The imposing Villa Olmo on Lake Como is a neoclassical building commissioned by the Marquis Odescalchi and completed in 1812; passing from hand to hand throughout the nineteenth century, in 1925 it was taken over by the municipality of Como which since then has used it as a venue for cultural events and art exhibitions.
Park and Gardens of Villa Olmo
Behind the villa extends the historical park of greatest interest in the entire province. Inside, which still shows the English style in vogue in the nineteenth century, there are around 800 trees including horse chestnuts , cedars of Lebanon , liquidambar and plane trees .
The greenhouses, dating back to the end of the 19th century, also deserve a mention: a fascinating iron structure that refers to the most widespread architectural style at the turn of the new century. botanical garden will be created in the park with the characteristic species of the historic gardens and cultivations of Lake Como.
The park behind the Villa , which is accessed through two side porticoes, extends for approximately five hectares and represents one of the most important historical parks in the entire province. Characterized by a harmonious panoramic layout with pleasant clearings and monumental plants, the park offers a breathtaking view of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Villa Olmo in the Kilometer of Knowledge
Villa Olmo is part of the Kilometer of Knowledge , a cultural route and at the same time a green corridor, which ideally unites twelve places of three historic villas: Villa Olmo , Villa del Grumello and Villa Sucota .
The Monumental Interiors of Villa Olmo
The interiors of Villa Olmo , of monumental dimensions, have a slightly raised central body, punctuated by columns decorated with roundels depicting Plato, Solon, Thales, Socrates and Pythagoras, the work of the Ticino sculptor Francesco Carabelli.
Inside, in perfect correspondence with the architectural solutions of the facade, we find an immense square atrium which occupies the entire area of the ancient Villa Odescalchi, covering, in height, the space of three floors.
Ballroom and lounges
From here a large arch leads to the grand staircase, decorated with finely crafted marble and stucco; Among the worked balustrades and neoclassical mirrors, a fresco by Appiani stands out, which presents a mythological subject, according to the custom of Lombard palaces and villas.
After the ballroom, a series of rooms leads to a series of rooms intended for conversation, reception, billiards and the toilet cabinet.
Villa Olmo: opening hours
From Tuesday to Sunday, you can visit Villa Olmo from 10.00 to 18.00. Entrance is free, and the Sala del Duca on the first floor is accessible during the above-mentioned times with the accompaniment of cultural operators in the Villa. However, access may be denied during temporary exhibitions and events.
Park opening hours
The Villa Olmo Park is public and available to citizens and tourists.
Winter Hours: From 1 October to 4 April, the park is open every day from 7.00 to 19.00.
Summer opening hours: From 5 April to 30 September, the park is open every day from 7.00 to 23.00.
By Car If you travel by car, you can reach Villa Olmo via the A9 motorway, exiting at Como Nord.
By Coach For those who prefer the coach, the Villa can be reached by bus n.1-6-11, stopping at Villa Olmo Lido.
On Foot If you want a pleasant walk, you can reach Villa Olmo on foot. From the city center of Como, follow the Lino Gelpi promenade. From Cernobbio, take the road to Cernobbio. The route takes approximately 30 minutes from the centre.
Parking For those arriving by car, paid parking is available in Via Cantoni and Via Bellinzona.