One of Lake Como's most unforgettable views. This watercolour looks through the entrance gate of Villa Cipressi to the lake, with Bellagio and the mountains beyond.
The view is frequently photographed and shared online, and many visitors regard this gate-to-water perspective as one of the finest views in Italy. Behind the famous scene lies a historic complex of buildings and gardens developed between the 15th and 19th centuries. Originally part of the Serponti family's estate, Villa Cipressi was later reshaped by Baron Isimbardi, the Andreossi family, English owners Sir Astley and Sir Salton, and publisher Carlo Accame.
Its architecture combines Renaissance elements with later neoclassical additions, while the botanical garden descends through a series of terraces and stairways to the lakeshore. Rare Mediterranean and subtropical plants grow among palms, agaves, camellias, oleanders, citrus, roses, and Monterey cypresses. In 1980, the people of Varenna bought Villa Cipressi through a voluntary public subscription, saving the historic property and securing it for public use. It is now owned by the Municipality of Varenna and operates as a hotel, restaurant, and botanical garden. very beautiful.
Interesting facts...
In 1838, Villa Cipressi hosted Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria and his family, the estate was already functioning as a hotel before modern luxury resorts existed.
Baron Isimbardi, who owned the property at the beginning of the 19th century, established a working laboratory connected with the Milan Mint, odd to think the place had an industrial purpose.
The villa's most valuable asset nearly disappeared when local owners feared it would be sold or redeveloped: Varenna residents raised the purchase money themselves in 1980 through a public subscription. The huge wrought-iron gates painted above are not simply decorative they open directly toward the water, giving hotel guests rare private access to the lake.
Some of the garden's most dramatic views are available only from inside the property, which is why photographs from the gate have become more famous than the villa's facade.
Location: Via 4 Novembre 18, Varenna, Lake Como, Italy
