Giardini  di  Villa  Melzi​

​By Dion Protani
Latest update: 18 January 2024
The Giardini di Villa Melzi is a botanical garden located on the shores of Lake Como, just a short walk from the lakeside town of Bellagio in the Province of Como.

The garden can be reached by road or on foot from Bellagio with the ferry stop just over a kilometre away. The recommended accommodation is the nearby Hotel du Lac in Bellagio.
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Giardini di Villa Melzi, or the Gardens of Villa Melzi, is a stunning botanical garden located on the shores of Lake Como in Bellagio, Italy. These beautiful gardens offer visitors a serene and scenic escape with their lush greenery, colorful flowers, and picturesque views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains.

Giardini di Villa Melzi covers about 8 hectares and consists of a series of terraced gardens that slope gently down to the shores of Lake Como. The garden was designed in the early 19th century by Luigi Canonica, a famous architect and designer, for Francesco Melzi d'Eril, the Duke of Lodi and Vice President of the Italian Republic under Napoleon Bonaparte.

The garden features a harmonious combination of Italian and English landscaping styles, with winding paths, serene water features, and a wide variety of plant species from all over the world. Visitors can explore the shaded walks lined with rhododendrons and azaleas, stroll along the lakefront promenade, and relax in the quiet alcoves and gazebos.

One of the highlights of Giardini di Villa Melzi is the beautiful neoclassical villa located within the garden. The villa, still privately owned by the Melzi family, is not open to the public, but its impressive facade and architectural features can be admired from the garden.
History
The Gardens of Villa Melzi were commissioned by Francesco Melzi d'Eril in 1808. The Duke was a close confidant of Napoleon Bonaparte and served as his private secretary and advisor. The garden was designed as a private retreat and a place of leisure and reflection for the Duke and his family.

Over the years, the garden has been enriched and expanded with new plantings and additions, making it the beautiful and harmonious landscape that visitors can enjoy today.
Key features and nearby attractions
  • Opening Hours: The garden is usually open to the public from spring to autumn. Opening hours may vary, so it's advisable to check the official website or local guides for current times.
  • Entrance Fee: There is an entrance fee to access the garden. The fee helps support the maintenance and preservation of this beautiful attraction.
  • Accessibility: The garden is relatively accessible, but there are some steps and uneven pathways that may present challenges to visitors with reduced mobility.
  • Photography: Giardini di Villa Melzi offers many opportunities for breathtaking photographs, especially with the stunning backdrop of Lake Como.
  • Nearby Attractions: Bellagio is a charming town with other attractions nearby, including Villa Serbelloni and the historic town center.
I Giardini di Villa Melzi
Location: Lake Como

Province: Como

Region: Lombardy

​Ferry stop: Bellagio (1.2 km)

Close by: Bellagio, San Giovanni, Varenna, Menaggio, Lenno

Recommended accommodation: Hotel Du Lac (3 km)

Giardini  di  Villa  Melzi​​  Gallery

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