Katherine Silane & Joshua Rafael
Exploring Lake Como
Villa del Balbianello
This villa was originally built in 1787 for Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini. In 1974 it was bought by the explorer Guido Monzino. Today, it’s owned by the National Trust of Italy, and can be visited by foot or by boat. Fun fact: The villa has been featured in two major movies - Casino Royale and Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones (for the Star Wars buffs, this is where Padmé and Anakin get married)
Villa Carlotta
Built at the end of the seventeenth century by the marquises Clerici of Milan, the villa tells the story of over three centuries of great collections, and each year also opens the gates of a fascinating botanical garden that draw thousands of visitors from all over the world.
Villa Monastero
Villa Monastero rests in Varenna, on the eastern shore of Lake Como. It is one of the most interesting examples of Eclecticism around Lake Como. Founded on the site of a former women’s monastery, the villa underwent numerous renovations in the 19th and 20th centuries that added decorative and functional elements which, however, did not change the building’s previous appearance and gave it an imposing appearance. The villa’s vast botanical garden and its museum, which collects centuries of history, are something not to be missed during your trip to Varenna or Lake Como.
Bellagio
Take the ferry and explore the beautiful views, shops, and gelato that Bellagio has to offer. Fun fact: this city is what the Bellagio Hotel in Vegas is modeled after!