Villa Carlotta

Villa Carlotta featuring a coastal town and general coastal views
Villa Carlotta
Villa Carlotta which includes general coastal views, a ferry and a bay or harbor
Villa Carlotta


Nestled on the edge of Lake Como, this 18th-century villa is a paradise for lovers of fine art and fine gardens.

The waterfront Villa Carlotta holds a collection of fine art featuring works by Antonio Canova and Francesco Hayez, as well as a glorious garden that blooms with sweetly scented flowers and shrubs. Browse the bounty of art inside, wander around one of Europe’s best displays of colourful flora and steal a moment’s peace in the traditional Japanese bamboo garden.

Villa Carlotta was built at the end of the 17th century for a Milanese marquis, but takes its current name from a Prussian princess, who received the house as a gift upon her marriage to Georg II of Saxen-Meiningen in 1850. Nowadays much of the house remains as it would have been in their time. Period furniture, some superb artworks and the breathtaking gardens are enough to keep most visitors occupied for an afternoon.

Explore the grand halls, reception rooms and master bedrooms and marvel at the sumptuous décor. Gold-lined mirrors, handcrafted ornaments and frescoed tables give the interior a resplendent feel.

Find an array of magnificent paintings and sculptures displayed around the villa. Pieces by Hayez, Thorvaldsen and Canova feature heavily with particular highlights including Hayez’s The Last Adieu of Romeo and Juliet and Canova’s mesmerizing depiction of Terpsichore, the goddess of dance.

Step out from the dark wooden halls into the fabulous botanical garden and stroll between rows of flowers and lush shrubs, which are just metres from the clear water of the lake. Walk around the maze-like network of pathways and enjoy the smell of the fragrant orange trees and the bright colours of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias.

Don’t miss the bamboo garden, found further away from the house. Hidden among the trees, this peaceful enclave covers an area of 9,842-square-feet (3,000-square-metres) and contains 25 species of bamboo, many of them extremely rare. 

Villa Carlotta is located in the small commune of Tremezzo on the western shore of Lake Como. It is open every day between March and November and there is a small admission charge. If you are coming from elsewhere around the lake, catch the Cadenabbia car ferry to Tremezzo.

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Top Villa Carlotta Hotel Deals

Hotel Bazzoni et du Lac

Hotel Bazzoni et du Lac

3 out of 5
Via Regina, 26, Tremezzina, CO
Hotel Bazzoni et du Lac
Hotel Belvedere

Hotel Belvedere

4 out of 5
Via Valassina, 31, Bellagio, CO
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Grand Hotel Tremezzo

Grand Hotel Tremezzo

5 out of 5
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Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni

Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni

5 out of 5
Via Teresio Olivelli 1, Bellagio, CO
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Hotel La Perla

Hotel La Perla

3 out of 5
Via Romolo Quaglino 7, Tremezzina, CO
Hotel La Perla
Hotel Excelsior Splendide

Hotel Excelsior Splendide

3 out of 5
Via Lungo Lario Manzoni, 28, Bellagio, CO
Hotel Excelsior Splendide
Hotel Lario

Hotel Lario

3 out of 5
Via Statale Regina, 48, Mezzegra, Tremezzina, CO
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Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa, by R Collection Hotels

Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa, by R Collection Hotels

5 out of 5
Via B. Castelli, 9, Menaggio, CO
Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa, by R Collection Hotels
Locanda della Maria

Locanda della Maria

Via Loreti 5, San Giovanni, Bellagio, CO
Locanda della Maria
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.