Griante & Cadenabbia

Griante & Cadenabbia: A Royal Retreat on the Shores of Lake Como

Griante sits on the western shore of Lake Como, occupying a magnificent panoramic position directly facing the Bellagio peninsula. Nestled between Menaggio to the north and the villages of Tremezzina to the south, the town’s waterfront district is known as Cadenabbia—famous for its grand historic hotels, prestigious villas, and the bustling port where ferries depart for Bellagio and Varenna. Archaeological finds suggest these lands were inhabited as early as the 5th century BC by the Celts, followed by Roman and Byzantine settlers. During the Middle Ages, the town evolved into a fortified village, and many of its narrow alleys, ancient arches, and atmospheric underpasses are still visible today.

The hotels and prestigious villas of Griante

Throughout the centuries, the villas and hotels of Griante have hosted illustrious figures from around the globe. It was here, during a stay at Villa Margherita, that Giuseppe Verdi composed some of the most famous arias from La Traviata. German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer loved Cadenabbia so dearly he considered it his second home. The guest list of royalty who have graced the town is truly impressive: Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, Nicholas II of Russia, William II of Germany, Prince Umberto of Savoy, and Achille Ratti, who later became Pope Pius XI.

The Golden Age of Tourism on Lake Como

Beyond Villa Margherita, the town boasts architectural gems like Villa Bonaventura and Villa La Collina—the latter built in 1899 on the ruins of a medieval tower and now home to the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. Other notable estates include the Neo-Gothic Villa Maresi, reimagined from a 16th-century castle, and the 18th-century Villa Greppi (also known as Villa del Cedro). In the heart of the village stands the ancient Sts. Nabore and Felice Church, while a scenic hike leads to the San Martino Sanctuary, perched dramatically on a rocky cliff. In Cadenabbia, the Anglican Church stands as a testament to the large English community that shaped the town’s golden age in the 19th century.