Villa Melzi d'Eril, Bellagio, Italy

Villa Melzi d’Eril was created as the summer residence of Francesco Melzi d’Eril, vice president of the Italian Republic that was founded by Napoleon in the early 1800s. Located in Bellagio, this vast complex is one of the most popular attractions among tourists who visit the Pearl of Lake Como.

Unfortunately, Villa Melzi is not open to the public but you can visit its gardens, designed by architect Luigi Canonica and agronomist Luigi Villoresi. Experience a fascinating walk in the Villa Melzi gardens, and enjoy the perfect balance between architecture and natural beauty.

The Villa Melzi gardens are preserved with great care by the family Gallarati Scotti, the current owners. A long avenue of plane trees begins at the landing of the boats. Gardens of azaleas and gigantic rhododendrons surround the villa, enclosing small spaces such as the hidden cave or the artificial pond in Japanese style. In the Orangery adjacent to the villa there is a small museum, which exhibits Napoleonic memorabilia, evidence of Duke Francesco Melzi d’Eril’s loyalty to Napoleon.

The Villa Melzi gardens also have many exotic and rare plants which alternate with secular trees, big camellia hedges, and many other plant species.

References:

Lake Como Travel

User Reviews

M Madinina (6 months ago)
It was named the most beautiful garden of Italy in 2016 and it deserve the label. It is a must do in Bellagio. Such a beautiful, peaceful place. The view is simply stunning. There is a museum. Plants have labels to identify their names and origins.

June Yan (6 months ago)
Very beautiful and well maintained garden, I went shortly after the gates opened but it does eventually get quite a bit busier. Lovely views of the lake!

Paule Santos (6 months ago)
Well maintained garden. Its beautiful and has some nice views in the elevated areas but I liked the garden in Villa Monastero at Varenna a little more. Still a good place to take a stroll though! Its also a Bit more peaceful here.

Chloe (6 months ago)
Lovely well maintained gardens with excellent information to aid the experience. I was expecting more flowers, however there was mostly trees. The museum was informative with easily digestible reading. Great views overlooking lake Como.

Victoria K. (8 months ago)
One of the most beautiful places and gardens I’ve seen. It’s clean, the staff is constantly working to keep it gorgeous. Definitely worth a visit. I enjoyed very much taking a walk in the garden.

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