This watercolour captures Villa Sola Cabiati, also known as "La Quiete", on Lake Como's Tremezzo shoreline. Originally built in the early 16th century for the Duchess of Carretto, the villa was transformed in the 18th century by the Dukes of Serbelloni into one of Lake Como's most elegant aristocratic residences. Duke Gian Galeazzo Serbelloni added the neoclassical extensions, Italian gardens, central staircase, marble balconies, and the distinctive blue-painted shutters that echo the lake waters. The villa's symmetrical facade, with its two lower wings, faces the lake, framed by an ornate wrought-iron gate with mythological figures. The estate is now managed by the Grand Hotel Tremezzo and offers exclusive suites to guests.
Interesting facts...
The villa's motto, "Villulae quietem" ("the tranquility of a small villa"), was coined by Enlightenment poet Giuseppe Parini, who tutored the young Duke Gian Galeazzo from 1754 to 1762. Parini named the villa "La Quiete" — "The Calm" — reflecting its peaceful atmosphere. Among the villa's treasures is the bed in which Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte slept during their visit to the Serbelloni palace in Milan. The villa contains frescoes by the school of Tiepolo, hand-crafted Murano glass chandeliers, and original terrazzo floors. The top two floors are preserved as a private museum housing the family's personal effects and artworks. The Serbelloni family crest still crowns the building. The villa has been owned by the Sola Cabiati family since 1871.
Location: Tremezzo, Lake Como, Italy