Dear Fellow Travelers,
As Daniela Uslan, I’m thrilled to recommend the magnificent Villa d’Este in Cernobbio, Italy. This 16th-century marvel, now a luxury hotel, boasts a rich history and breathtaking beauty.
Key facts:
• Built in 1568 as a private residence
• Converted to a hotel in 1873
• Located on the shores of Lake Como
• Features 152 rooms and suites
The crown jewel of Villa d’Este is its stunning 10-hectare park, a national monument that exemplifies Renaissance garden design. Highlights include:
• Nymphaeum of Pellegrino Tibaldi
• Mosaic-adorned fountain
• 500-year-old plane tree
• Sculptures and rare plant species
The park’s beauty has inspired artists and writers for centuries, including Stendhal and Liszt.
Villa d’Este offers a perfect blend of history, luxury, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or simply seeking a lavish getaway, this iconic destination promises an unforgettable experience.
Happy travels!.
Villa d’Este, set on the shores of Lake Como, is a symbol of opulence that has never lost its charm. It is not just a villa, but a time machine that takes you straight into the splendors of European aristocracy. Those who think it is just a luxury hotel are sorely mistaken: here one breathes the history, ambition, and power of those who knew how to make their mark.
The glorious past: between cardinals and ballerinas
Before becoming a luxury tourist destination, Villa d’Este went through centuries of transformations. Forget the stories of convents and prayers, for it is with Cardinal Ptolemy Gallio who this dwelling comes to life, with a design that leaves little room for modesty. This residence then suffered the neglect of the times, ending up in the hands of Jesuits and nobles.
Fortunately, with the arrival of the Calderara, the fate of the villa changes forever. Vittoria Peluso, a star of the La Scala Theater, brings a touch of elegance and theatricality to the late 1700s that remains etched in the gardens and in the facilities, giving the villa the sophistication that is now recognized worldwide.
The park: luxury among woods and statues
The park of Villa d’Este, a true open-air masterpiece, is much more than a garden. Styles are interwoven here that speak of power, dreams and settings that not even a movie set could recreate. Ptolemy Gallio, Caroline of Brunswick, Vittoria Peluso: each of them helped shape this earthly paradise. Bridges, paths, fortifications, nymphaeums and monumental statues tell stories of those who had the privilege of living within these walls.
And let’s not forget the “Chef’s Garden,” the latest luxury whim added in 2004 for guests who are not satisfied with a simple meal, but want an experience that engages every sense.
From residence to international icon
There is no doubt that the nineteenth century marks a moment of renaissance for Villa d’Este. With the arrival of Caroline of Brunswick, Princess of Wales, the mansion is renamed and transformed into a piece of paradise for the distinguished guests of the time. But it is only in the 1873 that Villa d’Este assumed its present role., when it became one of the hotels most exclusive in the world. A change of pace that does not go unnoticed: from that moment on, the villa becomes a must-see for anyone who wants to make their mark on Lake Como.
Today, Villa d’Este is the stage where elegance and power come together. With its frescoed salons and works of art adorning every corner, the residence attracts guests from all over the world.
Meetings of the highest level are held here, such as the Ambrosetti Forum, where politicians, entrepreneurs and global leaders meet to discuss the future. This year, the event is distinguished by the presence of top international guests, with discussions on geopolitics, economics, technology and global change. Prominent among the participants are figures such as Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who touched on issues related to the war and post-war reconstruction in Ukraine.
