Villa Carlotta
Lombardia
Villa Carlotta, located in Tremezzo on Lake Como in Northern Italy, is a remarkable historic villa and botanical garden that has stood since the mid-18th century. Originally built by the Clerici family and completed in 1745, the villa showcases an impressive collection of sculptures by Antonio Canova and Bertel Thorvaldsen, paintings by Francesco Hayez, and elegant period furniture. The villa's gardens, enriched over time with rare and exotic plant species, offer breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Its artistic and botanical heritage reflects the tastes and influences of its notable owners, including banker and art collector Giovanni Battista Sommariva and the Sachsen-Meiningen family. Today, Villa Carlotta serves as a museum and public garden, inviting visitors to explore its harmonious blend of nature and art, making it a cultural jewel on Lake Como.
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Tip: Visit Villa Carlotta during spring and early summer to experience the gardens in full bloom. It is advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid queues. Discounts are available for groups, students, and seniors. The villa is open daily from March to November, with special events and educational activities offered throughout the year.
Interesting facts
- •Villa Carlotta houses sculptures by renowned artists Antonio Canova and Bertel Thorvaldsen, including the famous 'Amore e Psiche'.
- •The villa's gardens contain a diverse collection of rare and exotic plants introduced by Duke Georg II of Saxe-Meiningen, a passionate botanist.
- •Composer Johannes Brahms was a guest at Villa Carlotta during the 1880s, invited by Duke Georg II.
- •The villa was originally named Villa Clerici before being renamed Villa Carlotta after Princess Charlotte of Saxe-Meiningen.
- •During World War I, the villa was managed by an administrator rather than confiscated by the Italian state despite the owners being enemy nationals.
History
Villa Carlotta was initially constructed starting in 1690 by the Clerici family, notable silk merchants and nobility, and was completed in 1745 by Anton Giorgio Clerici.
In 1801, the villa was sold to Giovanni Battista Sommariva, a prominent banker and art patron, who transformed it into a cultural hub with significant art collections and garden enhancements.
In 1843, Princess Marianna of Orange-Nassau acquired the property and later gifted it to her daughter Charlotte, wife of Duke Georg II of Saxe-Meiningen, after whom the villa was renamed.
The villa remained a private holiday residence until World War I, after which it came under Italian state management and eventually became a public museum and botanical garden.
Place Guide
The Sculpture Collection19th century
Featuring masterpieces by Antonio Canova and Bertel Thorvaldsen, including iconic works such as 'Amore e Psiche' and 'Palamede', this collection highlights the villa's importance as a center of neoclassical art.
The Botanical Gardens19th century
Spanning several hectares, the gardens showcase a kaleidoscope of colors and a variety of rare and exotic plant species introduced mainly in the 19th century by Duke Georg II of Saxe-Meiningen.
The Villa Interiors18th-19th centuries
The villa's interiors feature elegant period furniture, paintings by Francesco Hayez such as 'The Last Kiss of Romeo and Juliet', and rooms preserved from the time of Princess Charlotte of Saxe-Meiningen.
Contact
Phone: 0344 40405
