in the late 18th century, it was originally a monastery before being transformed into a lavish retreat for noble families.
But the villa’s most romantic tale is that of its last owner, Guido Monzino, an Italian explorer who led the first Italian expedition to Mount Everest. A lover of adventure, he filled the villa with artefacts from his travels—maps, antique books, and expedition gear. Monzino, who never married, wanted his home to remain untouched after his passing, and today, it stands frozen in time, exactly as he left it.
This villa has also starred in Hollywood films like Casino Royale and Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, making it one of the most recognisable spots on the lake. The secret to its cinematic appeal?
Villa Carlotta: The Hidden Romantic Masterpiece
Just across the lake in Tremezzo lies Villa Carlotta, a grand estate with an even grander love story. Built in the 17th century, the villa was later given to Princess Carlotta of Prussia as a wedding present. The young princess and her husband, Duke Georg II, transformed the estate into a haven of art and botanic beauty, filling it with masterpieces by Canova and Thorvaldsen while designing its famous botanical gardens.
But what many visitors don’t know is that during World War II, the villa narrowly escaped destruction. Thanks to the efforts of local caretakers, its priceless artworks and sculptures were hidden away to protect them from bombings and looting.
Villa Melzi: A Garden with Secret Paths
Villa Melzi, in Bellagio, is often overshadowed by more famous villas, but its tranquil beauty and hidden gardens make it a true gem. Built in the early 19th century for Duke Francesco Melzi d’Eril, this neoclassical villa was a retreat for artists, poets, and politicians—even Napoleon himself was rumoured to have visited.
While the villa itself remains private, its expansive gardens are open to visitors, offering a peaceful escape from the crowds. What many don’t realise is that these gardens were designed to symbolise a journey through different landscapes, from Japanese-inspired ponds to hidden statues and cypress-lined paths that lead to secret viewpoints over the lake.
One of the garden’s lesser-known attractions is the small Moorish-style pavilion, where composers and poets found inspiration. It’s said that Franz Liszt, the famous pianist, often walked these gardens, composing music while gazing at the lake.
Villa Monastero: From Convent to Grand Estate
Originally a 12th-century convent, Villa Monastero in Varenna has undergone a fascinating transformation over the centuries. After the convent was abandoned, it became a noble residence, evolving into an elegant lakeside retreat filled with Venetian-style architecture, Renaissance frescoes, and grand halls for perfect holidays to Lake Como.
One of its most intriguing secrets is its scientific past—in the early 20th century, the villa became an international centre for scientific research. Some of the world’s greatest minds gathered here for conferences, and even today, it continues to host academic events.
But perhaps the villa’s most mysterious feature is its legend of the ghostly nun. Locals whisper that the spirit of a former nun, heartbroken after being forced into convent life, still lingers in the villa’s corridors. Whether or not you believe the tale, Villa Monastero’s beauty is undeniably haunting.
Unveiling Lake Como’s Hidden History
Lake Como’s villas are more than just luxurious homes—they are living pieces of history, each with its tales of love, loss, adventure, and artistry. Whether you explore Villa del Balbianello’s cinematic gardens, Villa Carlotta’s romantic history, or Villa Monastero’s mysterious past, holidays to Lake Como reveal a new layer of the lake’s timeless allure.