Villa Olmo
A neoclassical villa on the lakeshore north of Como city, whose free lakeside gardens are often used for major art exhibitions.
Villa Olmo was built at the end of the 18th century by the Odescalchi family. It is the most magnificent neoclassical lakeside villa in Como, and both Napoleon and the Austrian emperor have visited it. It is now owned by the city government. The Italian formal garden and the English landscape park are open free of charge, while the villa’s main hall requires a ticket when it hosts art exhibitions. The walk from the city center along the lake takes about 20 minutes. Along the way you pass the Volta Temple and the “Path of Knowledge,” making it the most pleasant walking route at the southern end of Lake Como.
Opening hours
Garden approx. 08:00–19:00 (later in summer)
Nearby sights
- Life Electric & Diga Foranea
- Como Cathedral
- Basilica of Sant'Abbondio
- Como–Brunate Funicular
- Como Silk Museum
- Orrido di Nesso
- Greenway del Lago di Como
- Isola Comacina