Photos

Extending south and north of the town of Cernobbio are the envy-inducing villas, built mostly in the 19th century, by the titled nobility of many of Europe's courts and the sometimes wealthier titans of industry who made their money in Milan, Torino and other Italian and European cities.
The best way to see these villas, whose impressive facades and cascading gardens are mirrored in the lake, is from the water. Many of these villas have been converted into comfortable hotels, and of these the most impressive - and most comfortable (if you have the bucks) is the large and very grand Villa d'Este, whose original elements were constructed in 1568 for Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, a native of the area. The Villa is built on the site of an old convent - or "Coenobium" in Latin - and this is the origin of the town's name.

Here on the photo is Villa Pizzo, dating to the mid 16th century, sitting in a vast, tree-shaded park. Its interior boasts a number of 17th century frescoes.
It is a private property.

It is time to leave Como Lake, at least for a moment. I recommend such a trip like mine. It is easy to make. I went in the morning, after visiting Giardino Giusti in Verona, by train to Varenna and the by ferry to Bellagio. There I have enough time to stroll on beautiful streets and waterfront before I went by boat to Como. The boat is relatively cheap, only 8 Euros. It is well worth because the views of the villages on the shore are fabulous. From como I went by trai n to Milan and had still enough tiime to see the most important places there. I must say that after such a busy day I was a bit tired ...

I think that it would be a good place for TE-meeting. it is easy to reach from italy and abroad and very attractive. The main problem I see is that no one lives there.

Have a nice weekend.

Photo made from a distance so maybe it is a bit unsharp. But I liked this view, specially the gardens, very much.



Another view of the Villa