Villa Olmo

Villa Olmo Lake Como

The imposing Villa Olmo on Lake Como it is a neoclassical building commissioned by the Marquis Odescalchi and was 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, sweetgum e 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. Finally, a botanical garden with the characteristic species of the historic gardens and cultivations of Lake Como.

l 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 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 e 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 time: From 1 October to 4 April, the park is open every day from 7.00 to 19.00.

Summer time: From 5 April to 30 September, the park is open every day from 7.00 to 23.00.