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.

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Details

Founded: 1808
Category: Palaces, manors and town halls in Italy

More Information

lakecomotravel.com

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

The Santoros (4 months ago)
Villa Melzi is truly a dream wedding venue on Lake Como! As wedding photographers, we were absolutely blown away by the beauty of this place. The villa is stunning, but the real highlight is the incredible gardens. With perfectly maintained paths, vibrant flowers, and breathtaking views of the lake, it offers the perfect backdrop for romantic ceremonies and photos. Every corner of the garden feels magical, from the elegant statues to the serene waterfront. It’s a paradise for anyone looking to capture unforgettable wedding memories in an iconic Italian setting. If you’re dreaming of a lakeside wedding surrounded by natural beauty, we highly recommend Villa Melzi. We loved every moment photographing here!
Simon Bolitho (4 months ago)
Lovely gardens to visit on the edge of Bellagio. So many lovely trees and plants to see as you walk through these fantastic gardens. Great views over Lake Como.
Gnawtylist (5 months ago)
Villa Melzi in Bellagio is an absolute gem nestled along the stunning coast of Lake Como. The gardens are breathtakingly beautiful, with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and perfectly manicured paths that invite you to take a leisurely stroll while soaking in the serene lake views. Every corner of the garden offers something magical, whether it's the elegant statues, the lily-covered pond, or the stunning vantage points overlooking the water. Its proximity to the center of Bellagio is another huge plus—just a short walk from the heart of town, making it easy to explore both the vibrant village and the peaceful charm of Villa Melzi in the same day. If you're visiting Bellagio, a few hours spent wandering these enchanting gardens is an absolute must. It's a peaceful retreat with a backdrop of one of the most picturesque landscapes in the world. Highly recommend!
Hannah Markmann (5 months ago)
I went to 5 villas while I was in Lake Como and this was my favourite by far. The gardens and the statues were really nice and the lake view was great. I particularly enjoyed the antiquities room just behind the villa - no one else was in there! The chapel was lovely too.
Maggie Kiara (6 months ago)
The gardens and the views are both stunning. There are statues and sculptures scattered throughout the gardens, as well as a small museum near the villa. Visitors cannot enter the villa itself because it is a private residence, but just the gardens are worth visiting. The lake view is glorious, and there's even a small church on the property. I highly recommend visiting, but try to avoid the summers when the heat is unbearable.
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