Villa Melzi D’Eril and its gardens are located in the hilly and landscaped scenery of Bellagio between the two branches of the Lake Como. They are an harmonious example of english garden in Neoclassical style, considered as National monument.
The complex, which was built at the beginning of the 19th century by the will of the Duke of Lodi Francesco Melzi D’Eril, includes besides the gardens, the homonymous Villa, the Chapel and the Oranges’ Greenhouse. The visit of the gardens, whose symble is Camelia’s flower, is a unique experience which allows visitors to enjoy this quiet, colorful, scented location which has always inspired poets and artists, for example Stendhal.
The villa’s facade is simple and regular, composed by a double staircase and decorated with four lions in an ancient egyptian style. On both sides there are two marbles of the 16th century, representing Apollo and Melagro. In front of the villa, there’s a big fountain overlooking the lake.
The gardens, enhanced with sculptures, were projected by the same architets which had placed the Royal villa of Monza’s park. In the garden, there are old trees, Camelias’ hedges, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, rocks and monuments, old boats and also storic, artistics relics.
A kiosk in Moorish style keeps the Villa’s last owner’s bust. In front of the kiosk there’s a monument, representing Dante and Beatrice, from which franz Liszt took inspiration for his Sonata to Dante.
Schedule and tariffs
Villa Melzi’s gardens are opened to the public every day from 10am to 7pm (last entrance at 6.30pm) from 26th March till end October 2022.
The gardens are closed in case of bad weather for the visitors’ safety. Tickets can be bought on the spot or online on the website and allow visitors to see the Museum, the Gardens and the Chapel. The Villa isn’t opened to the public. The access is possible for people with disabilities too, but bikes and scooters aren’t allowed.
Adults 8.00 euros
Children under 11 Free enter
Groups (at least 15 persons): 6.50 euros
Schools 5.00 euros
Season pass: 50.00 euro on info@giardinidivillamelzi.it
Guided tours are avaliable, book on :visite@giardinidivillamelzi.it
Photos by: Franco Papetti, Cristiano Ostinelli, Sonia Poncia, Giuseppe Mastrolmo.
