Lake Como has always been one of the most popular Italian tourist destinations in the world, thanks to the villages rich in art and history. The area of Lake Como is known internationally not only for the beautiful landscapes, but also for historic villas, real masterpieces of architecture built between the 16th and 19th century, with gardens reflected in the lake waters. Here there is a list of the most beautiful villas to visit.

Villa Balbianello

An unmissable villa that in recent years has led many Hollywood directors to set their films here, Villa Balbianello owes its name to the estate of Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini called the "Balbiano". Its construction dates back to the late 18th century, when there was already a small monastery dedicated to San Giovanni, which was cleverly incorporated into the building. The Villa is spread over six floors and includes the Glacier, the House of the Custos, the Forest House, the Park, the Serra, even though the most precious wing of the villa is the Loggia, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the lake. Since 1988 Villa Balbianello has been donated to FAI (Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano), which transformed it into a museum. Among its rows of vines and panoramic views of Lake Como were set two of the highest-grossing films at the box office: Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002) and 007 - Casino Royale (2006).

Villa Melzi D'Eril

Villa Melzi was built between 1808 and 1815 in the name of the client, the vice president of the Republic, Francesco Melzi D'Eril. Located in the southern part of Bellagio, Villa Melzi is one of the examples of neoclassical style, despite being a seemingly simple structure: the monumental staircase and the panoramic terrace offers a unique visual space of the lake. Inside, there are many works of art, but the highlight of Villa Melzi d'Eril is the garden, where you can admire rare plants, exotic specimens, ancient trees, giant rhododendrons, azaleas woods and hedges of camellias.

Villa Carlotta

Among the historic villas overlooking Lake Como, Villa Carlotta is one of the oldest villas. Commissioned by the Marquis Giorgio Clerici, the Villa is an imposing but sober building located in Tremezzo, in a basin between lake and mountains. With the subsequent owner, Gian Battista Sommariva, Villa Carlotta reached the peak of its magnificence: he wanted part of the garden to be transformed into a romantic park and to add to the house works of art by Canova, Thorvaldsen, Hayez who made the villa a temple of 19th century art. The villa owes its name to one of the subsequent owners, Duke George II of Saxony Meiningen, a lover of art, theater, music and poetry, who called it Charlotte in homage to his wife. Known for more than 150 varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas, the park of Villa Carlotta is amazing during spring flowering, but is suitable for a visit at any time of the year.

Villa Olmo

Villa Olmo is certainly the most impressive of the villas of Lake Como. An example of neoclassical architecture, was begun in the late '700 and completed in 1812 by the Marquises Odescalchi. It consists of a large complex, which includes, in addition to a large park, the central body of the villa, now used as an exhibition venue, the northern side wing, the greenhouses, the Tennis Como complex, the international hostel and the lido. Villa Olmo takes its name from a colossal elm tree, legendary planted by Pliny the Younger. Since 1924 the villa belongs to the Municipality of Como that, after restoration, has destined it to host cultural events.

Villa Monastero

Born from the transformation of an ancient Cistercian monastery, Villa Monastero has had many owners, until the last: the Milanese De Marchi of Swiss origin (which is entitled the Multipurpose Hall of Varenna) - which invested in expensive construction and renovation work. In 1939 the De Marchi donated it to the State, with the obligation to preserve it and use it to cultural institutions of public benefit; so it was that fourteen years later, in 1953, the congress center was built, which still hosts conferences of a cultural and scientific nature. Villa Monastero is centrally located to the garden, which stretches along the coast and offers visitors colorful and botanical varieties and a museum house with the original furnishings and collections of the owners.