Villa Olmo is the most imposing neoclassical residence on Lake Como, built between 1782 and 1812. Currently, the villa is closed for restoration, but its historic park is open daily with free admission. Among the over 800 centuries-old trees, you can stroll admiring statues, fountains, and the neoclassical temple. What makes the visit special?
Historic park with Lebanon cedars and horse chestnuts, open until night in summer.
Neoclassical architecture by Simone Cantoni, with grand staircase and frescoes.
Private theater with 92 seats and perfect acoustics.
Cultural events such as exhibitions and concerts, when the villa is accessible.
Events nearby
Discover Villa Olmo, the most imposing neoclassical residence in Como, with a centuries-old park of 800 trees. Admire the Italian garden, frescoes, and private theater. Free entry to the park, the villa is closed for restoration.
Good to know
A Neoclassical Jewel by the Lake
Strolling along the Como lakefront, you come across a residence that seems to have stepped out of a painting: Villa Olmo. It is the most imposing of the Como villas, with its facade adorned with Ionic columns and a park stretching to the water’s edge. The atmosphere is that of the Grand Tour, when nobles and artists came here to admire Lake Como. Today, despite the restorations, the park is open to everyone free of charge: just step in and be amazed.
From the Odescalchi to the City Council
Villa Olmo was built at the behest of Marquis Innocenzo Odescalchi, who commissioned architect Simone Cantoni in 1782 to design a summer residence. Completed in 1812, the villa passed to the Raimondi family and then to the Visconti di Modrone. In 1925, the City of Como purchased it and opened it to the public. Over the centuries, it has hosted luminaries such as Napoleon, Garibaldi, and Ugo Foscolo. Here are the key moments:
- 1782: Construction begins under Simone Cantoni’s design
- 1797: Napoleon stays here with Joséphine
- 1824: Passes to the Marquises Raimondi
- 1883: Acquired by the Visconti di Modrone, who add the small theater
- 1925: Donated to the City of Como
- 2018: Reopened after restoration, but currently closed for new work
A Park with 800 Trees
Behind the villa lies a historic English-style park with over 800 trees: horse chestnuts, Lebanon cedars, sweetgums, and planes. Strolling through, you’ll discover statues, a neoclassical temple, and an Italian garden overlooking the lake. The 19th-century iron greenhouses add charm. Recently, a botanical garden featuring typical Lario species has been created. The park is open daily from 7 am to 7 pm in winter and until 11 pm in summer. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic or reading in the shade of a centuries-old cedar.
Frescoes, Halls, and a Secret Theater
Even though the villa is closed for restoration, it’s worth getting to know its interiors. The three-story atrium leads to rooms frescoed by Domenico Pozzi: the Ballroom is a masterpiece with a ceiling painted with Apollo and the Muses. On the first floor, the Duke’s Room retains neobaroque friezes. And then there’s the private theater with 92 seats, commissioned by the Visconti di Modrone in 1883, with perfect acoustics and a ceiling frescoed by Fontana. When it reopens, it will be a plunge into 18th-century Lombardy.
Three Good Reasons to Go
1. Free entry to the park: no need to spend a euro to enjoy one of the most beautiful gardens on Lake Como.
2. Open-air history: among statues and small temples, relive the atmosphere of the Grand Tour.
3. Ideal starting point for the Kilometer of Knowledge: from here you can continue on foot towards Villa del Grumello and Villa Sucota, along a green path overlooking the lake.
2. Open-air history: among statues and small temples, relive the atmosphere of the Grand Tour.
3. Ideal starting point for the Kilometer of Knowledge: from here you can continue on foot towards Villa del Grumello and Villa Sucota, along a green path overlooking the lake.
The Right Moment
The park is beautiful in every season, but I recommend spring, when hydrangeas and iceberg roses bloom in the flowerbeds, or autumn, when the horse chestnut trees turn golden. To avoid the crowds, go early in the morning or at sunset: the lake offers incredible colors. In summer, the park stays open until 11 p.m., perfect for a cool evening stroll.
Near Villa Olmo
Just a few steps away, two more gems of the Kilometer of Knowledge await: Villa del Grumello and Villa Sucota, both with open parks. If you have time, continue to the center of Como to visit the Tempio Voltiano or the Cathedral. For a dip in the lake, the Lido di Villa Olmo is right next door (seasonal).
Itineraries nearby
💡 Did You Know…?
Did you know that Napoleon Bonaparte stayed at Villa Olmo in 1797? And that the daughter of Marquis Raimondi, Giuseppina, married Garibaldi, who repudiated her shortly after? These and other anecdotes make the villa a place rich in history.