Villa Saporiti Como or Villa la Rotonda

Along the western shore of the first basin of the Lake Como the ancient one is found Borgo Vico, an area of ​​origin Romanian, if not earlier, which has hosted religious settlements since the time Lombard. From Renaissance, this suburban village became a popular holiday resort for the aristocracy, attracted by the beauty of the lake and the tranquility of its landscapes.

Among the most elegant residences built along the banks of the lake, stands out Villa La Rotonda, also known as Villa Saporiti, a masterpiece of Como's neoclassical architecture.

The History of Villa Saporiti

Villa La Rotonda It was built between the 1790 and 1793 at the behest of the marquises Villani, designed by the young Viennese architect Leopold Pollack, a student of Giuseppe Piermarini, one of the most famous Italian neoclassical architects. The villa owes its name to its magnificent oval hall of honor, an architectural element inspired by the transalpine rococo, which extends from the rectangular body of the building towards the lake, creating a highly evocative visual effect.

Over the years, the property passed to various noble families, including the Tasty, which brought significant changes to the original structure of the villa. During the expansion works, part of the original building was demolished towards the current Borgovico Street and the villa was extended towards the south, also including neighbouring lands to enlarge the garden. These changes were such that the villa is still often identified with the name of the Saporiti family.

One of the most famous guests of the villa was Napoleon Bonaparte, In which 1797 during his visit to Como, he chose to stay in Villa La Rotonda, preferring it to the palace that the Municipality had prepared for him. This episode helped consolidate the villa's reputation as an exclusive and prestigious place.

Architectural Features of Villa La Rotonda

The architecture of Villa La Rotonda represents a perfect example of style neoclassic. The oval-shaped hall of honor is the heart of the villa and serves as a connecting element between the lake and the interiors, reflecting the refined tastes of its designer and its first owners. The villa is surrounded by a large garden, enriched with statues and centuries-old trees, which extends to the lake shore, offering splendid panoramic views and spaces of great elegance.

Villa La Rotonda Today

From 1950, Villa La Rotonda belongs to theProvincial Administration of Como, which made it a representative seat and public offices. The villa is connected to the adjacent Villa Gallia through the gardens, creating a historical and architectural complex of great interest. Both villas are partly accessible to the public, offering the possibility of visiting the splendid gardens and some of the most representative interiors.