Lake Como’s gardens

Lake Como is renowned worldwide for its magnificent villas and breathtaking views. However, a network of “secret” gardens, some little-known to the general public, others for their intimate, almost sacred atmosphere lies beyond the beaten paths.

These places are more than just green spaces; they are open-air museums where history, botany, and deep waters merge in an eternal embrace.

Let’s discover the most noteworthy ones, where time seems to have stood still.

1. The Garden of the Valley: The Miracle of Regeneration

Perhaps the most authentic of the “secrets,” the Giardino della Valle in Cernobbio was born from an act of love.

In the 1980s, what was once an illegal landfill was transformed by an elderly local woman, Nonna Pupa, into a peaceful oasis.

Unlike the large aristocratic villas, a spontaneous, community atmosphere reigns here. It’s a narrow valley descending to the lake, filled with exotic plants, ponds with goldfish, and wooden sculptures made from fallen trees. Admission is free. The place is lovingly cared for by volunteers and offers absolute tranquility.

2. Villa Pizzo: Discreet Elegance

Located between Cernobbio and Moltrasio, Villa Pizzo is visible almost exclusively from the lake. It is one of the residences with the largest garden, yet it remains off the beaten track due to its secluded nature.

The park is a masterful example of an Italian garden blending into an English park. Its shaded paths, ancient docks, and diverse garden architecture (fountains, artificial grottoes, and terraces) recount centuries of history without the ostentation of neighboring villas, offering an extremely intimate experience.

Villa Pizzo can only be visited through guided tours by reservation, costing €15 for adults and €10 for concessions.

3. Villa Monastero in Varenna: the Balcony on Infinity

Although it has become more famous in recent years, Villa Monastero retains an aristocratic elegance that makes it a “secret” garden due to its long, narrow structure that seems to float on the water.

The botanical garden extends for almost two kilometers along the shore. Its distinctive feature is the collection of exotic and rare species (palms, citrus trees, oleanders) that thrive in an exceptional microclimate. The stone balustrades and neoclassical temples that punctuate the path offer glimpses that seem suspended in time.

The admission ticket allows you to visit both the museum and the botanical garden.

4. Villa Fogazzaro Roi: the Literary Refuge

Technically located on the Italian shore of Lake Lugano, but an integral part of the Larian district, this villa is a jewel of the FAI (Italian National Trust). It was the summer residence of writer Antonio Fogazzaro.

The garden is a small hanging “garden of delights,” nestled between the house and the rock overlooking the lake. Its unique feature is its unbreakable connection to literature: every corner, from the scent of osmanthus to the hydrangeas, was described in the masterpiece Piccolo Mondo Antico. It is a garden that speaks, capable of evoking 19th-century atmospheres with extraordinary power. 

Access to the villa and garden is permitted only by guided tour.

5. Villa del Balbianello: The Pruner’s Perfection

Despite being one of the most visited villas (and a film set for Star Wars and James Bond), its garden hides secrets of high botanical art that escape the casual eye.

Villa del Balbianello is also a FAI heritage site and offers guided tours, especially to the main attraction: the large holm oak pruned into an “umbrella,” an annual challenge for gardeners who must climb to maintain its perfect shape.

The Durini loggia, covered by a ficus repens, carefully tended to ensure its leaves are all the same size, is a masterpiece of plant symmetry unlike any other in the world.

6. The Blackbird Garden: a magical place

The Giardino del Merlo (Blackbird Garden) is a magical place where a botanical trail will lead you through caves carved into the rock, paths with splendid views overlooking Lake Como, stairways, and panoramic terraces surrounded by a wild yet evocative environment.

The uniqueness of this botanical garden on Lake Como is that it is inspired by typical Ligurian gardens that grow on steep terrain.

The Giardino del Merlo (Blackbird Garden) extends along the border between the villages of Dongo and Musso, in the Alto Lario region. It was created on the slopes of Sasso di Musso, where the ancient castle of Gian Giacomo Medici, known as Medeghino, once stood. Today, only the ruins of this castle can be admired.

A real celebration to celebrate the beauty of these gardens

To celebrate the beauty of these places, the city of Como organizes an annual festival called the “Festival Bellezze Interiori” (Inner Beauty Festival). This event is organized by the social cooperative Tikvà – Economie Territoriali Inclusive (Inclusive Territorial Economies), under the artistic direction of singer-songwriter Andrea Parodi and Sara Ielpo.

The Festival is an annual event, usually held in spring, distinguished by the variety of its program.

Historic gardens, private courtyards, and hidden corners of Como will open to visitors, offering a unique experience that combines nature, art, culture, and music. Visitors can stroll through secret gardens and courtyards, immersing themselves in an atmosphere that goes beyond a simple visit: every place tells a story, every corner offers a unique narrative that leads the public to discover the city’s hidden environmental and architectural heritage.

Visiting the gardens of Lake Como is not just an aesthetic exercise; it is an act of spiritual preservation.

In a fast-paced world, these green corners remind us of the importance of “slow time” and constant care.

We look forward to welcoming you to our Hotel Loveno, where we can recommend the best places to visit!

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Gaia & Giada