Villa Carlotta

A lakeside villa and public garden in Tremezzo on Lake Como, Lombardy, dating from the late 17th century and known for its landscaped terraces and art collection. The site combines horticultural displays with a historic house museum.

Built in the late 17th century and altered by successive owners, the villa and gardens were enriched during the 19th century by collectors and noble proprietors who assembled the present art holdings and reshaped the grounds. The site later passed into institutional or foundation care to preserve both garden and collections for public access.

Positioned on the western shore of Lake Como in the town of Tremezzo, the villa is on the lakefront about an hour’s drive north of Milan depending on traffic, and forms part of the chain of historic villas along the lake.

• Gardens size and best season: The gardens span roughly 8 hectares and are particularly renowned for spring displays of azaleas and rhododendrons, peaking in April and May.

What to See #

• Gardens: Formal terraced botanical gardens that cover approximately 8 hectares and include notable rhododendron and azalea collections, sculpture, and seasonal plantings.
• Villa interior and collections: The main villa houses a permanent art collection of 19th-century paintings and neoclassical sculpture assembled by historic owners and patrons.